Highline’s 57th Arcturus launch party was an incredibly talented showing. Students from diverse backgrounds shared their amazing stories, poems, videos, music, and more.

The event, held in spring quarter on June 2 in the Mt. Constance room in Building 8, included drinks, snacks, and food from Chipotle catering. Like last year, it was an open mic where anyone who submitted to the magazine could read their story to a live audience.

The Arcturus is a student-led editorial magazine that puts together submissions from students on and off campus into one artful magazine. This student art exhibition celebrated its 57th edition in 2025. Of course it wasn’t an easy experience for those who submitted.

The creative and editorial process is anything but easy, and doubts can surface no matter what. “…I think initially I had some doubts about my ability to step up to the plate, but halfway through I was elected the managerial editor. I guess I was doing a pretty good job!” said Ocea Davis, the managerial editor for this year’s Arcturus.

“I think just pushing through the discomfort and the disbelief and knowing that even if I don’t meet my own expectations, I might and am probably exceeding other people’s,” Davis continued. What really makes Davis’s perspective interesting is that she also submitted to the journal (albeit, anonymously, like everyone else), and saw both sides of the process.

This year’s theme was “Impermanence”, which means “the state or fact of lasting for only a limited period of time.” This theme was thoroughly explored through poems on body dysmorphia and self-esteem, to art pieces that represent the life stages of a young woman.

For many who submitted, the challenge wasn’t in submitting their work, but in having to showcase their work to a crowd of people. Instead of shying away from the hardship, they pushed themselves into it so they could grow.

“…I really wanted to push myself to try something new…I feel like I’ve really grown as a writer. I’ve gotten to try new things, and I did get to start presenting my work…” Ryelle, an aspiring writer and poet said.

The concept of sharing your work with others as a writer is always daunting at first, but it’s a necessary rite of passage to make your work known. There are many opportunities, but the Arcturus is one of the best that Highline has to offer. To any aspiring writers out there who are enrolled in Highline, take the plunge and submit your works next year.

The Arcturus had a great launch this year, and even rolled out a new online exclusive branch with music, videos/movies, and more. Here’s to this year’s release, and hopefully next year’s is even better!