From raunchy and heavy topics like sex and drugs, to more soft and peaceful topics like flowers and love, the Myriad allows students to express what is on their minds.

Established in 1962, the Myriad has been serving EC students who are able to find scripture, poetry and art as a creative outlet.ÿ

“Just saying that you are hurt because your mom has died is not powerful enough” Myriad contributer Felipe Martinez, English major, said.

“Traditional language cannot capture emotion; that is why there is poetry.”

Students and professors alike are invited to submit written pieces, poetry or even images to the Myriad for a chance of it being published in a collection of pieces; the literary journal is expected to come out later this spring.

An opportunity to have one’s thoughts and opinions safely expressed is a chance that the Myriad hopes students do not pass up.

“Why not (submit something)? If you are going to keep it to yourself, it might as well be a diary,” Myriad editor Molly Copeland said.

For those involved in producing the Myriad and those who look the submissions turned in, the variation of the topics helped them to realize how diverse and unique an individual on campus can be.

“I was surprised it went beyond superficiality,” contributer Mike Hendricks said. “It gives you a chance to see who they are beyond the name.”

ÿÿÿIt is that same deep look into the inner thoughts of students that Sierra Little, anthropology major, has found to be the best part of being involved with the Myriad.

ÿÿ”I like seeing the work of different artists and being exposed to different voices,” Little said.

ÿÿÿEC students who have been exposed to the Myriad do realize the importance of of it and how it can be beneficial.

ÿ”You can look back at it years from now and the voice of our era here at EC will be immortalized,” Salvador Gonzalez, business major, said.

ÿAlthough mostly produced by students, the Myriad is guided by English professor Peter Marcoux.

However Marcoux allows for the decision-making to be made as a group.

“We all have the same part of it; we all vote together,” Adam Johnson, Myriad editor-in-chief, undecided major, said.

ÿJohnson not only suggests that students turn in submissions, but that they also consider joining the Myriad itself, which can be taken as a class.

“I think anyone interested in art or graphic design will have fun; we need people with tech knowledge,” Johnson said.

That technology knowledge will come in handy later this spring when The Myriad launches an online version of its publication.

All accepted submissions turned in will be published online.

Students are able to submit up to three poems, one story up to 5,000 words in length and up to three pieces of artwork

The Myriad has been accepting submissions for the spring 2008 edition since the summer of 2007.

The deadline to submit anything into the Myriad is April 4.

Anybody interested in submitting something into the Myriad is encouraged to send submissions to [email protected].

For any questions regarding submitting any art form, log onto www.myriadecc.com.

Whether being by submitting something or by joining the class next semester, Myriad members hope to see more people step up and express who they really are.

“Don’t be afraid, do not let fear set you back,” Myriad contributer Randy Nelson, undecided, said.