unique – of which there is only one
Oxford English Dictionary
Dear Community Member/Reader,
It is my honor to introduce the eighth issue of the Great Books Symposium Journal (GBSJ), a unique issue of a unique journal. The primary purpose of the Symposium Journal is to acknowledge and celebrate the exceptional analytical and critical research writing skills of community college students. The high quality of the essays published in the GBSJ is direct evidence of two-year students’ capability to understand and engage with complex works and ideas. It also serves as a rebuttal of the misguided belief that a community college education lacks in challenge and sophistication. The excellence of GBSJ scholarship bears witness and is largely attributed to the collaboration of individuals who possess diverse thoughts, cultures, and backgrounds. Indeed, it is this shared amalgamation of unity in diversity that creates an ideal setting in which unique opportunities and meaningful connections take root and bloom, resulting in passion projects such as this journal. This issue is the product of both the individual and collaborative perspectives, dedication, diligence, and perseverance of each unique person involved.
I have valid reasons to emphasize the uniqueness of the Symposium Journal – and this issue in particular. To begin, the GBSJ is perhaps the only scholarly journal produced by students at a two-year institution. It is a magnet that attracts extraordinary and inspirational people. Second, all seven essays published in the GBSJ this year were produced amidst the challenging, unusual, and uncertain times of the COVID-19 pandemic; the entire issue was edited and prepared remotely, as well. Third, our contributors and student editorial board consist of nine women who, while sharing a passion for literature, interestingly enough intend to pursue careers in divergent fields. There is not a single literature major among us, which speaks to the free spirit and the open-ended, interdisciplinary and expansive reach of the Great Books Curriculum. Finally, there is a perfect symmetry in the order of the works analyzed in this edition: Shakespeare, Chaucer, Kyd. These essays are not only beautifully ordered, they are beautifully written. I encourage you to read them all. Be prepared to delve into a range of intriguing and unexpected ideas that may just change your perception of well-known characters forever. While reading these essays, I guarantee that you will have several “of which there is only one” encounters.
I especially hope that you develop a connection and camaraderie with each contributor through these essays, and that the immersive experience imparts feelings of safety and community – gifts which the world felt the shortage of during the worst of the pandemic, and yet, gifts each of us were privileged to share while working on this issue together. As F. Scott Firzgerald mused, “That is part of the beauty of all literature. You discover that your longings are universal longings, that you’re not lonely and isolated from anyone. You belong.” I want you, dear reader, to know that you belong here, among these pages. I invite you to enjoy, to interpret, and to arrive at your own conclusions regarding “the best that has been thought and said.” Your own unique stories and perspectives are necessary, celebrated, valuable contributions to the collective appreciation and understanding of the living texts which have inspired each of these essays. You are an integral member of our community, and we most warmly welcome you.
This issue would have never been possible without an outstanding team of remarkable people. Student contributors and student editorial board, I thank you for your devoted time, tireless efforts, and constant desire to improve. Thank you, faculty editorial panel – professors at Wilbur Wright College, the University of Louisiana at Lafayette, Austin (TX) Community College, Oakton Community College, and the University of California San Diego–you are all essential to the journal’s success. To the Wright College administration–President David Potash, Interim Vice President and Dean of Instruction Pamela Monaco–thank you for supporting and encouraging the growth and impact of the Great Books Symposium Journal. Finally and most importantly, special thanks to the GBSJ faculty advisor and editor, Dr. Michael Petersen, who made this opportunity possible for all of us. His help, guidance, kindness, wisdom, and understanding have had a tremendous impact on the eighth issue of the Great Books Symposium Journal. I am incredibly proud and extremely grateful to be a part of such a team. I dedicate this journal to all of you.
Yours truly,
Yaryna Dyakiv