Volume 4: Bloom & Wither

Echolalia proudly presents our fourth volume, featuring 39 contributions with unique page designs in our print version; plain text versions are also available here for your viewing convenience.

The fourth edition of Echolalia‘s journal asks contributors, editors, and readers to consider the cyclical nature of blooming & withering, growth & decay, death & rebirth. With our past themes of reflection in mind, we are taking a step back to look at the whole. Each chapter of our life requires an opening and a closing, a linear timeline where we must go through the processes of blooming and withering. As a dual theme, Bloom & Wither represents two phases of our life cycle.

Blooming is the gradual awakening of life: the revival of light, color, and scents as Spring rolls away the weary coldness of Winter. It is the season of vibrant vitality, a time when everything is on a steady incline and marching towards the peak of prosperity. “Blooming” feels like the days when life is full of success and the confidence that can inspire you to do anything. It is feeling like you are right where you belong, youthfully curious about all around you and filled with the energy and passion to do what you like. Bloom is about the uplifting experiences and the times that are carefree and full of wonders. In blooming moments, fear and failure feel like distant memories, hidden and lurking beneath the seemingly impregnable feeling of joy.

Withering marks the end, but new beginning, of a cycle. The maybe gentle, maybe harsh, exit of the bright and perfect with a ripping cold wind or a drifting leaf. Like the fading Autumn follows inevitably behind the radiant Summer, the ecstasy and adventures also brought with them unavoidable risk of troubles and failures. These can be bitter and painful, yet they are essential in our experiences of life and process of growth. “Withering” is the acceptance, the embrace, of the end of a chapter. Although above the soil we have died and decayed, our roots remain underneath, waiting patiently to grow anew. Wither is about not only the darkness and desolation but also the hope for betterment, knowing that, when the fears, weariness, and setbacks are put behind you, we come out stronger than before.

For our 2025-2026 cycle, we invited writers and other creative minds to explore the above and what it meant to them, encouraging topics such as, but not limited to:

• Triumph over hardship
• Reflection on personal stagnation
• Growing from past experiences
• “The light at the end of the tunnel”
• Trying to fight an inevitable end
• Highs and lows only seen in hindsight
• The best time of your life
• The worst time of your life
• Advice to your past self
• Your own outlook on “blooming” and “withering”

Like our previous editions, many pieces are deeply personal and all of them approach the theme in unique, creative ways. We at Echolalia hope you enjoy the artful ways this year’s theme was approached as we spotlight the creatives at UCI who have found a place in our community.