By Rachel Cook

We are the stuff of stars, made of atoms which originated in supernovas farther away than anything we can imagine and bigger than a child’s biggest dream. Particles travelled light years through the dark of space to our little rock. Yes. Earth. Eventually they became the elements which make up our bodies, and the bodies of the people we love.

How does that make you feel? Small? Like standing before a great ocean? Like holding the wrinkled hand of elderly loved one? Maybe so. But I — I feel grateful. Each of us is a miracle, a gift from the cosmos. And so is every rock and animal and plant, every song and hope and whisper. Don’t you see? We are all one.

When people say they’re from this city, or that country, or this town, or that street, well, I just smile and let out a knowing sigh. Don’t they know? Our home isn’t here, but out there. Look up. See those lights in the sky? Yes. The stars. That’s where we were born. Young or old, black or white, man or woman, we are all made of stardust.

COUNTERPOINT: Okay But Like, What Are We Relationship-Wise

By Liam Ward

Right, so, yes that is very awe-inspiring and definitely makes me ponder my place in the universe, but that’s not quite what I had in mind when I asked “what are we,” and I feel like you know that.

I understand that every particle of air we breathe originated eons ago at the onset of a dream and, look, I think that’s really cool! But we’ve been spending a lot of time together this semester and I really like you, Rachel, but every time I try to bring up our relationship, you change the subject somehow.

It’s totally cool if dating isn’t something you’re looking for at the moment; I totally get it. But I’d appreciate a bit more communication on your part. Hey, can you look at me please, Rachel? I’m trying to be honest with you. My eyes are down here, not in the night sky.