Midtown’s “The Unmasking” literary magazine published their 28th volume, Prismatic, in spring 2025. (Courtesy of Erin Aube)

English teacher Erin Aube is the adviser of Midtown’s literary magazine, “The Unmasking.” Aube began advising the magazine at the start of the 2024-2025 school year. 

“I took over after. [Mary]Villalpando left Midtown,” Aube said.  “She knew that I had a passion for poetry.” 

Aube’s previous experience with English and poetry is part of where her passion comes from. She began exploring these passions in college. 

“I was an English major in undergrad, so I read tons of poetry,” Aube said.  “I also took an intro to poetry writing course. My literary taste in novels has always been in the classics and canonical works, but I love to read more contemporary poetry to balance that out.”

When Aube began advising the magazine, she began to realize how important “The Unmasking” could be for Midtown. However, many people weren’t very aware of the magazine’s existence. This year, Aube did her best to change that. 

“‘The Unmasking’ has struggled with getting our name out there, raising awareness of the magazine throughout the school and selling the finished product,” Aube said.  “We really concentrated on marketing this year and being in everyone’s face as much as possible.”

Aube has uncovered more than just marketing strategies since becoming the adviser of “The Unmasking”; she’s uncovered more about herself. Advising the magazine has helped Aube learn to step back and let students take control. 

“I think I always knew it, but it is very difficult for me not to be in control,” Aube said. “I want to be as hands-on as possible, but I have to remind myself that, at the end of the day, ‘The Unmasking’ is a student publication. I love offering my insights and suggestions, and I’m even getting better at having them rejected by my students.” 

Aube is just getting started with “The Unmasking.” Currently, the magazine produces one volume per school year. However, Aube hopes to change that in the future, and in turn, create a new event for Midtown. 

“Eventually, I would like to produce multiple volumes a year, even if it is a Fall issue and a Spring issue,” Aube said. “I want tons of submissions from people all over the school: students, teachers and staff.  This year, the magazine featured interviews with Jenna Levine, Robert Pinsky and Karin Slaughter, all nationally recognized authors. I would like to continue the practice of sharing advice from those who have been successful in their creative fields. My biggest goal is a Midtown Poetry Festival featuring authors from all over sharing their words with the Atlanta community alongside our students.”

Co-Editor-in-Chief of “The Unmasking,” junior Kai Huber, believes that Aube’s motivation and passion are what help make the magazine the best it can be. Additionally, Aube has helped Huber to come out of his shell.  

“I hope that Ms. Aube knows that the publication has gotten so much better since she stepped in,” Huber said. “Her ambition and determination to improve mean the world to me, and we never would have made such a large impact without her. I’m naturally a quieter person and public speaking is nerve-racking for me. It definitely helps to have Ms. Aube in my corner, and every time I speak in front of the class, I become more confident.”

At the end of the day, Aube believes that “The Unmasking” is a crucial creative outlet for Midtown students. As it has continued to grow, Aube’s beliefs have solidified. 

“It is vitally important to demonstrate that we, as a school, value original creative works,” Aube said.  “Learning to express yourself through creative writing, particularly, goes so far in building not only intelligence, but also empathy. Being able to think about trite or commonplace objects or ideas in unique, beautiful or surprising ways stretches a person’s imagination and allows them to reflect upon what really matters in life.”