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LOOKING FORWARD LOOKING BACK Interviews with Graduating Seniors
SPRING BREAK SURVIVAL GUIDE Remembering what might seem like the obvious
STEP INTO A HEALTHIER LIFE AT MSU On-campus Recovery Housing helps with addictions
FOSTERING YOUR FRIENDSHIPS True love isn’t restricted to romance
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TURN AND FACE THE STRANGE
Embracing Change and Exploring What is Possible
A letter from the editor BY EAN MONTAGUE
Love, flowers, chocolate, frigid temperatures, horrible roads, loneliness – February in Michigan is a tough sell. If Hallmark holidays and dressing in layers fail to appeal to you, the best thing about February might be that it is the shortest month. In fact, it’ll probably be half over by the time you’re done reading this. Personally, I’ve always had a soft spot for February. It’s like the busy Thursday that makes the weekend that much sweeter. To me, the month signals a period of transition. You can see the first glimpse of light at the end of the brutal tunnel that is winter. At Michigan State, change weighs heavily on the minds of students. Graduating seniors like me are finalizing their future plans. Spring break is only weeks away, providing a chance for a change of scenery or maybe an opportunity for growth by participating in community service. For some, February’s main holiday brings only a bitter reminder of past romantic misfortune. It doesn’t have to be that way. Instead, treat it as a wake-up call to remember your own value and the people around you who truly care about you. Turn a negative experience into change for the better. Despite our best efforts to avoid it, the cliché topic of love should be on your minds in this transitional period. It is imperative we all remember to love and respect one another, especially in a time when our country’s political climate is as divisive as it has ever been. Beyond that, you never know what opportunities will come of the connections you make by being kind to those you see on a daily basis. Change, like love, is both terrifying and thrilling. If you feel stuck in a routine, we have plenty of suggestions to help you branch out, from new events to attend like the spectacular Nordic Fire Festival in Charlotte to baked apples recipes if you don’t want to venture into the cold. There are plenty of ways you can escape the tedium of your daily routine. So maybe this February you aren’t at an exciting point in your life. But whether you’re graduating from college, still have a way to go or have left those years behind, remember to stay alert to change. Keep in touch with the supportive people in your life and finds ways to better yourself. Experiences rarely present themselves to you; you have to go out and find them. I hope you find some wisdom in my advice. Truth be told, part of the reason I’ve written this is to reassure myself. This is the last thing I will write for ing and my last issue as part of the staff as I prepare for a lot of change in my life. Ean Montague is a senior studying professional writing and film. He is also the Managing Editor for Impact 89FM student radio and enjoys watching and playing soccer, discovering new music and movies and eating spicy foods.. 2
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221 W. Saginaw St., Lansing, MI 48933 Phone: 517.203.0123 • Fax: 517.203.3334 PUBLISHER Tiffany Dowling SALES MANAGER Jennifer Hodges ACCOUNT MANAGERS Megan Fleming Liz Reno-Hayes Zack Krieger Adam Smith MEDIA MANAGER Jill Bailey EDITOR Kelly Mazurkiewicz ART DIRECTOR Mark Warner COMMUNICATIONS MANAGER Ami Iceman-Haueter PUBLICATION DESIGNER Quandrel Ollie WEB MANAGER Jeanette Wummel WRITING Melissa Sefernick Bridget Hanchek Tim Snyder Grace Beltowski Amelia Turkette Emma Heikkinen Jill Ciampa Anastasia Niforos EDITING Ean Montague Sarah Nowack Madison Simmers Caleb Edwards Logan Ryan Caroline Johnson Stephanie Tkaczyk Jordan Sickon SOCIAL MEDIA Ean Montague - Blog Melissa Sefernick - Facebook Caroline Johnson - Twitter Emma Heikkinen & Jill Ciampa -Instagram DIGITAL CONTENT MANAGER Ean Montague
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ON THE COVER 4 LOOKING FORWARD LOOKING BACK
12 FOSTERING YOUR FRIENDSHIPS
FEATURing 6 SPRING BREAK SURVIVAL GUIDE 8 STEP INTO A HEALITHER LIFE AT MSU
HAPPENing
GOing
COOKing
GAMEing
LEARNINGing
MOVing
PHOTOGRAPHing
QUIZZing
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Interviews with Graduating Seniors By Bridget Hanchek and Emma Heikkinen With fewer than three months left until graduation, Michigan State University seniors have a lot to look forward to. “I am planning to move to Chicago after graduation. I’m looking forward to living in a city, although I don’t know many people there yet. ... It’ll be a transition,” said international relations and economics major Chad Hale. Right now, though, they’re busy finishing up their classes, thinking about graduate school and reflecting on their four years at MSU. “My best memory is from game night when one of my friends came up with a surprise field trip and, in the end, we went to the planetarium on campus and watched the Pink Floyd show,” said St. Johns native Lauren St. George, who will be graduating with degrees in residential college in the arts and humanities and anthropology with a minor in museum studies. She discovered her passion for her minor through a study abroad she participated in last summer. The program, Arts, Cultural Heritage and Museum Studies in South Africa was a game changer. “I knew that I wanted to go abroad, and I had a professor who talked about it, so I looked into it and discovered that there was a museum studies program. Now it’s going to be my career… hopefully.” When looking back at his time at MSU, Hale recalls two things he’ll always remember. The first was during his freshman year in 2015. He attended the Big Ten Football Championship game in Indianapolis when MSU defeated Iowa 16-13. It was MSU’s second Big Ten Championship in three years. The second unforgettable experience was finding an unusual line of work. “I worked for an MBA admissions consulting firm in Singapore, which gave me some interesting international experience.” Another senior, social work major, Alex Johnson, will remember her days in Underwater Hockey Club forever. “I think my favorite memory was when they had a tournament and people came down from Canada. We played all day in
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the tournament and I made a bunch of new friends.” She’s still in touch with many of them today. “Join clubs! Join the weirdest clubs, that’s where you meet the coolest, strangest, most interesting people,” Johnson said. In addition to the Underwater Hockey Club, Johnson was also a member of MSU Hammocking, Students for Choice and Hall Government. “There was no drama because I was part of so many, and I didn’t miss home because I was always busy.” As a resident of Williamsburg, Virginia, Johnson would have had good reason to be homesick during the long MSU semesters. Instead, she threw herself into academics and campus life, which included enjoying the residence halls. “I think you should live in the dorms for at least two years. Moving out is a big commitment, and you make friends and great ties in the dorms,” Johnson said. She enjoyed decorating her room for holidays and making it feel less like school and more like home: “Then you want to spend time in your room studying, having people over and taking care of it.” Johnson found that a well-decorated room was important to her mental health and happiness, and it didn’t have to be expensive. She recommended Dollar Tree for cheap seasonal decor. St. George lived on campus for three years and said that it was a critical part of making friends. “The people who I’m friends now with are people I met because I lived in the dorms,” she said. However, she thinks too many people expect their roommates to be their best friends. Sometimes, it’s best when your friend group and roommate don’t interact. St. George’s first roommate was, “A sounding board for weird tension between other friends. Someone who wasn’t personally invested.” This gave St. George more privacy when she was home and meant that she could spend time with other friends when she needed space from her roommate.
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Hale said if he was to give one piece of advice to underclassmen, it would be to avoid putting off work until the last minute. Many students struggle with getting work done on time and it can have an impact on their quality of life. “Life is easier when you don’t procrastinate your work, but we all do anyway,” he said. Emma Heikkinen is a senior professional writing student who spends most of her time volunteering with middle school and high school students, along with doodling on every surface available. She works as an elementary curriculum writer for Riverview Church, where her work includes design, video stuff and teaching. You can find her @emheesun on Instagram and Twitter. Bridget Hanchek is a senior from Portland, Oregon studying professional writing and Japanese. She enjoys reading, cooking, and eating, often all at once. She spends way too much time at the library. Magazine ad.pdf 1 1/10/19 10:56 AM Follow herING on Twitter @behanchek.
Photo by Nate Sensel.
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SPRING BREAK SURVIVAL GUIDE Remembering what might seem like the obvious By Anastasia Niforos Spring break is just around the corner and many of us will embark on plenty of traveling to get to our destinations. If you are one of those people, then you know the excitement that comes when you’re just about to leave. With that excitement comes forgetfulness, especially on what to pack and how you’re going to keep yourself occupied when flying or roadtripping. Don’t worry however; this survival guide will give you just what you need for your spring-break travels.
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When packing:
What to do while traveling:
1. Pack light. If you’re planning on flying, you don’t want to lug around a heavy suitcase and end up having to pay extra if your luggage is over 50 pounds. If you’re road-tripping, try to bring two smaller bags or a larger one that can fit everything you need. You don’t want to be the person that takes up the most space in the car. Spring break is just one week so ...
1. Have all of your favorite songs and playlists ready to go. If you’re flying or on a road trip and use Spotify or Apple Music, make sure you can access it while on your flight by downloading them to your phone to play offline. You’ll definitely want music to pass the time.
2. Research your destination to know exactly what type of clothing and shoes you should bring. This might be obvious, but this will keep you from overpacking or bringing any unnecessary items. Think about what you’ll actually wear rather than what you think you’ll wear. 3. Make a list. Your cellphone, ID, passport, medications, headphones, neck pillow, etc. Make a list of everything you must have before you go on your trip. Check off each item as you pack it and triple-check on the day you leave. 4. You never know what you might need on your trip. Plenty of times we’ll forget those items that make life easier but weren’t at the top of the list. Items such as a first-aid kit, razors, mini-sized toiletries, extra chargers, etc. Better to have those ready so you don’t have to take time out of your trip to get those.
2. Find some games to play. For those of you flying, the App Store has a variety of games to download. Some games you might want to check out are “Candy Crush,” “Wordscapes,” “8 Ball Pool” and “Helix Jump.” If you aren’t into apps, card games are another option. You can play alone or with a friend. For you road-trippers, think about those throwback car games you played as a kid: “I Spy,” the “Alphabet Game,” “21 Questions,” “Sweet or Sour,” etc. It’s a great way to laugh and bond with your friends. 3. Bring a book or several magazines. This doesn’t require a charger and it’s a great way to keep yourself occupied on those long flights and car rides. You might even finish the book! 4. For those of you who love to draw, bring a sketchbook or notebook and some colored pencils or pens. If drawing isn’t your thing, you can always buy some coloring books. You can get your creative side going while passing the time. When it comes to packing and keeping yourself occupied while traveling, sometimes it’s easy to forget the essentials. The excitement of spring break will take over, but by following this survival guide you’ll be in good hands. Safe travels, my friends.
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Anastasia Niforos is a senior studying journalism and professional writing with a focus in media marketing and editing and publishing. You can always find her hanging out with friends or bingewatching “Game of Thrones.” She also enjoys working out, playing IM soccer and making playlists on Spotify.
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STEP INTO A HEALTHIER LIFE AT MSU
Photo by Natalie Gotko
On-campus Recovery Housing helps with addictions BY JILL CIAMPA Recovery Housing has been introduced to Michigan State University’s campus to serve students recovering from alcohol and other drug addictions. The program began in the fall semester of 2018 and is under management by the Collegiate Recovery Community (CRC), a service through Olin Health Center that helps students looking to recover from addictions. The CRC has been fighting to implement housing for struggling Spartans for over five years. In 2018, the National College Health Assessment (NCHA) survey of MSU students found that “73.5 percent of MSU students indicated they strongly (42.1 percent) or somewhat (31.4 percent) favor the establishment of Recovery Housing on campus to help support this marginalized population.” MSU Collegiate Recovery Coordinator Dawn Kepler said, “... (The) housing provides live-in peer support, 24-hour access to the Collegiate Recovery Community Student Lounge, individualized counseling support ... academic resources and organized sober activities.” In addition, she added, Recovery Housing includes membership in the MSU Collegiate Recovery Community, which offers the following supports:
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• • • • • • • •
Individualized recovery planning On-campus recovery meetings Support and accountability from staff and peers Social events Community service opportunities Wellness and life skills workshops Awareness, education and advocacy Campus and community information and referrals
Your health comes first. Take the first step over the threshold into a better life. “To all those who are new or just thinking about checking out the CRC, I want to tell you that you are welcome here, no matter what your background, status, opinions, faults or philosophies. You belong. You can recover and live a wonderful fulfilling life free from substances. You are worth it. We have fun here. We want you to be happy,” said Will, a CRC student and Recovery Housing support specialist. While Recovery Housing is already in place at three other Big Ten schools, MSU is the first to offer on-campus housing. While Kepler could not give the exact location of the housing for the privacy of the students there, she said
https://www.drugabuse.gov/related-topics/trends-statistics/ infographics/drug-alcohol-use-in-college-age-adults-in-2016
Photo by Megan Gilhooly
that “the residence is a traditional-style residence hall in a prime location on Michigan State University’s campus. This particular residence hall is a historic building known for its beautiful wood ornamentation, decorative plaster details and cozy study lounges.”
themselves to be in recovery (in a 2018 NCHA survey of MSU students). This equates to an estimated 1,534 Spartans who may qualify for Recovery Housing. Moving forward, it is our goal to enhance the capacity of Recovery Housing to fulfill the needs of MSU students in recovery.”
Drug and alcohol addiction are more prevalent on college campuses than people realize. The Center for Behavioral Health Statistics and Quality found that “more than onethird of full-time college students aged 18 to 22 engaged in binge drinking in the past month; about 1 in 5 used an illicit drug in the past month.” Also, according to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Data Archive, “90 percent of all substance use issues start before the age of 20, (which allows) colleges and universities (to be) uniquely positioned to intervene early and provide recovery support.”
Do you think you or someone you know needs help? Contact the CRC through Olin. The application can be found at olin.msu.edu/recovery/ and you can send it to recovery@msu.edu.
Even MSU is not immune to these statistics. Kepler said that “3.2 percent of (MSU) students report they consider
Jill Ciampa is a professional writing major studying publishing and technical and public policy writing. She enjoys spending time reading and water-coloring. She can usually be found watching Netflix, traveling, or trying to get someone to understand her French. Follow her @jillcia on Twitter.
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Change of Seasons, Change of Fun A variety of events for the month that just can’t make up its mind By Grace Beltowski With days of sunshine and 50-degree weather occurring randomly between the harsh snowfalls and ice, February seems like it can’t always decide what season it wants to be. Luckily, there are many events taking place this month for any season you might be living in, whether you’re hanging on to winter a little longer or you’re already celebrating the arrival of spring.
WINTER EVENTS Moonlight Ski and Shoe at Harris Nature Center For those looking to get out there and be active during the final stretch of the winter season, Harris Nature Center in Okemos is hosting Ski and Shoe nights from 6-9 p.m. Feb. 9 and Feb. 23. Visitors can choose to either cross-country ski or snowshoe through the moonlit trails, enjoying the calm and quiet of the nature center’s idyllic nighttime atmosphere. This is an event for experts and beginners alike, so gather a group of friends, your significant other or the entire family for some last-minute winter fun. Rentals are available for skis, snowshoes and headlamps at $10, and regular admission is $3. Harris Nature Center is at 3998 Van Atta Road in Okemos. For more information, visit lansing.org/events.
Winter Farmers Market Just because it’s winter doesn’t mean we have to get rid of fresh produce. The Winter Farmers Market at Meridian Mall is open from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. every other Saturday through the end of April. According to Meridian Township, “Approximately 25-30 vendors participate each market day providing a variety of homegrown and homemade goods.” This is a great way to support local products while stocking up on all of the fruits and vegetables you’ll need to carry you through to spring. And don’t forget to check out the other stores inside the mall while you’re there. Visit meridianmall.com to learn more.
Conversation and Cocoa If you’re looking for something different to do this Valentine’s Day, consider attending this discussion hosted by the Michigan Women’s Historical Center and Hall of Fame. The event will feature Michigan State University’s Ph.D. Candidate Jessica Kane, who will lead a discussion on her studies of British female authors in the 18th,century world. This is a great opportunity to spend the holiday learning a little history and celebrating the works of female writers. And there will be hot cocoa, so you’ll still get your Valentine’s Day chocolate fix. The event is free and will take place at 6 p.m. at 105 W. Allegan St. in Lansing. For more information, go to michiganwomenshalloffame.org. 10
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SPRING EVENTS MSU Department of Theatre’s Production of ‘Oklahoma!’ There’s nothing like a good old-fashioned musical to cheer you up after a long winter. On select days in February, the MSU Department of Theatre is putting on its production of “Oklahoma!” at the Fairchild Auditorium. This awardwinning musical features songs by famed composers Rodgers and Hammerstein and follows the story of two young lovers as they navigate their rocky relationship in the American countryside. Tickets to the show could be a great Valentine’s Day gift for your significant other or just a chance to get a group of friends together for a fun night out. Either way, consider supporting the young actors of MSU by attending one of their productions. Tickets are $22 for general admission and$17 for students. For exact dates and times, visit theatre.msu.edu.
2019 MSU Comics Forum Are you feeling blue after all the cold winter weather? Reading some colorful comics may be exactly what you need to cheer up. The annual MSU Comics Forum is back for its 12th year Feb. 22-23. This is an international gathering of people who love all things comics-related, from creators, writers and illustrators of comics to scholars and avid readers. The forum will feature two keynote speakers — comic scholars Seth and Qiana Whitted — an academic panel, art exhibition, discussion groups and more. Learn more about this unique event at comicsforum. msu.edu.
Lansing Home and Garden Show Another way to welcome the spring season is to start thinking about how you want to care for your home and/ or garden with the incoming warmer weather. A great opportunity to do this is the annual Home and Garden Show, which returns to Lansing this year from March 14-17. The event will feature landscaping and gardening projects, a flower show and several seminars on home improvement techniques. Ticket prices vary by age and are cheaper online, so visit showspan.com/LHG to buy yours today. The event will be hosted at the MSU Pavilion. Grace Beltowski is a junior studying professional writing with a focus in editing and publishing and a minor in creative writing, so she really does not like to read or write. Her many talents include making chocolate chip pancakes, stalking her favorite YA authors on Instagram and scaring people with her inflatable dinosaur costume.
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Photo by Jacob McDowell Photo by Courtney Soleck
Fostering Your Friendships True love isn’t restricted to romance February is a month filled with the clichés of love. Heartholding teddy bears gaze at us in grocery stores, roses scent the air and romcoms grace our television screens. Despite this, we all know that love runs deeper than Hollywoodstaged romance and that healthy relationships can be fostered with everyone. There are over 7 billion people on the planet, meaning there are billions of opportunities to foster fantastic friendships. This can be hard to remember when the relationships we see around us are either sicklysweet or bitter. This is your reminder that you have a community around you – you just need to connect. First, remember that you are not an island. We all need people. In a December 2017 article titled “Spending Time With Your Best Friend Is Actually Legitimately Healthy For You,” Bustle reported that “studies over the years have found that friendship can do everything from making you live longer to making you feel less stressed.” Friendships matter to both social butterflies and reflective introverts. “Friendships are important as they can create a container of safety for us to be real in,” said Lisa Laughman, an emotional wellness consultant with the Michigan State University Health4U Program. It is not the number of friendships that matter, but the depth of those friendships. “A good friend will listen to our story without judgment (and) allow us to share our vulnerabilities, insecurities and moments of failure,” said Laughman. “These empathy-based relationships help us 12
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By Anastasia Niforos and Amelia Turkette
calm down, reconnect with our best self and move forward in value-guided ways. As Dr. (Brené) Brown says, empathy is the antidote to shame. Where would we be without the empathy offered to us by our true friends?” It is important to be brave about your relationships and know that it is OK to feel vulnerable. “Experiential avoidance is also a big barrier to healthy relationships,” said Laughman. “If I am trying to avoid the feeling of vulnerability, and sharing my heart with you is going to bring me that feeling, then I won’t share my heart with you – and, as a result, the relationship will not deepen.” Friendships are developed by spending time together and making memories. Go out for a coffee, a party or a movie and build your history together. Spend more time being yourself and less time stressing about life. Make some memories that will keep you smiling on your worst day. Your list of belly laughs and “remember whens” will grow. Laughing with friends is one of the best ways to relieve stress and take a trip back down memory lane. As the Bustle article mentioned, “Being with a close friend makes you feel good, and being happy and positive is essential to living a healthier lifestyle.” Being a part of a community is another way to build relationships. We all feel lonely sometimes, especially when our besties are all busy. When that happens, reach
Photo by Courtney Soleck
out to others. Find ways to connect with other people in your local area, whether it’s through volunteer groups or other social clubs. MSU has many clubs for students. Other community members can connect through their local libraries and community centers, which often hold special events, fundraisers and community engagement programs. These are great ways to get to know your community and discover new friends. Laughman also emphasized the importance of connection networks: “When we are trying to do something brave in our life, it is essential that we build a strong connection network.” According to Laughman, a connection network is different from your usual community group. “This (connection network) would be a small community of people who get what we are trying to do, understand why it is important to us, have committed to be there for us as we take risks and help pick us up when we fall.” Finally, don’t forget about yourself. While establishing connections, partying with friends and caring for others is important, you can’t do all of that without caring for yourself first. If you need some time for yourself, take it. Be yourself, without judgment. “One of the biggest barriers to healthy relationships is judgment,” said Laughman. “I often say that judgement is America’s true national pastime. Staying out of judgment is the first thing we have to do if we want to provide someone with empathy and support.” Focusing on yourself can mean a variety of things, but don’t be afraid to actually do it. It takes time, but fostering a healthy relationship with yourself is important. You know yourself better than anyone else, so focus on the things that make you happy. If you’re struggling with creative methods for self-care, here are some things you can do:
• Try out a new restaurant or cuisine. • Each day do one small thing that makes you happy. • Go to yoga or work out. • Blast some music and have a five-minute dance party. • Read a new book. • Make your favorite homemade meal. • Take 15 minutes to meditate. • Go for a walk or hike. • Get creative: draw, write or paint. Discover your preferred self-care activities and practice them regularly. Be you and don’t give a damn what other people think. Productive relaxation is important to recharge, so take time for yourself and everything else will fall into place. Often, when you care for yourself, you can be a better friend to others. Friendships can be one of the best things about life and fostering relationships with the people that you love makes for the strongest friendships. Real friends are here for it all and allow you to be yourself. Continuing to make memories with them is what life is all about, so go out and do it. And even when adult life gets busy, remember that you have a community around you to form new relationships. Reach out and see what your community has to offer. Anastasia Niforos is a senior studying journalism and professional writing with a focus in media marketing and editing and publishing. You can always find her hanging out with friends or bingewatching “Game of Thrones.” She also enjoys working out, playing IM soccer and making playlists on Spotify. Amelia Turkette is a senior studying professional writing. When she isn’t busy with class and working full time at MSU, she loves taking walks with her dog Bree, making a mess in the kitchen and cozying up with a cup of coffee and one of the 10 good books she’s currently reading. Catch up with her on Twitter @ amelia_turkette. MYINGMAG.COM
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FEAST LIKE A VIKING Michigan Nordic Fire Festival celebrates fourth year BY JILL CIAMPA The Michigan Nordic Fire Festival is celebrating its fourth year Feb. 22-24 at Lincoln Park in Charlotte. The Fire Festival is a gathering for young and old alike to come together and experience the Viking lifestyle, from the food and stories to spear-throwing competitions. “We take pride in the reputation we’ve garnered for being family-friendly and kid-friendly,” said Bryan Myrkle, the community development director for the city of Charlotte. “Our festival is a safe place for you and your kids to come and have fun. Things like spear-throwing, ax-throwing, horn-blowing, feats of strength and similar contests get a lot of people involved and are a ton of fun. Kids can get into face-painting and hair-braiding. They can meet a Nordic princess, hear storytellers or work off some energy by ‘fighting’ each other with foam swords in a boffer pit. They can make their own souvenir ax and shield, write their name in runes and learn Viking games.” When the festival started in 2015, 1,500 were in attendance. Last year, over 6,500 people came, and more are expected this year. Myrkle said that the rising success was due to a couple things, “... between the ‘Vikings’ TV show, ‘Game of Thrones’ and the ‘Lord of the Rings,’ the whole medieval theme is really popular right now, as is costume play or cosplay. ... No one else is doing this in the winter ... and there are tons of people who love these kinds of festivals.”
shoestring, and it worked out much better than any of us really expected. “Probably the one thing that everyone enjoys more than anything else is seeing all the people in their garb,” he added. “That garb ranges from very, very authentic, historically dressed re-enactors, to others who look like they just stepped out of the pages of a Viking or medieval comic book. Some of these people have spent literally thousands of dollars on their costumes, and it definitely shows.” The Michigan Nordic Fire Festival will be at 620 W. Shepherd St. in Charlotte. Tickets are $8 for one person for one day, $10 for one person for a weekend, $20 for a family for one day, and $25 for a family for the weekend. You can find more information on the festival’s Facebook page, @minordicfirefestival. Jill Ciampa is a professional writing major studying publishing and technical and public policy writing. She enjoys spending time reading and water-coloring. She can usually be found watching Netflix, traveling, or trying to get someone to understand her French. Follow her @jillcia on Twitter.
When the idea for the first Fire Festival came around, Myrkle had been thinking about trying to bring something new to the community. “I noticed that there seemed to be a fairly significant gap in community activities between the end of the holiday season and mid-June when we have the Celebrate Charlotte Festival,” Myrkle said. “I wanted to come up with something that would get people out of their houses and doing something active and communityoriented sometime during those long winter months.” The idea for the medieval theme was based off reenactments already happening close to the community. After asking the public’s opinion about the idea, Myrkle and William SaintAmour of Cobalt Community Research met with Tim McCumber, who Myrkle called, “A local Viking enthusiast and serious re-enactor.” “We assembled a small team of local volunteers with the idea of doing a modest festival based on a Nordic/ Viking theme,” Myrkle said. “We decided to make it both history- and fantasy-oriented so that it appeals to a wider variety of people. We put the first festival together on a
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GOing
All Photos by Emma Heikkinen
The Fledge: Radically Inclusive Creating a space that defies definition BY EMMA HEIKKINEN Situated in a former church in Lansing’s Eastside Neighborhood, the Fledge is “a radically inclusive ideation space, makerspace, incubator and accelerator on a mission to create opportunities to pursue happiness.” Jerry Norris, CEO and founder of the Fledge, described some of the dreams the organization has of what it will become. They recently installed an aquaponic system, complete with a few live fish, into the old baptismal of the building and plan to use it to grow vegetables. Norris has dreams of building systems that allow for the building to be run on artificial intelligence as well. Along with their own entrepreneurial dreams, the Fledge strives to create an environment where everyone feels at home. Instead of focusing on a specific type of person or an area of development, the Fledge aims to attract as many people as possible into its space. “Anyone can come in with an idea,” Norris said. “High school dropouts, children, professors, people with criminal records and recovering addicts are all welcome. We want to help them to switch their entrepreneurial endeavors.” The Fledge is a launching point for business ideas, but it’s also more than that. The team is dedicated to serving their community. Norris described their dedication as an “extreme ownership” approach. “If someone is getting arrested (in our neighborhood), we’re failing them. So, we’re going to step up and try to help them and then try to influence others to step up and help them as well,” Norris said. “We’re going to take it on as our responsibility and involve those people as necessary.” Providing for the people around them has become an extremely important part of what the Fledge does. “If someone walks in, we’re assessing (a few things) immediately: Are they homeless? Are they without food? Do they need something medical? Then, we start working on connection, self-esteem and sense of purpose,” Norris said. According to Dustin Grimes, who assists Norris with running the Fledge, creating community is a key aspect of the resources they make available. A Lansing native,
Grimes moved to the West Coast after high school and moved back a few years ago. “I was really just farting around Lansing and was at a really low point,” Grimes said. “I was looking for something different to do with my time.” That’s when a friend told Grimes about the Fledge. “Where do young people come together and socialize?” Grimes explained. “Where’s that social circle?” Providing a space for people to gather has helped the Fledge gain attention: “It’s been a big part of why people come out. They need a sense of community.” The Fledge wants to make resources available that draw both experts in a variety of fields and people who want to learn. “The phrase I’ve been using is ‘community-driven education,’ ” said Grimes. “The crowd of experts aren’t here to learn. (They) want to engage socially around this craft.” Those crafts can range from improv, hip-hop and EDM shows to sword fighting, “Dungeons and Dragons” nights, baby showers and weddings. Norris also said they’re looking to become a resource for Michigan State University students. “We are very interested in MSU students,” Norris said. “We’re seeing a lot of nonprofits come in, so we have tons of volunteer opportunities. They’re coming to us for volunteers. We’re starting to become a matchmaking (agency) between clubs at MSU and these organizations and filling that gap a little bit.” Norris said they currently have connections with 15 to 20 MSU-based organizations and are looking for more chances to help bridge the gap between campus and downtown Lansing. To learn more about the Fledge, visit its website at thefledge.com or find it on Facebook. Emma Heikkinen is a senior professional writing student who spends most of her time volunteering with middle school and high school students, along with doodling on every surface available. She works as an elementary curriculum writer for Riverview Church, where her work includes design, video stuff and teaching. You can find her @emheesun on Instagram and Twitter.
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COOKing
Baked Apple Delight An a-peeling take on a classic recipe This perfectly delectable dessert, brimming with caramelized brown sugar, crisp walnuts and a tart apple flavor will melt the winter frost away. Smooth caramel, chocolate or classic cinnamon and sugar fillings are also excellent options to pair with your favorite apple. Make one for a late-night snack or several for friends. The best part is this simple dessert only takes 15 minutes to make. You just need a few ingredients and a microwave. The hardest part of this recipe is deciding what kind of baked apple to make. So pick out a few of your favorite apples and try all the fillings to warm up your chilliest day. This recipe has been adapted from “Microwave Baked Apples” from KITCHme and “Chocolate-Stuffed Baked Apples” from Love & Flour.
Ingredients 1 apple
Filling Options
By Amelia Turkette
before filling and sprinkle a dash of cinnamon on top. 3. Place the apple in a deep baking dish or bowl and cover. 4. Heat dish in the microwave, until the apple is soft, approximately 2 minutes per apple. Depending upon the size of the apple(s) used, more cooking time may be required. Continue to microwave, and check at 30-second intervals, until the apple reaches desired tenderness. 5. Remove baking dish carefully from the microwave and let the apple rest for a minute or two. 6. Place the baked apple in a bowl for serving. You can slice the baked apple before eating or simply dig in with a spoon. Just make sure to serve while the apple is still warm as a solo dessert or with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
Classic
2 tablespoons butter 2 tablespoons brown sugar ¼ teaspoon cinnamon 1 tablespoon chopped walnuts or pecans (optional) 1 tablespoon raisins (optional)
Inside-Out Caramel Apple
4 unwrapped caramel candies or 2 tablespoons caramel topping
Amelia Turkette is a senior studying professional writing. When she isn’t busy with class and working full time at MSU, she loves taking walks with her dog Bree, making a mess in the kitchen and cozying up with a cup of coffee and one of the 10 good books she’s currently reading. Catch up with her on Twitter @ amelia_turkette.w
Candy Apple
1 chocolate candy bar, chopped
Directions
1. Remove the core of the apple with a paring knife or a thin-edged spoon, leaving the bottom of the apple intact. If you prefer to skin the apple, skin it carefully with a paring knife once the core has been removed. 2. Layer your selected filling options in the center of the apple until it is completely full. If using the classic filling ingredients, mix the cinnamon and brown sugar together
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All Photos by Amelia Tuekette
GAMEing
Old Franchises, New Experiences Classic games make the jump to mobile devices with a fresh coat of paint
By Tim Snyder The video game industry is no stranger to innovation. Originally conceived as a few pixels displayed on gargantuan CRT televisions, games have since evolved into full-scale, 3D, mobile and online experiences. With the advent of smartphones over the past decade, video game developers have done everything in their power to capitalize on the mobile landscape’s massive user base. Some of them have even chosen to go back and reinvent classic titles for mobile platforms, enticing an entirely new generation of gamers. If you’re looking to add an extra dose of nostalgia to your routine, here are four major titles to get you started.
“Super Mario Run” Due to the fact that most smartphones lack physical controls such as buttons and control sticks, “Super Mario Run” took Nintendo’s flagship series in a slightly different direction. Instead of controlling Mario’s movement directly, players simply tap the screen to make him jump while he constantly runs forward. Imagine games like “Temple Run” and “Subway Surfers,” but with a lovely Nintendo twist. This sounds simplistic on the surface, but quick decisions are necessary to help Mario collect coins and avoid certain doom.
areas, town construction and character customization. This title is even playable in portrait mode, just in case a player only has one hand to spare.
“Animal Crossing: Pocket Camp” While the “Animal Crossing” franchise usually allows players to simulate life in a town filled with friendly, anthropomorphic animal townsfolk, “Animal Crossing: Pocket Camp” instead puts players in charge of, well, a camp. The app has no shortage of the series’ mainstays, from pleasant conversations with villagers to relaxing chores like fishing. Continued gameplay allows players to see their campsite and their list of friends grow and evolve. Whether you’re an aspiring decorator or a natural explorer, this title offers something addictive for everyone. Timothy Snyder is a senior studying professional writing. The writing process takes up much of his time, whether it's for school, work or recreation. He uses his remaining free time to play video games, cultivate spicy peppers in his garden and solve rudimentary problems through programming.
“Final Fantasy XV: Pocket Edition” Smartphones aren’t quite able to run the full version of “Final Fantasy XV,” so Square Enix released the pocket edition to provide a similar experience to a wider audience. With a simplified art style and a streamlined plot, the game provides an RPG experience specifically tailored to mobile devices. Fight monsters, upgrade your abilities and encounter lovable characters in this faithful contribution to a classic franchise.
yder by Tim Sn
In Todd Howard’s eternal quest to bring the “Elder Scrolls” series to every platform in existence, “The Elder Scrolls: Blades” marks the franchise’s mobile debut. The game provides an experience that fans would expect from an “Elder Scrolls” title, complete with dungeons, vast outdoor
All Photos
“The Elder Scrolls: Blades”
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LEARNing
Wait, He Was President?
Remembering ‘those other guys’ on Presidents Day 2019 By Grace Beltowski
Chester Arthur
Grover Cleveland
James Buchanan
John Tyler
George Washington, Abraham Lincoln, the Roosevelts – whenever we talk about U.S. presidents, these guys are always the first to come to mind. But what about some of the presidents who aren’t talked about as much, like James Buchanan and William McKinley? In honor of Presidents Day, which is Feb. 18, here are some fun facts about the lesser-known –and slightly forgettable ¬– presidents of the United States. Martin Van Buren: eighth president (1837–1841) Van Buren was the first president to be born a citizen of the United States. The rest of the presidents before him were all British citizens who had immigrated to the colonies before America’s independence. William Henry Harrison: ninth president (1841) At 67 years old, Harrison was the oldest president sworn into office at the time of his election, but he served one of the shortest terms at just one month. It is also said that he had the longest inaugural address in the history of U.S. presidents, lasting two full hours. John Tyler: 10th president (1841-1845) Tyler’s presidency has apparently been dubbed “His Accidency,” according to Time, because he succeeded Harrison into the White House after Harrison’s death. While this may be hard to prove, there’s pretty good evidence that White House life wasn’t for him in the fact that all but one of his Cabinet members eventually resigned. James Buchanan: 15th president (1857-1861) Buchanan remains the only president who never married. At one point, he was engaged to a woman named Anne Coleman, but the engagement was broken off just before her death in 1819. Instead of a wife, Buchanan’s niece and ward, Harriet Lane, acted as a sort of pseudo-first lady during his presidency. 18
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Marvin Van Buren
William H. Harrison
William McKinley
Chester Arthur: 21st president (1881-1885) According to Ranker, Arthur was one of the 14 presidents who were first vice presidents. Arthur became president after the murder of James Abram Garfield, who was one of four assassinated U.S. presidents, making Arthur’s presidency even more unexpected. Grover Cleveland: 22nd and 24th president (1885-1889, 1893-1897) Cleveland is the only president who served two nonconsecutive terms. He is said to have used his veto a notorious amount of times, and according to Pearson, he was even nicknamed “the human iceberg” because his personality was so cold. William McKinley: 25th president (1897-1901) The second of the lesser-known presidents who were assassinated, McKinley is famous for heading the war against Spain in 1898. This conflict ultimately led to the U.S. acquiring Puerto Rico, Guam and the Philippines. All of the information in this article was taken from Encyclopedia Britannica, except for the sources mentioned specifically above.
All Photos: Wikimedia commons
Grace Beltowski is a junior studying professional writing with a focus in editing and publishing and a minor in creative writing, so she really does not like to read or write. Her many talents include making chocolate chip pancakes, stalking her favorite YA authors on Instagram and scaring people with her inflatable dinosaur costume.
MOVing
All Photos by Pexels.com
HOW TO SURVIVE AND THRIVE AFTER A BREAKUP Build yourself up, stave off negativity and have some fun along the way By Tim Snyder This is admittedly a somber topic to cover around Valentine’s Day. Unfortunately, the big, red heart in the middle of your calendar isn’t a charm that can ward off romantic misfortune. If you recently experienced a breakup or even initiated one that simply needed to happen, you might need some impartial advice right now. As someone who has undergone rough romantic experiences and several sessions of therapy, I have a few tricks up my sleeve when it comes to matters like this. If you find yourself in distress during this allegedly romantic month, the following strategies might prove helpful.
Develop a skill or start a project “Stay busy” is a common piece of advice, but this strategy specifically asks you to practice something fun that you haven’t yet mastered. Perhaps practice an instrument, learn how to make a new recipe or write stories like your life depends on it. My personal strategy is to practice speed runs of “Super Mario 64,” but naturally you’re free to pick any activity that seems interesting. Regardless of what project you choose to undertake, the gratification you feel after a job well done will help reduce the strength of your negative emotions.
Break out of negative “loops” After a fight or breakup, it’s easy to analyze your last encounter with a person endlessly. You might wonder what you could have done differently as a million alternative scenarios unfold in your mind. These “loops,” as I have dubbed them, won’t teach you anything new about a situation. Instead, you’ll simply harm your mood and, if you relive such memories at night, your sleep schedule. If you catch yourself in this situation, make a conscious effort to think about anything else. For example, you could ask a random question about something you’re curious about, such as how airplanes work or where this magazine’s
paper came from. Envision the possible answers to your questions and look them up if you’re so inclined. This will help you disembark that negative train of thought and board a new, productive one.
Surround yourself with loved ones It’s easy to forget during this time of year, but there are so many other valuable forms of love besides romance. Time spent with your family and friends will remind you that you’re still loved and appreciated. This doesn’t require much structure; just do what makes you happy. Your family and friends might not perfectly fill the void left by a breakup (much like how a square peg doesn’t fit in a round hole), but they’ll minimize it by showing that you’re needed and wanted by many.
Be kind to yourself Life after a breakup is hard enough, and it doesn’t make sense to make it harder on yourself. Don’t berate yourself over events that weren’t even your fault in the first place. Instead, reframe such negative thoughts and learn from them. Rather than say, “I’m stupid because I did (that),” think, “(That) was a mistake, I won’t do that again, and I can prevent that from happening in the future by doing (this).” This both allows you to learn from past events and cast a specific occurrence, rather than yourself, as the antagonist. Timothy Snyder is a senior studying professional writing. The writing process takes up much of his time, whether it's for school, work or recreation. He uses his remaining free time to play video games, cultivate spicy peppers in his garden and solve rudimentary problems through programming.
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PHOTOGRAPHing
Precious Materials Rare Books and Special Collections at the MSU Library By Bridget Hanchek Where can you go to find cookbooks, comics and cuneiform receipts for sheep? Michigan State University’s Rare Books and Special Collections, of course. This library of obscure, ancient, unique or otherwise critical books and documents is nationally regarded and crucial to researchers of all fields. Besides the obvious candidates for collection, like 13th century songbooks and illuminated Bibles, the collection is also home to thousands of more modern works that are rare in different ways. These include the nationally respected collections of comics and cookbooks, which are sourced from America as well as the rest of the world. You can also find novels printed by Virginia Woolf in her own home and unique “art books” that look more like salads or underwater caves than manuscripts. Another rare item is the 1800 A.D. cuneiform tablet, on which is inscribed a receipt for livestock. You can take home your own 3D printed copy for around $5. The collection also houses connections to past MSU faculty. Dr. Shao Chang Lee was the first director of the International Center in 1944 and began the tradition of hosting tea parties for American and international students to get to know one another. He made many generous donations to the Rare Books and Special Collections, and
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his personal seal can be found on much of the Chinese material in the collection. Anyone, whether they’re affiliated with the university or not, can access the collection for free in the reading room that has recently moved to the first floor of the library. So, whether you’re looking for primary sources on Nigerian history or an alchemy manual, you’ll find it in the Rare Books and Special Collections. Visit the collection on the first floor of the library from 1-8 p.m. Sundays through Tuesdays and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Wednesdays through Fridays. Bridget Hanchek is a senior from Portland, Oregon studying professional writing and Japanese. She enjoys reading, cooking, and eating, often all at once. She spends way too much time at the library. Follow her on Twitter @behanchek.
All Photos by Bridget Hanchek
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QUIZZing
All Photos by Pexels.com
What Kind of Doughnut Are You? Find out by taking this holesome quiz By Melissa Sefernick Sometimes you just have to treat yourself. February is American Heart Month, so it’s important to make sure that you’re doing everything you can to take care of your body – including eating healthy. Despite this, life can be stressful, and it’s important to splurge and celebrate every now and then. Even if you don’t necessarily have a major sweet tooth, there are few simpler treats than the doughnut, and sometimes it can be fun to imagine: What kind of doughnut would you be? Answer the questions below to find out. How tall are you? A. Why don’t you ask this step stool? B. I’m pretty short, yeah. C. Average. D. I can help you reach things, if you want. E. I identify as a giraffe. Are you vegan? A. Vegan and proud! B. Vegetarian here! C. I’ll eat some meat, but only certain types. D. Currently chewing on a beefy burrito. E. I am practically a carnivore. 22
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Would you say you are a particularly boring person? A. I’m significantly cooler than I appear, but I wouldn’t say I’m the coolest person ever. B. I’m somewhere in the middle. C. Beige is the only color I look good in and I hate parties. D. I have more friends than you could ever even dream of. E. Not paying attention, I’m too busy being the coolest. Do you identify as LGBTQ? A. I’m not entirely sure how I identify, and I’m OK with that. B. I’m bisexual. C. I’m straight as an arrow! D. I am very gay, whatever that means to me specifically. E. My sexuality is none of your business, quiz-maker. What is your favorite season? A. Spring. B. Fall. C. Summer. D. Whichever season I can relax the most in. E. Winter.
Do you exercise often? A. Daily! B. I work out pretty frequently. C. It’s been a while. Maybe I better hit the gym. D. I seldom work out. E. What exactly does “exercise” mean? I’m unfamiliar.
What Kind of Doughnut Are You? Mostly A’s: Vegan blueberry doughnut. Mostly B’s: Cinnamon sugar doughnut. Mostly C’s: Plain doughnut.
What’s your favorite hobby? A. I cook. B. Is Netflix a hobby? C. I collect things. D. I’m pretty artistic. E. I make music.
Mostly D’s: Frosted doughnut with sprinkles. Mostly E’s: Long john.
WALK
TM
REGISTER NOW!
April 28, 2019 Cooley Law School Stadium komenmichigan.org
We’ve been hard at work creating the next evolution in the history of the Race for the Cure – the Susan G. Komen MORE THAN PINK Walk! With a fresh new look, this experience is sure to energize our community around the life-saving work your support makes possible.
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BUDGETing
IMPORTANCE OF STAYING HEALTHY Tips to Keep Yourself Healthy During Your College Years By Deidre Davis When there is not enough time in the day to get everything done, the first thing that often goes out the window is health. With these tips on how to stay fit in college, you will be able to reduce stress and stay healthy so you can make the most of your time at school.
Hydrate
Hydration is the first step to maintaining optimum health throughout your life. The benefits water provides to the body are endless. Consider carrying a water bottle wherever you go so you will be more aware of hydrating throughout the day.
Snack healthy
Between late-night studying, weekend nights out and your class schedule, snacking is inevitable. Stocking up on healthy grab-and-go munchies – such as string cheese, trail mix, nuts, dried fruit and pretzels – makes it easier to avoid binging on unhealthy snacks.
Sleep more
Although it’s not easy to do with a busy college schedule, allowing yourself to sleep for the proper amount of time provides many benefits to your overall health. Plus, sleep strengthens your immune system, which can help prevent illness.
Work out regularly
Schedule time to work out each week. Finding someone to exercise with you can help you stay on track. Take advantage of free gym memberships, fitness classes and on-campus events throughout the year. Consider going for a walk or run on one of the many trails around the beautiful Michigan State University campus. 24
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Take precautions
It is important to be proactive when it comes to your health. Getting an annual flu shot, washing your hands regularly, carrying hand sanitizer and staying in your dorm room or apartment if you are not feeling well can make a difference in keeping you healthy and shortening illnesses.
Manage stress
Stress is part of life. and destressing is crucial to maintaining a healthy lifestyle. Stress can be responsible for unhealthy eating habits, headaches, lack of motivation to work out and a weakened immune system. Working out regularly as well as having an organized schedule and getting enough sleep can help relieve stress. Another area that causes stress may be managing your finances. Many financial institutions offer a variety of products and services to help you manage your funds and save for future adventures, such as study abroad, a car or a spring-break trip. Michigan State University Federal Credit Union has three branches and 40 ATMs on MSU’s campus for convenient account access. Its mobile app allows members to monitor their accounts, pay bills, transfer funds, and apply for credit cards and loans. For more information, visit msufcu.org. Deidre Davis is the chief marketing officer at MSU Federal Credit Union. MSUFCU’s headquarters are at 3777 West Road East Lansing, MI 48823. Contact Deidre at deidre.davis@msufcu.org or (517) 664-7877.
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