With the end of the academic year in sight, the Opinion section of the “Old Gold & Black” looks back on a semester filled with national tension, pop culture moments and campus trends. Our writers shared their insights about international conflict, new media and personal experiences.
The year began with expanded Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) operations across the country, a topic multiple writers addressed in the Opinion section. Contributing Writer Winston Fugate reflected on ICE agent Jonathan Ross’s killing of Renee Good in Minneapolis. Following the death of Alex Pretti at the hands of ICE agents, Senior Writer Towne Moore questioned the state of democracy in her article “When will the violence end?” and contributing writer McKenzie Bergfeld advocated for immediate reform of ICE in her article “When enforcement crosses the line.”
As the year progressed, writers further examined the Trump administration. Contributing Writer Grace Williams explored Donald Trump’s pattern of abandoning political alliances when they fail to serve him in her article “When political credit outpaces political action,” pointing to Maria Corina Machado’s gifting of the Nobel Peace Prize to Trump as a notable example.
Student narratives were at the forefront of the section this semester. Contributing writer Annika Watson wrote about her unconventional experience at Wake Forest in her article “The ups and downs of a mid-year transfer,” revealing how Wake Forest provides helpful resources to new transfer students while also suggesting possible improvements to the system. Section Editor Caroline Gottsman shared how she adjusted to studying abroad in London in her article “Study abroad: not perfect, but still a home.” Contributing Writer Maverick Cortes’ piece “A Wake Forest student’s experience in Israel” uncovered the truths of life during wartime.
This semester also included student reactions to many pop culture moments. Staff Writer Bekie Sussman explored how advertisements reflect what our culture values in her article “Super Bowl ads represent the worst of America.” Contributing Writer Walker Newman cited Bad Bunny’s halftime performance as a much-needed example of love and representation in his article “Together, we are America.” Staff Writer Hannah Ordan criticized the excess of unnecessary movie sequels and praised the efficiency of limited series in her column series “Hot Takes.”
Campus opinions were also on our writers’ minds this semester, from fashion trends to work-life balance. Staff Writer Bekie Sussman analyzed how female students’ switch from backpacks to purses in college symbolizes growing up in her article “Where did all the backpacks go?” and Staff Writer Hannah Ordan lamented the transformation of “Sylly” week from a gradual introduction to the semester to a hard start of schoolwork in her piece “Sylly week no longer feels silly.”
Looking back on the past year, we appreciate the range of topics that our writers covered, showing how vast the experience of an individual living today can be. As reflected in the works featured in the Opinion section this semester, Wake Forest students must navigate the complex world of politics, media, campus life and personal experiences. The practice of sharing individual thoughts on these matters can open a door to a further understanding of our society, our campus and ourselves.
We recognize that this writing can make voices heard and prompt change and reflection. Looking ahead, our section will continue to give a platform to a multitude of perspectives and subjects, mirroring the complex and layered experience of living today.
