Dear Reader,

This volume of Quirk breathes into a world rife with war, apathy, social isolation, and a putrid amalgamation of hatred and violence. This is not lost on our authors, whose chosen works brim with these tensions and their immediate consequences. When faced with our own brokenness and the brokenness of the world, these pieces choose to look outward and reach. In such a time as this, it is an incredible leap of faith: to believe that there would be eyes to land on these words, to live in them, and to emerge from them renewed.

Yet here you are. We hope that as you read through this incredible selection of undergraduate, high school, and alumni works, that you—like us—find someone to champion. We urge you, as you read, to pull on the shining threads of family, identity, and relationship to guide you. Through them, our authors gather for us the courage necessary not only to face the dark, but to walk out of it with equal fervor.

Many of these voices urge us to go on. Let this collection also be a space where you can rest. When you inevitably rise and separate from these pages, let their words end not on the page. Take them with you; let them inspire you to create.

Reader, we are delighted to present to you the 2026 edition of Quirk. It gasps and sputters in your hands. Bring it to life.

With gratitude and hope,

The Editors of Quirk 2026 and Joelle Lamaie, Executive Editor