AWE (A Woman’s Experience)
Current Volume: Volume 12 (2025)
From the Editors
We are thrilled to present the 2025 edition of AWE: A Woman’s Experience. This publication is a project shaped by collaboration, curiosity, and a genuine desire to highlight women’s stories. AWE is only possible because of the dedication of our editorial team, the vision of our graphic designer, and the authors and artists whose talents fill these pages. We are equally grateful for the mentorship of Dr. Marlene Esplin and Dr. Daniel Paul, as well as the support of Emily Nelson from the Kennedy Center’s publication staff. Their willingness to guide and encourage us has anchored this entire process.
The works gathered here offer glimpses into the many ways women navigate the world through creativity, memory, conflict, growth, and self-discovery. Every submission we received carried its own perspective and emotional depth. Even though only a portion appear in this edition, we were humbled by the trust each contributor placed in us by sharing their experiences. We carry deep respect for every voice represented here, whether published or not.
Reaching our twelfth issue invites us to reflect on why AWE exists and why it matters. At its core, AWE seeks to carve out a space where women can speak in their own words and on their own terms—a space that insists their stories deserve attention and care. We hope this journal continues to serve not only the BYU community but readers beyond it, offering moments of recognition, solidarity, and connection. Thank you to our contributors, audience, and everyone who believes in the importance of amplifying women’s voices. Your support makes this work possible.
Warmly,
Mia Todd
McKenzie VanOrden
Elen Reed
Full Issue
Front Matter
Essays
Woven into One
Elise Marie Hatch
Serenade in C
Chloë M. Robinson
The Horror of Female Autonomy: The Transformation of Women in Vietnam War-Era Fiction and Film
Regan Roberts
Listening, Stepping, Screaming: Feminist Interpretations of Yoko Ono’s Art
Cordelia Lavender McPhie
Persuasions and Proposals: Female Agency in Pride and Prejudice, Mansfield Park, Emma, and Persuasion
Hannah Swenson
Poems
Patterned After Poppies
Elise Marie Hatch
God’s Reflection
Shannon Lindsay
Insecurity
Ana Gabriela
On and Off
Madison Sacriste
Jael the Kenite
Madison Sacriste
Artwork
The Creation Coat
Jane Wilson Boyle
Weight of the World
Makenna Durfee
The Miscarriage
Madi Mykal
Midnight Stroll
Emma Wilson
Abused and Confused
Marilyn Quach
Belly Blessins’
Drew Rigby
To Have a Sister
Crystal Gonzalez Callison
The First Thirteen Years
Crystal Gonzalez Callison
End Matter