The map of Columbia I have now looks nothing like the one I would have made four years ago.

Welcome to the eighth issue of Volume XXX of The Eye. We’ve officially reached the end of the semester, which means we’ve also reached the end of our traditional publication until next fall. To us, that’s both good news and sad news. The sad news is that the love and commitment we dedicate to forming each issue of this magazine will be placed on pause for a bit. The good news is that we’ll still be releasing stories through the summer term, and we are one step closer to the sweet release from Zoom school hell. It’s a trade-off we’re willing to take.

Welcome to the Arts Issue! We are so thrilled to share our somewhat annual collaboration with Spectator’s Arts and Entertainment section. This week, our issue is jam-packed with writing, photography, and illustrations focused on the arts in and around the Columbia community. From ballet to screenwriting to digicam photography, we have highlighted stories of artists and art lovers finding their way through a pandemic year that has devastated creators and performers, but also underscored the immeasurable value of the arts.

Welcome to the sixth issue of Volume XXX of The Eye. As we approach the end of the semester, it feels like a degree of normalcy is beginning to kick in: the weather is allowing for outdoor activities and vaccine cards abound on Instagram stories. But as the world starts seeming slightly more typical, we are also facing an all-too-familiar overload of tragedies; last we checked, there were at least 20 mass shootings in the past two weeks, including one that targeted Asian American women in Atlanta, Georgia.

Welcome to the fifth issue of Volume XXX of The Eye! We hope that you enjoyed a restful spring break and wish you a smooth transition into the second half of this semester. This week, The Eye is excited to share a selection of writings that will engage you on Columbia’s reckoning with anti-Black racism in 1987, the School of General Studies’ dance community (or lack thereof), stories of one year’s worth of television, and lessons on life and loss through The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild.

In many ways, March 22, 1987, was an ordinary Friday night. A crowd of students congregated in Ferris Booth Commons, with the usual noise and rush of excitement in anticipation of the weekend. On any other Friday night, you might not have noticed Mike Jones, a junior at Columbia College. Jones’ friends describe him as short and unassuming in build but with a toughness and sense of self-assurance. But on this particular night—a night that would shape the months to come—Jones walked into the dining hall with the urge to be heard.

Welcome to the fourth issue of Volume XXX of The Eye! As we approach the middle of the semester (yes, we can’t believe it either!), The Eye is excited to share an issue that will capture your attention and make you think more critically about anti-violence initiatives in Harlem, the impacts of jazz music on the University and Harlem communities, increasing tuition prices, and birds.

Welcome to Issue 3 of The Eye! As midterms are approaching, we hope that you can take some time to read this week’s stories and catch up on the important issues impacting students.

Welcome to this semester’s second issue of The Eye! We hope that you’re settling into the semester and, for those on campus, enjoying the snow!