From the Student Editors and Faculty
Dear Reader,
Beginning with the very first publication, it has always been Understory’s mission to showcase the talent, creativity, and scholarship of undergraduates. The diversity of the student body here at UAA proved to be an amazing well of student ability, both from creativity and research. Due to the wide range of life here at UAA, submissions are open to all UAA students. In an effort to ensure every student gets the opportunity to submit their work, the student editors of Understory are now allowing year-round submissions. In addition, if a student is graduating with an undergraduate degree, any work they do before they graduate can be submitted for consideration in the next anthology.
The 2019 Understory interns are proud to announce that this year’s anthology is a great representation of the impressive ability of undergraduate research and scholarship across the many emphasis areas in English Studies. These pieces were selected and nominated for inclusion by the faculty of the UAA English Department.
As the student editors, we selected the creative writing and the cover art. Our mission was to increase the number and quality of submissions. We reached out across campus, sharing the opportunity in all of our on-campus organizations. This hard work ensured Understory 2019 showcased authors from all over the academic map of UAA.
Lastly, we take pride in the student involvement we have garnered for this anthology. It is always our goal, in this political climate, to ensure every member of this very diverse landscape know that their voice is important. We do not take for granted the value of diversity. Diversity is more than just a buzzword, and should be represented and appreciated as often as possible. It is an essential part of UAA’s campus, and it will continue to be an essential part of our vision for Understory.
Karen R. Nelson and Megan Medo
From the Faculty Advisors:
This 3rd edition of Understory: An Annual Anthology of Achievement includes creative work as well as undergraduate research and scholarship from all of the disciplinary focus areas in English Studies. It has been made possible by the continuing support of our colleagues in the Department of English and by the commitment of our student editors and the members of their editorial team.
It is always important to showcase the excellence exhibited by our students. We are pleased that this model for showcasing successful student work in both a digital and print format continues to be robust and sustainable, and we look forward to being a part of it for many years to come.
Professors David Bowie and Ronald Spatz