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#Post#: 130--------------------------------------------------
OPUS- Rebecca Schiffman '14
By: rschiffman Date: March 3, 2013, 6:43 pm
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Literary magazines are hard to come by in the stores. It is
difficult to find a magazine with literature written about
nearly anything, using a plethora of literary mediums. OPUS
provides the Herricks community with a literary magazine that
includes poetry, short essays, narratives, and drawings. The
best part about OPUS is that it is created entirely by Herrick
students, with guidance from their advisor, Mr. Semerdjian.
The idea and creation of OPUS began over 50 years ago. The
suggestion of a literary journal created by high school students
had inspired Herricks, as well as other schools around the
country. Since its creation in Herricks, OPUS has grown
tremendously. This year, OPUS and Poetry Club have combined, in
the hopes that two can achieve a bigger audience together. Thus
far, they have been very successful although it has been
challenging to meet the needs of both clubs. Mr. Semerdjian, the
overseer of both clubs, has said that it is hard enough to make
the journal, let alone meeting both club’s needs.
Making a literary journal is both challenging and time
consuming, but is worth all the work in the end. Once all the
possible entries are submitted, members of OPUS read through the
submissions. Every submission is read by a member of OPUS to
make sure it is appropriate for the magazine. Although most
submissions are well written and are thoughtful, it is important
to read through each entry, in case one is not appropriate, in
which case it is rejected. After all the selected works are
chosen, members of OPUS read with more concentration, to edit
and help perfect the written piece. All the editing is very time
consuming but the members of OPUS tend to be very dedicated and
are willing to work hard for the magazine. The design of the
journal is chosen in this process as well, and it is very
important for the magazine to make sure that the design is both
artistically beautiful and appropriate. Finally, the magazine is
sent to be printed.
OPUS is so important for both the students and the community for
many reasons. Mr. Semerdjian believes that, “A good functional
community needs a place to go to read and discovery creative.
OPUS is that place in Herricks.” OPUS and other literary
journals become the springboard for future novelists, poets, and
filmmakers because students are able to practice the skills
needed for these careers. OPUS also teaches students two very
important lessons according to the advisor, Mr. Semerdjian.
Students learn how hard it is to make a book, especially with
preproduction. The students also build empathy and compassion
during the selection and editing process of reading classmates’
work. Semerdjian also feels that the best part about OPUS to him
is to get a glimpse into the mind of student writers. He enjoys
learning about their inspirations, curiosities, and fears. To
fellow students, the best part about OPUS is similarly reading
what classmates really feel and getting a glimpse of what they
aren’t saying to their friends but how they really feel inside.
OPUS 2013 will be completed by early May and by the middle of
May, OPUS holds a literary celebration, where members of OPUS
can read their pieces and students who couldn’t enter to OPUS
are given the chance to share their work. If you are interested
in OPUS, please check out the website for more information and
remember to pick up a copy of OPUS this year!
For more information: HerricksOPUS.wordpress.com
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