SPRING ISSUE: VENTURE REFLECTIONS 2025

Most recent publication
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A Real Boy – Carole Cobos
Pinnochio observed himself in front of the full-length mirror. It was a handsome mirror, carefully and lovingly crafted— just like him. The mirror was the same…
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Murmurs in the Mirror – Brielle Engelhardt
There are just too many mirrors in this place, it’s creepy to look around and only see yourself. Dylan had recently moved into a new house,…
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I Grew to Hate You (But I Don’t) – Brooke Foster
Amelia hummed to herself as she pushed the metal shopping cart down the endless aisles of Johnson’s Grocery. The squeaky wheel in the front of the…
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Thematic Paradigm – Jerel Fields
Within Film, the audience is shown all different types of heroes all with all different moral compasses and motivations that drive them. The Author of “The…
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The Monster Inside of Me – Adrianna Jaccoma
When I was six years old and cried during the birthday song, nobody thought it meant I had anxiety. When I was eight years old and…
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Untitled – Zie Mueller
“Look at me, I will never pass for a perfect bride. Or a perfect daughter” These are the lyrics that begin Lea Salonga’s song “Reflection” from…
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Mixtape – Maggie Robinson
Track 01: “Why Can’t I?”- Liz Phair: Have you ever had a playground crush that felt so seismic that you felt the need to stare out…
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The Pride of a Man – Nadine Abouzid
Arab man, change your ways.Be the best for your children.Cigarette smoke is your cologne.Daughters only.Each born in the hopes to have a boy.Feign ignorance, believe you…
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Generational Wealth – Emily Castro-Eugenio
It’s cold and painful,the feeling you get when you are no longer you.You’ll be okay, you chanted over and over and over again. You closed your…
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FICTION
Welcome to the fiction section of Venture. Like the theme of our 2025 edition, the pieces we selected show what true reflection means: to contemplate not only the world around you, but the deepest corners of yourself. Through messy thoughts, dangerous rooms, and the road-not-taken, these stories show the moments of life you will be left thinking about for years to come.

NONFICTION
For this issue of Venture, the nonfiction editors have chosen pieces that encapsulate both reflections on the self as well as reflections on the art forms surrounding us. Each of the four published works illustrate the impact and depth of connection on all its levels — from the incredibly personal to the academically analytical. Dive into these meditations on music, mental health, and movies; perhaps you’ll emerge with a new perspective of your own.

POETRY
In this publication, our poetry editors wanted to showcase the different interpretations of our Spring 2025 theme of “Reflections.” Every story deserves their moment to sparkle and shine. Whether it’s a personal self-reflection, social commentary, or seeing oneself through another’s eyes, it is our hope these works resonate with you as much as they did with our editors.