Editors’ Note
December 18th, 2023
Dear Reader,
For our fifth issue of the Apothecary, we explore Roots. The way they nourish us, connecting us to people and places – existing as (mostly) unseen but ever-present stabilizing forces. Simultaneously, the way they tangle and make us feel conflicted – causing us to question our identities and resent parts of ourselves.
The works in this issue explore all the complexities of feeling rooted and uprooted. Poems and stories of looking inwards, past many generations, to reaching outward and touching futures unknown. Of reconciling with grief, the loss of loved ones and the roots they leave behind. Of little things: whispers in hallways that stay with us, daily routines, acts of love and defiance – how they cause our roots to unfurl, grow towards others, or shrink away. Vibrant art and photography, of being far from home, grappling with pieces of our identity scattered across the world, reflecting on those in familiar haunts within the city. Amidst all of them, a common feeling that, perhaps, creative expression can be a balm to soothe the soul.
As always, we hope that the Apothecary serves as a receptive canvas for many diverse narratives and perspectives. We want to emphasize that while some of these perspectives were explored in pieces published in this issue – there are several others that we do not see here. We thank the contributing artists for sharing aspects of themselves with us and our readers, and would like to hold space and extend solidarity in this note for voices and perspectives not represented. We emphasize that we strive to showcase the diversity within our community and invite our myriad creatives to contribute to future issues.
We hope you find connections and comfort as you explore the depth of all the roots here.
With care,
The Editors
Anagha Menon, Anna Martens, Jonathan Joasil, Olivia Blanchard & Tracy Okine
Coming up with the theme of this issue was a truly collaborative process. Early discussions with Olivia Blanchard, Carly Kaplan, Lindsay Clark, Megan Biesinger and Michelle Tong were integral to the beginning of this issue. This is also our first issue after the creators of the magazine – Michelle Tong and Lilly Taing – have graduated from Sinai. We want to extend our gratitude to them in conceiving this medium of art and expression.
About the Editors
Anna plays violin, writes poetry, dances Zumba, and loves enjoying and showcasing other people's creative genius. She comes to New York via Colorado, Maine, and Mexico -- and here she's studying for her medical school courses when not wandering in Central Park.
Jonathan is an aspiring vegetable gardener, affectionately referred to as Plant Dad, with a knack for painting and photography. He was born and raised in the Bronx, and is very happy to be back in the city especially for the opportunity to frolic in Central Park. He enjoys playing volleyball and swimming at the 92Y.
Anagha is a PhD student studying developmental biology. She loves writing, art, baking, and generally daydreaming.
Tracy is an MD/PhD student interested in the root of it all- the human mind. As an editor, she skillfully combines this passion with her interests in storytelling. Driven by a deep appreciation for human connection and the celebration of human triumph, she enjoys curating captivating articles that delve into the complexities of the human experience. Beyond these pursuits, she explores her multihyphenated roots in writing, yoga, running (around New York and all it has to offer -that is), travelling, and embracing new hobbies. She is grateful for the opportunity to curate this publication with such a wonderful team, and invites readers on a remarkable journey through the pieces within its pages.
