Dear Readers,
Can you believe it is already November? The months are flying by like autumn leaves caught in a gust of wind, and the campus transformation is plain to see. The trees are turning from emerald to orange and red; students are bidding farewell to shorts and sandals in favor of jackets and boots; the breeze is getting colder and the nights are growing longer. Midterm season has officially arrived, while the upcoming fall break just cannot seem to get here fast enough. So much has changed and will continue to change in the coming weeks; in seven short days, our nation will have a new president; in 52 more days, we will say goodbye to 2016 and hello to another new year.
We are now at the point in the year where we acknowledge it will soon be over, and reflect on everything that has kept us afloat in this turbulent season of change. We think of the loved ones who have supported us through every exam and interview, the family members and friends that have pushed us to be the best versions of ourselves.
It is truly a time to say thanks to the people we hold dear, so that is why here at The Spread, we’re thanking you, loyal readers. We cannot tell you how much we appreciate every view, like to an article, or follow to our site. We love to see that you are enjoying our work as much as we have enjoyed making it. This magazine would not be the same without your support, so this month more than ever, consider our November Issue a thank-you gift from us to you.
We have a plethora of articles related to Thanksgiving and the holiday season this month. Read the story of one staff writer’s Thanksgiving family traditions, check out our advice for hosting the perfect Friendsgiving dinner, and hear from another writer on why she is thankful for her best friends.
This month’s issue is also filled with reviews and advice-filled pieces to help you make the most of November. See what one of our writers thought about Chipotle’s new chorizo and check out the movies that will be playing at the Illini Union this month. You can also learn about some great unconventional places to study on campus and get fashion and beauty tips for the days in the semester you are running late (it is bound to happen sooner or later). In addition, our Co-Editor has created a piece outlining the policies of the four presidential candidates, which could be useful as you decide who to vote for on November 8.
Featured interviews this month include Dr. David Tewksbury, Department Head of Communication at the University of Illinois, and Omar Denteh, Ron Lynch and Dakwon Carr, university alumni that are making their names in the fashion industry. Watch our video spotlight to learn the story of Melissa Andrikos, one of the weekly performers in the Illini Union’s Courtyard Café.
I could go on for pages about the articles in this issue, but I don’t want to give everything away! So get yourself comfortable and read through our November spread, knowing that each and every piece was written as a way for us to say thank you. I don’t think we will ever truly be able to express how grateful we are for our family of readers.
I wish you happy reading and the happiest of November days!
Sincerely,
Madison Gillespie, thankful EIC
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Original leaf image from http://66.media.tumblr.com/
Graphic edited and created by Madison Gillespie