Thursday, February 08, 2007

A few words from Aeron Hicks

The following is a letter that the Metamorphoses editors received from a Cerro Coso alumnus and poetry contributor to the premier 1989 issue. Since the writing of this letter, Aeron has agreed to serve as an alumnus editor of the upcoming 2007 issue of Metamorphoses.

February 01, 2007

Good morning!

I was viewing recent editions of Metamorphoses on the Cerro Coso website this morning, and noted my poem, "Metamorphosis" [1989 premier issue], among the assorted poems, stories, photos, and other works of art. What a joy it is for me to see; First, that Metamorphoses has continued; And, second, that my poem still inspires.

I remember the day my friend, Julia, and I approached Carol Hewer, our then English professor, about the idea of a literary magazine. How I hoped that our first effort would serve as a vehicle for students and others to express their voices – then and now.

The "Metamorphosis" poem, coupled with the drawing that served as cover art that year, hangs in my office and in my home as a testament to life and as an inspiration. Writing the poem was a turning point in my life; it was and is the hallmark of two years of deep reflection and growth – much of which took place in the classrooms and halls of Cerro Coso Community College. Challenged and lit afire, I rose from the testing of my wings… ready to fly.

I think of Carol Hewer, Dr. Maddox, Dr. Rosenberg, Leo Girardot, Dr. Leo, Morris Scharff, and many other professors and instructors who helped me build a strong foundation for future academics… and for life. I will always love Cerro Coso and remember that squared-off drive into campus…and the roadrunners and bunny-rabbits who attended me as I arrived every morning, ready for a new day, full of questions and the energy of seeking. I remember Santiago Vaca and the red walls (at least for one semester!) of the art gallery upstairs, the Library and the classroom across the hall where I "taught" my tutoring group in psychology… I even remember the cafeteria and that expansive view out the back bank of doors and windows, and the outdoor area outside the classroom where I first conquered math (bless you, Sally!). My memories enrich and fill me with renewing hope.

I send my best to you and to the students who bring their dreams to their experience at Cerro Coso.

With appreciation,

Aeron Hicks
Crossfield Consulting
crossfieldenterprises.com

6 comments:

Anonymous said...

Wow! I must say that it is truly amazing to hear from one of the founders of Metamorphoses. Yes, Aeron, Met. does live on and I have been so enriched by it. My only hope is that, like you, I will find that it is still operational in ten, fifteen, or even twenty years from now.
~Angela Rose

C.Bleau said...

I too think it was pretty neat to hear from one of the Met founders. When I was a student at Cerro Coso I found Met to be an exciting opportunity to share my artwork with others, and to be inspired by the creative works of others. I am happy to see it live on, and am pleased to be a part of keeping Met alive on the web.

We're hoping to get all of the past issues of Met online this year, so hopefully more previous Met contributors will also be able to enjoy seeing their work alive and out there for the inspiration of others.
~Cori Ratliff

G. S. Enns said...

I find it great that alumni such as Aeron and Kevin Howe (back again this year) are interested in continuing to contribute as editors of the journal as well. They are great additions to the editorial staff and can read and discuss from the perspective of experience.

Nick Belardes said...

I'm looking forward to submitting another piece for the next Met... Keep the blog entries coming.

Anonymous said...

Thank you all for this kind and generous welcome! I look forward to sharing the process of publishing the Met with you...

I received an email from Dani this evening, and it appears that I missed the first online editorial meeting; for that I apologize. We were out-of-town celebrating our campus Phi Theta Kappans' accomplishments at the All-State Academic Team conference.

I will visit the CWC to check in, and look forward to reading all your comments!
Aeron

Julie Bradford said...

Aeron, Aeron, Aeron! It's Julia Wilson, my friend. I think of you often, especially every year on this day...Sept 29, ahem. Since it's your birthday, I thought I might see where you are in the world, since we parted ways after Cerro Coso. Lo and behold, I find a Metamorphosis blog. PERFECT!

Yes, indeed, Aeron and I helped create Metamorphosis. Fun and hectic times, to be sure. As a Cerro Coso alum, I'd love to be a part of this blog. More importantly, I'd love to give a quick "shout out" to a long, lost (but beloved) friend. Miss you, Aeron. And happy birthday.

~~ Julia Bradford (nee Wilson)