My Managing Editor, Farrin, and I were sitting in the Writ Large office brainstorming ideas for a theme for the magazine. This is always one of my least favorite parts of the process. It’s challenging to come up with an idea that will spark conversation and inspire different perspectives, but be broad enough to go in multiple different directions, and then also not be something we’ve done before. I was stuck on the idea on an individual’s effect the community, but I wasn’t able to put that concept into words. Farrin’s face lights up, exclaiming, “Handprints and Footprints!” Thus this theme was born, Handprint and Footprints: The Human Impression. This brainstorm was ironic. Looking back on it, I see how Farrin left her impression on me. She is effervescent and creative-minded, meanwhile I would consider myself to be more reserved and concrete, but such radiance is contagious. We are a collection of impressions made upon us, compounded experiences shaping the person we will become. Regardless of age, we never stop growing.

     I encourage you to embrace this growth, and always be mindful of the impression you are leaving. Our mission with this issue of Writ Large was to compile a series of articles that highlight these impressions. I hope that these articles cultivate a sense of purpose in you, readers, and inspires you to imprint your impressions deeply.