Dear current and aspiring Commentary writers,
Like a gladiator entering the Colosseum, navigating through the arena of opinion can be daunting and even terrifying. You are exposed to the scrutinizing gaze of spectators as they judge every sentence and opinion in your article. Yet there is more within the Colosseum than the mere spectacle of chaos: courage permeates from all those contending. That very courage allows these articles, in a fast paced environment like Andover, to force reflection on the future, lend the past new clarity, and challenge the present to bear its weight. Commentary is not just a place to post campus gripes or simple opinions, but perhaps one of the most valuable forums at Andover: the place where students invest intentional energy on the page, assert their stance, and invite the community to wrestle with them. That said, dare to be the underdog and challenge the “norms” that are personal to you.
The primary roadblock to reaching unique arguments is fear. The fear of judgment, of being wrong, and of looking at something different tends to produce clichéd narratives that throw away the purpose and spark that commentary has to offer.
Furthermore, step into others’ shoes to better recognize the struggles surrounding us. At times, Andover’s renowned reputation can blind writers from critically analyzing its problems. The campus seems accessible, the classes all informative, and the students inclusive. Though many of these privileges remain true, problems still exist. For instance, for an able–bodied student, climbing the steep slope of the Knoll or the many staircases in dorms without elevators might be merely annoying. However, for the disabled community members, the lack of accessible structures determine their ability to attend classes, socialize with friends, and enjoy meals. Likewise, the rooted issues in this campus can only be identified by observing others’ lives and empathizing with niche struggles. As commentary writers, we have a duty to discuss topics beyond the surface. Thus, the ability to not merely listen but to empathize with the community members enables writers to represent the underrepresented.
Commentary must reflect genuine intent. The best articles are not merely written to fill a box or meet a word count; they stem from conviction. Why has the writer chosen to invest their time in this subject? What lies at stake for them, for their peers, for their community? This year, The Phillipian’s Commentary section requires pieces that carry emotional weight. When a writer incorporates their personal voice, history, and even risk into their work, it resonates far more deeply than when they put on a mask. Authenticity in expression draws in the audience and encourages them to reflect on their own perspectives, fostering a deeper dialogue about the issues at hand.
In this year’s commentary section of The Phillipian, we hope to see more bold, original writing. Many times, articles adhere to safe narratives that feel “correct,” while more unique perspectives get dismissed or overlooked. However, evoking emotions in readers, whether joy, inspiration, or discomfort, serves as a substantially more critical goal than simply pleasing or entertaining them. Throw away the fear of being different and don’t settle for conformity. See every commentary article as a chance to bring about powerful emotions, both positive and negative. The most worthwhile experiences are not the times when readers nod and smile at the article, but when it rings a bell of discussion. Dare to stand alone, tall and free. Commentary exists for you to express your opinions openly. Your perspective, no matter how different, matters, and putting it on the page is what gives this section its strength and purpose.
Perhaps this letter adds pressure on your shoulders to meet the high bar of a “good” commentary article. Just as the gladiator steps into the Colosseum, the burden to write well can feel crushing. When that weight comes crumbling down, read this article, consider its advice. Dare to know, dare to be new, dare to reveal. Commentary opens her hands to the most daring souls of them all.
Signed,
Konnor Fortini, Jeannie Kang, Ian Kim
