SandScript 2022

Editor's Letter:
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edition
, year three of the Coronavirus pandemic. After having lost so much
2022 we are finally starting to shift to some semblance of normalcy. It’s
incredible to think of all the ways our lives have had to adapt: social isolation,
face masks, career changes, financial instability. For some not much changed
besides dealing with the mandates, and for others it altered their entire lives.
Even SandScript faced a tragedy last year; we lost a beautiful young soul, Ocean
Washington, one of our former poetry editors, who was only 21 years old, a
dedicated student of the world, a doting father and a fierce friend. It was my
pleasure to work with him on the 2021 edition and to be able to call him my
friend. We mourn his passing, but he will forever be a part of SandScript’s history.
I have been honored to be the Editor-in-Chief of SandScript for the past two
years and to work with so many talented people. This has been the best part of
the pandemic for me. This year's staff was small but we were determined to create
something beautiful and powerful to show that art can stem from anywhere. It can be derived from any emotion,
grief, love, hopelessness, or faith, and these incredible artists and authors have entrusted us with their work, a part of
their soul, in hopes to convey those emotions in the best way they know how.
EDITORIAL BOARD
Editor-In-Chief & Managing Editor
Raiden Lopez
This year’s edition is full of raw, powerful and expressive art. We received more written works this year than before.
It’s fascinating that while last year we saw a lot more stories about grief and surviving the process of a pandemic, this
year we see more hope for the future, self love, romantic partnerships and the importance of the bonds of friendship
and family. We can see the shift from the overwhelming emotions of the past two years to finally accepting and
adapting to what life can be. These talented artists and authors made me feel a myriad of ways while reviewing their
pieces. I cried as I read about someone helping a recovering addict, since I have personally experienced this with
my own brother. I have felt elated reading about someone who is passionate about their partner after leaving a toxic
relationship. I felt transported to a gorgeous bridge and other mountain views that were an escape from city life, and
so many other visions.
Assistant Editor & Prose Editor
Visual Arts Editor & Social Media Manager
Editorial Designer & Graphics Designer
Prose Editor & Unveiling Event Planner
Poetry Editor & Industry Outreach Coordinator
Lee Barker
Isaac Zierenberg
Brandon Robles
Carol Spitler Korhonen
Shane Veno
I’m awestruck looking back at all that we have overcome, and it reminds me that we all persevere, to fight for the best lives
for ourselves, our children, and our loved ones. Human beings are flawed but we are indomitable in our determination to
rise in the midst of such uncertainty and grief. Life will never be the same after all that has transpired but we will endure
just as we always have and that gives me hope for the future my son is going to grow up in.
What we have accomplished this year is amazing and I am so proud to have worked with the editors, writers, and
artists of SandScript. I feel so blessed to have been a part of this magazine and I never would have known about it
if it had not been for my teacher, my mentor, Frankie Rollins. Thank you for inviting me to be a part of its history;
these years working with you and the staff will be amongst my fondest academic memories. I want everyone to take
a moment to appreciate what we have achieved and know that it is no easy feat to live life in these times but take
every win no matter how small it may seem and I encourage you all to make your own art, no matter what form it
takes because the world needs it.
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Faculty Advisor
Frankie Rollins
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Raiden Lopez
Editor-in-Chief - Raiden Lopez