Editorial

Junior Editorial Assistant Introduction

Ryan Galarza

North Park University, USA

Galarza, Ryan. 2026. “Junior Editorial Assistant Introduction.” Journal of Philosophy of Emotion 8, no. 2: i-ii. https://doi.org/10.33497/2026.latesummer.0i. 

Keywords: introduction, philosophy of emotion, art of living, Journal of Philosophy of Emotion

Dear Readers, 

I am humbled to be introducing myself as a new Junior Editorial Assistant at the JPE. 

Since I was young, I have always filled my time with research and contemplation of philosophy and the “art of living.”  For a time, I believed that reason and thought, divorced from emotion, were the only mechanism needed in the pursuit of understanding life. However, as I’ve continued my studies, I’ve come to understand that reason and emotion are not enemies but stand as two foundational and interconnected aspects in the pursuit to understand this “art of living.” This realization sparked both my scholarly and artistic curiosity, challenging my previous conceptions on what it meant to live a fulfilling life. 

I am currently pursuing a B.A. in English with a concentration in Creative Writing and a minor in Philosophy from North Park University. My studies focus on reading and crafting stories rooted in Latin communities, particularly from my own Puerto Rican communities in places like Chicago and New York. My experience in helping compose a recent edition of the university’s student magazines and journals has fueled an interest in editorial work. Since then, I have sought opportunities to develop my knowledge in this field further, and I can 

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think of no better publication to do so than the JPE. The interdisciplinary discourse from the philosophy of emotion comprises many of the questions and thoughts that have fueled my studies and writing. 

Beyond my own studies, I serve as the President of the University’s Philosophy Club, where I organize campus discussions, debates, and events alongside my executive committee and faculty advisors. In addition, I work as a Writing Advisor in the campus's Writing Center, where I tutor students in their writing and help them strengthen their skills and develop their individual voices in both their assignments and personal projects.

As I start my senior year and make plans for next year's graduation, I find it more important than ever to challenge myself in my education and use it to fuel my writing to a new level. I am more than excited for the rigorous academic work and collaboration in crafting a future symposium. I will be working tirelessly behind the scenes to support our team and contributors to create something that continues to distinguish the work done at the Journal of Philosophy of Emotion as intellectually insightful. 

I look forward to working on a future symposium and learning as much as I can from this experience. 

Sincerely, 

Ryan Galarza

Junior Editorial Assistant 

Undergraduate, North Park University

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Ryan Galarza © 2026

Author email: ryangalarza[dot]jpe[at]gmail[dot]com