Today, September 22, 2024, is the autumnal equinox, the astronomical rite of passage from summer to fall. We publish Volume 76 Issue 2 of the Yale Herald with the understanding that the change of seasons is never clean—we hold space for believing in what is to come and for grieving what is now behind.
In this issue, Robert Gao ’27 reviews Levan Akin’s film Crossing (2024) and explores the intimacies of a quest to find an estranged relative. Abby Davis ’24.5 returns to her childhood treasure chest, a cardboard box containing wilted petals, fragments of tree bark, and other foliage. In memoriam of actor Alain Delon, Anna Kaloustian ’26 revisits La Piscine (1969) and Plein Soleil (1960), examining Delon’s legacy during the golden era of French cinema. Finally, for the cover story of this online issue, Smile Jiang ’28 profiles new Assistant Professor of English Professor Lloyd Alimboyao Sy, and maps the constellation of places that preceded his arrival to Yale University.
As our publication completes its second week of production, we remain indebted to the voices that have shaped the reportage, criticism, creative work, and design of this issue. We’d like to especially extend our gratitude to Professor Sy and Assistant Professor of Ethnicity, Race & Migration Tarren Andrews for contributing their time and invaluable voice, which have carefully crafted this week’s feature.
Like Smile, we are moved by Professor Sy’s philosophy of being “in charge of our own structuring stories.” Amidst seasonal change, the Herald is compelled to continue searching for who and what tethers us to our different places. Still, we pause to reflect on the word “gentle,” and the possibility that this autumn can be a season of gentleness.
Yours most daringly,
Connor Arakaki and Madelyn Dawson