In moments of hopelessness, struggle or isolation, I feel the most grounded when I’m listening to the people around me.

Through my time in journalism and in every stage of my life, I’ve found solace in the hope and unity that comes from unexpected places and interactions big and small. We can find love, passion, and care in the earnest voices of people past and present. They can remind us there is something out there bigger than ourselves and show us what’s possible when we can understand and uplift each other.

In this edition of MOVE Mag, “illuminate,” we wanted to bring these stories within Mizzou and Columbia to light. We asked ourselves the questions: What don’t we see or appreciate enough? What sparks passion, keeps us hoping and brings us together? Who are the people who take the past to inspire the future?

These past five months, our staff of first-year and sophomore students ideated, interviewed, wrote, edited, photographed and created artwork to bring this project to life. Even in moments of doubt, what kept us going was the desire to capture and learn from the illumination around us.

There is nothing more magical than what can be done when a group of people comes together to create something good. To me, this magazine embodies that. I am endlessly awed and inspired by the people I got to work with on this project and by the human beings that exist with me in this world.

I hope you find inspiration in the pages of this magazine – and that you tell your own story, listen to those around you with open hearts and build something from what you dream. The world will never stop needing it.

Finding light everywhere,

Sabrina Pan