Stretch was founded by Emerson students eight years ago to highlight work created in first-year writing courses. The first issue of Stretch discussed a variety of underrepresented topics through the lens of academic research. Throughout the course of the journal’s existence, there has been a diverse selection of topics and themes. However, one consistent, overarching theme has remained: “stretching” the boundaries of what “genre” is. We are pleased to report that the eighth issue of Stretch is continuing this tradition, intentionally selecting pieces that focus on the authorial identity, personal experience, and redefining genre.
Most importantly, every piece included in this selection has been created from the heart. We would like to thank Professor Kovaleski Byrnes for giving us the opportunity to continue this beloved first-year writing tradition for its eighth consecutive year. We would also like to share our appreciation for the talented creators and artists who were gracious enough to share their beautiful work with this journal and our readers. We hope you enjoy this issue of Stretch!
Issue VIII
The theme of this issue of Stretch is Identity and Humanity. Creators were encouraged to publish pieces they considered meaningful to their experience, purpose, and overall reminiscence from this past year. We have created a strong community of writers over the course of two semesters, learning about where our classmates find meaning and inspiration. Consequently, this issue of Stretch contains inventive work created only by students in our class, accompanied by visual artwork received from our calls for submission.
This issue features a range of genres that allow this year’s theme to be reflected in unique ways – from zines to memoirs, this year’s issue of Stretch breaks confines.
Issue VII
The theme of this issue of Stretch is Resonance and Reflection. Writers were encouraged to publish pieces they considered meaningful to them. We have created a strong community of writers over the course of two semesters, spending fifty class meetings learning about where our classmates find meaning and inspiration. Consequently, this issue of Stretch contains written work created only by students in our class.
This particular issue features a diverse range of writing genres that allow this year’s theme to be reflected in unique ways. No two pieces are alike, yet they all fit together in this journal in an imperfectly perfect way. Poetry and memoirs are bookended by research essays.