Our lives are encompassed by sound. The empowering presence of our auditory environment is inescapable, permeating every facet of our daily routines and influencing our behaviors in ways we never could have imagined. From the music we listen to on our walks to class to the bustling noises in urban cities to the cultural traditions that unite communities across the globe, sound allows us to express our diverse identities and communicate emotions while gaining a deeper understanding of the complex societies we live in. Historically, sound has been a critical tool to amplify voices that often go unheard in sociopolitical contexts. As sound waves bring our campus to life, we encourage Bruins to listen closely. In “Sounds of the Self,” Opinion columnists explore the impact of all forms of sound – no matter how loud or quiet they may seem.