Dearest Weather Vane readers, we want to welcome you all back to campus for another hectic spring semester. We are moving into the second half of our 72nd volume, getting back into your regularly scheduled programming after a far too short winter’s nap. As it turns out, the world does not wait for us here at the Weather Vane, and much has happened since we produced our last issue prior to winter break. We, your Co-Editors-in-Chief, feel privileged to be here and continue this wild journey through life at EMU with you.

I (Caleb) am back for my third and final term as Co-Editor here at the paper. My first two terms both fell during fall semesters, making this my first spring serving in leadership. I am still a junior, I still have all my majors, nothing notable has changed in the last month. I am looking forward to staying busy this semester, though hopefully less with academics and more with enjoying life compared to the fall. Coming back to school from this winter break has felt like a shock to the system. Stories I’ve been following both nationally and globally have pushed far past the limits I believed to be within the realm of possibility, especially considering the happenings in Venezuela over the last number of weeks that I initially wrote about in my editorial titled “Just say No to ‘US Interests’” from late November. In the United States, ICE forces have grown much bolder and more vicious as they continually become less inconspicuous with their operations. In these astounding times we find ourselves in, let this be a reminder that staying rooted in community can bring some semblance of peace to those who need it the most.

Well, here goes nothing! I (Alex) am a junior this year, majoring in biology and political science, a pairing as old as time. I am a member of EMU’s Cross Country team and Track team, and will be taking on the mantle of Co-Editor-In-Chief this semester. I came into this position somewhat by accident. I read an email, not very carefully, about working for the Weather Vane and responded, saying I wanted to apply. I thought I was applying to be a staff writer, but I was suddenly interviewing for the Co-Editor position. Since that interview last spring, I have spent a semester gaining experience as a writer and building anticipation for my time as an editor. Even if by accident, I am proud to be trusted with this responsibility and intend to write with integrity, diligence, and thoughtfulness.

I want to echo the sentiment of my co-editor: the world does not wait for us. While we take off one hat in exchange for another, the worlds we leave behind continue to move forward. Our academic responsibilities continue to pile higher even as we leave class for work or practice. We get to live in the EMU bubble and might sometimes ignore, if even just for a moment, the persistent political unrest permeating throughout the country. Yet it continues. I encourage each of you to be aware of the world around you, while also allowing yourself to be still and let it move past. It is our responsibility to do as much as we can, but not so much that we render ourselves incapable of meaningful work. So, let this semester be one of grace.