The sound of keyboards clacking, laughter, and unique voices debating and coming to
consensus are all common sounds in LASS 31. In this classroom, students meet to design and produce West Valley College’s very own literature and arts magazine, Voices. The class is led by the astute Professor Nils Michals, who has been in charge of Voices since 2016. The staff of the magazine is made up entirely of students who join the class in the fall and the spring through ENGL 080 & ENGL 081, respectively. I am attending the class for the fifth semester in a row.
Staff are currently working on layout, design, and the selection of content for the fall
digital edition of the magazine. The magazine accepts submissions of writing, including poetry and short stories. Art is also accepted, including paintings, drawings, photography, and digital art. Voices also accepts pottery and craft submissions. Two editions are produced every year: a digital edition in the fall and a physical print edition in the spring. Recent changes in the printing services now available on campus have led to the potential for two print editions every year, starting in 2025.
The magazine staff has created a brand new AI statement, determining that no AI art or writing shall be accepted into the magazine as their goal is to showcase authentic, human-driven expression.
Past editions of Voices: A Literature & Arts Magazine can be found by the front door
of the LASS office building or at www.westvalley.edu/academics/english/.
(This article originally appeared in Issue 1 of The Helm)