In a world where news often descends like a storm, harsh and unforgiving, this space offers a cloud-like haven amidst the tempest of opinion. Here, instead of political criticism, I gather stories like raindrops, carefully collecting the world’s narratives before scattering them across campus. This nurtures growth even if tinged with discomfort for a fresh perspective on the media, served with a side of fact-sparked controversy. Like a well-loved library, this column offers solace and stimulation. It will serve as a place where even the most introverted bookworm can find comfort. Each article, crafted with care, promises to be as meaningful as a timeless tale, featuring the freshest perspectives from both myself and a constellation of special guests. Think of this column as the newest chapter in your favorite book and get ready to dive into a new take on journalism with sky-high insights.
From this column, readers can expect pieces that challenge conventional wisdom, dissect media trends with a critical eye and are not afraid to ruffle a few feathers. I am not here to preach or dictate, but to spark conversations, offer alternative viewpoints, and encourage you to think for yourself. Whether it is examining the impact of social media on our attention spans or exploring the ethics of AI-generated content, I want to tackle the big questions with creativity and intellectual honesty. In the ethereal dance between reality and imagination, creative writing and journalism emerge as unlikely partners, as each holds a key to unlocking deeper truths. Creative writing, with its boundless artistry, allows us to explore the human condition, dissecting complex emotions and motivations in ways that mere facts often cannot capture. Journalism, grounded in the tangible world, provides the factual scaffolding upon which these explorations can take flight. When these two forces converge in the realm of investigative journalism, their combined impact can be nothing short of transformative. This offers a grand tapestry of understanding that can illuminate the darkest corners of society with both precision and profound awareness.
Hailing from the heart of New Jersey, I carry with me the salt of the shore, the warmth of family-run bookstores, and the undeniable allure of a perfectly crafted bagel. It is this unique blend of community and character that fuels my pen, each word infused with the grit and grace that only the Garden State can cultivate. While pumping my own gas is a skill I will probably never acquire, when it comes to writing, I can definitely fuel your imagination. The crowded boardwalks to the quiet corners of Bergen County have shaped my perspective, lending a voice to my writing that is both grounded and endlessly inspired by everything around me. Writing for the Cornell Daily Sun was not much of a choice, but something that I felt I must do while attending Cornell University. I have been scribbling down stories since I could hold a crayon, so journalism feels less like a career choice and more like fate. From crafting tales of mischievous fairies as a child to penning sprawling novels about warring kingdoms and godlike descendants, writing has always been my sanctuary. Joining this paper is a chance to blend that creative spirit with the rigor of journalism. It is about finding the extraordinary in the ordinary and presenting it in a way that makes you think, question, and maybe even crack a smile.
Views from Sky is about storytelling. Together, we will recognize that every piece of media, news article, and social media post, is a narrative crafted with intention. By understanding the art of storytelling, we can become more discerning consumers of information. This will allow us to be more critical thinkers and engaged Cornellians, so prepare for a read that is not simply informative, but transformative. Even when the clouds fill the sky, the Sun still rises and produces stories for a chance to dew-cover new ground and let your mind bloom anew. As you navigate the often-turbulent skies of modern media, remember to look up. The clouds are always shifting, constantly changing and offering new perspectives. If that is what you are seeking, then I invite you to turn your attention to the skies — you might find me there.
Skylar Toddings '29 is an Opinion Columnist and an English and Art History student in the College of Arts and Sciences. Her fortnightly column, Views from Sky, offers a sophisticated exploration of popular social culture, blending a fiction reader's imagination with the rigor of journalistic insight to deliver engaging and thought-provoking hot takes for Cornellians to dissect. She can be reached at stoddings@cornellsun.com.
