This is our third and last issue of our inaugural year. And what a year it has been! The Hearth Journal began as brain dust in my mind, a fresh pinch of an idea. Over a year later, the HJ is real and alive, but only after tremendous work. We gathered members and wrote a constitution (these are basic club drills at Collegiate), but we also raised money for this very website, we finally learned to control Wix and build the site, and of course, we published. Other notable accomplishments: we consumed many too many Golden Oreos, and we had lively discussions about the NBA's relationship with China (remember that, such a long time ago?) and the cultural effects COVID-19. While we are certainly a journal, I also believe we are a little community who may differ in opinion, but we sure do share similar taste buds! I would like to share with you the video I showed at our first meeting. The video is by Arthur Brooks, who believes we should "disagree better, not less." I truly believe political division is one of the greatest social challenges of the modern age, and Mr. Brooks gives great advice for navigating conversation and, quite fundamentally, how to coexist.
I'd like to round out this last blog post, before I toss my books and binders aside, with a reminder of the true spirit of The Hearth Journal, signified by its name. A hearth is the area in front of a fireplace, where you can bask in the warmth of heat and company. I envisioned a club where the fireplace was an idea, and we, the members, were its audience or discussion group. We would tend to the fire, in prevention of raging flames or a dimmed flicker. The hearth is also usually a symbol of a home, and I hope coming to meetings, our members thought to themselves, "now this is a kind of home where I can stay (and be well-fed)." The analogy fell right into my hands! I can only hope you sense the rewards we reap from the HJ in every article- respect, sacrifice, balance, curiosity, and community. Thank you, dear readers, for journeying with us!
Catherine Horner ('22), Founder & Editor-in-Chief
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