The Student Collective Volume VII Issue I

Rooted
Letter from the Team
Dear Reader,
It goes without saying that the past year has come with incredible difficulty, and
it’s nearly impossible to address our shared experiences without any cliches, but
we’ll do our best.
As we began planning out The Student Collective this year, we wondered how it
was possible to completely encapsulate the ways in which life has monumentally
changed. When we were having this discussion, we continued to return to the
ways we have stayed rooted, or in some ways, have not. The new and unfamiliar
places we have found community, strength, and resilience. The people and minute
moments that have kept us moving forward and brought unexpected blessings.
With these thoughts in mind, we have chosen “Rooted” as our theme for this year’s
edition of The Student Collective. Countless changes have been made across our
community, and we hope this issue is a reflection of how we have adapted and
engaged in fellowship despite the obstacles. We have seen you lift each other up
and stand together, and we have seen the light of God continue to shine through
you.
We acknowledge the immense losses we have felt individually and collectively this
past year. Whether it be physical, emotional, or spiritual, we grieve with you, we
pray with you, and we hope for peace with you.
And finally, we are so incredibly proud of you. Simply surviving this past year is
an impressive feat in and of itself. No matter where you find yourself today, know
that we are thankful that you are part of our community.
The Student Collective 7