Oak Tree on Lake Waban: An Analysis of Dickinson Through Natural Observations

By Maggie Erwin ‘23

I have been measuring the surrounding ecosystem of a small oak tree near the lake: the mushrooms that pop up (evidence of the rich underground network of mycelium and roots communicating with one another), the bees that frequent the flowers, the grasses, and the changing leaves.

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On reclaiming childhood accomplishments, my black belt, and self-defense.

by Rachel Desmond' ‘22

CW: Graphic descriptions

I think my fifteen-year-old self getting a black belt says a lot about who I am as a twenty-two-year-old. That black belt says that right as I was hitting puberty—a time when many girls have to relinquish the safety of a prepubescent body—I was learning how to take a punch.

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Wellesley College is Not Made for the Marginalized

by Harper Elrod ‘25

CW: Alcohol mention, anti-Latine sentiment discussed, anti-Black racism discussed, classism discussed, depiction of domestic violence, reclamation of the D slur

When I ask the organizer of Dyke Ball if there will be a space for those who struggle with addiction and have trauma around alcohol, I am told that while I won’t be forced to be in a space where alcohol is served, there will be drunk people attending, wherever I choose to be.

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Daughterhood

By Anonymous

CW: death of a parent & mention of suicide

Mother. Wound. Growth. I allow the calm, familiar sound of cicadas to push aside the mess of thoughts that constantly pulses across my brain. The smell of trees and soft soil fill my lungs with every inhale and exhale. I feel the presence of others, the dependence I have on them, slipping away.

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The Hidden Projection of Memory in Public Space

By Abby Schleichkorn ‘21

When you walk around campus, do you see the smiles shared, the friendships made, the tears shed, the place where the Peter used to pick us up, the exact place where you found out you got an A on THAT paper? I know I do. That is the unspoken language of place––I see my memories, and you see yours.

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