[469 Editorial] Climax in Progress, Applause Comes in the Middle

   A main character spends a long time building up to the pivotal moment— making a decision after deep turmoil, delivering an emotionally explosive number, and breathing in sync with the cast as everything reaches its peak. Then, in that fleeting moment when even the audience holds its breath, the story arrives at what we call the climax. It is when the character stops avoiding their pain and finally faces it head-on that the story shines with its truest light.

   Right now, we are in that very moment. It is the midpoint of the spring semester in 2025, and in the midst of this long yet fast-moving term, each of us is center stage in our own stage. Exams and assignments, anxiety about the future, a quiet sigh against the bus window late at night—some of us are already exhausted, while others are still searching for direction. But perhaps this whirlwind of uncertainty and pressure is proof that we are building up to our own climax.

   A climax is not always a glittering or triumphant scene. Some shows sing of hope; others cry out in despair. The stage is filled with uncertain, tangled emotions. And that is exactly why those moments feel the most human, the most real.

   Like any character in a story, we do not yet know how ours will end. What kind of scene awaits at the close of this semester, what achievements we will carry, and who will remain beside us onstage—all of it is uncertain. But one thing is clear: the very fact that we are still standing here, without giving up, is meaningful. This moment—right now—is our own climax.

   It is okay to be slow. Even if your lines falter, the story continues. Applause does not have to wait for the final curtain call. At your own pace, you may already be touching someone’s heart without even realizing it. This moment will pass—but because this scene exists, the story will keep moving forward. A quiet applause for those on stage today.