CLASS OF 2023 | 2026 | FALL ISSUE

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Dear Class of 2023,

Three years out from Wes, many of us are discovering that what we studied then was only one chapter in a much bigger story. The rest is being written in side hustles, passion projects, and adventures we never imagined back in Exley or Olin—pursuits that have quietly become a core part of our lives. This edition leans into the second chapters, side gigs, and unexpected detours that are shaping our post-Wes stories.

Elizabeth Rowe writes from Austin, Texas, where she is spending the summer at the district attorney’s office and preparing to begin her 3L year at Texas Law. Outside the courtroom, she’s been investing time in fostering animals—Elizabeth and her fiancé have fostered a puppy and two kittens so far!

From Madison Szabo: “Hi, everyone! Reporting to you live from Washington, DC. Over the past 18 months, I’ve had the privilege of working in events and operations at a nonprofit policy research organization, learning about what happens when intention meets execution. In April I decided to tap into my own entrepreneurial spirit and launch MKS Collective, an event-planning and thought-partnership practice. My company builds on a lifelong love of creating community and hosting gatherings—from board meetings and team retreats to alumni meetups and beyond, I aim to curate rooms that make people feel like they belong.

“Beyond work I’ve been chasing the version of team life that exists after Wes basketball. You can usually find me playing pickup, enjoying bar trivia, or taking an ASL course. The NESCAC network out here has been a highlight of postgrad life, and I’ve also made a habit of hopping on planes and trains to see Wes friends wherever they’ve landed. To anyone reading this, don’t hesitate to reach out if you ever find yourself in the DMV!”

Scarlett Long is thrilled to share that her new original musical, Wong Side of Time, made its off-Broadway premiere this summer as part of the SheNYC Arts Summer Theater Festival at Classic Stage Company. The show follows Lucy, a queer Asian woman in the arts, and Anna May Wong in 1935, as they mysteriously swap lives across time and force them to reckon with ambition and identity. The production brought together queer Asian audiences and a strong Wesleyan contingent, with multiple alums working on the show and many more turning out to support the run. I wish I could’ve been there! If you are around New York or interested in Scarlett’s work, please follow her and keep an eye out for future shows!

At last, from me (Arthur Chen): I recently wrapped up my working holiday in Australia and have moved back to Taiwan. Over the two years, I deliberately put film-related work on pause and dove into a whole roster of occupations—working as a research assistant, in hospitality, on farms, in restaurants, and most memorably with rodeo crews. Rodeos took me through different towns across Australia, with days that reminded me of Middletown’s laid-back lifestyle, nature, and getting to know like-minded backpackers from around the world. Thanks to all those gigs, I’ve come home ready for a new chapter: exploring culinary work and sketching out plans for a café and film studio in my hometown. This aspiration is probably a few years down the road, but if anyone drops by Taiwan in the meantime, please let me know—I’d be happy to catch up and show you around.

ARTHUR CHEN | achen03@wesleyan.edu