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A FRESH TAKE ON MARCH A letter from the editor

March 20 will mark the first day of spring, and you’ve probably already heard your friends utter the classic warmer-weather cliché: it’s time for spring cleaning. Some people interpret this in the literal sense. These are the people who will ransack their apartments armed with elbow-high rubber gloves and all-purpose spray. Others will scrub away bad habits and subpar friends in an effort to remove the toxins from their minds that, along with their puffy jackets, weighed them down during the winter season. And though it may be oversaid, ing Magazine encourages you to embrace both of these methods because having a fresh, clean take on the world is a healthy way to move forward this spring. March seems to embody the ever-changing “green” spirit that lingers on MSU’s campus no matter the weather. Students emerge from their hibernations clad in kelly green to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day and the return of the warm sun on their backs as they walk to class. The dynamic energy at MSU intensifies and inspires students to pursue social change. As we navigate a divisive atmosphere stretching over the country, social change feels more important than ever. Since the name ing Magazine itself denotes continuous action, we decided to refresh our content with topics that we hope motivate you to take part in the excitement. In the spirit of going green for March, we’ve compiled a list of eco-friendly brands, interviewed Spartans who live sustainable lifestyles and talked to the lead researcher on the MSU solar panel project. If you close this magazine and don’t have a fresh perspective on a range of relevant topics, we will definitely be surprised. However, ing Magazine is proud of its diverse audience, which is why this issue encompasses the countless cultures that MSU has helped cultivate. We tackle sports (hello, March Madness), run into Playmakers and showcase art, but more importantly, we discover the many backgrounds of MSU students that we are excited to celebrate. Our cover story delves into the Holi Festival, a Hindu celebration of colors and love. In this issue, you’ll also find fresh, locally grown food, new inventive recipes and relaxing ideas for your necessary participation in Sleep Awareness Month. With that, let us leave you with a couple more clichés: it’s easy to let the frigid winter months leave you down in the dumps, but ing Magazine hopes that our March issue helps you spring into action with a fresh perspective, on and off campus. Danielle Schwartz is a junior studying English and professional writing. When she’s not writing or taking pictures of her dog, you can usually find her eating a veggie burger or drinking her daily English Breakfast tea. See her dog pics on Instagram at @danielleeilleen. 2

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614 Seymour Avenue, Lansing, MI 48933 Phone: 517.203.0123 • Fax: 517.203.3334 PUBLISHER Tiffany Dowling SALES MANAGER Jennifer Hodges ACCOUNT MANAGERS Austin Ashley Megan Fleming Manny Garcia MEDIA SPECIALIST Jill Bailey EDITOR Kelly Mazurkiewicz ART DIRECTOR Mark Warner COMMUNICATIONS MANAGER Ami Iceman GRAPHIC DESIGNER Nikki Nicolaou WEB MANAGER Skylar Kohagen DIGITAL CONTENT EDITOR Jessica Gibbons WRITERS Chloe Becker Cynthia Bezinque Hannah Bullion Reyna Hurand Em McCullough Nitish Pahwa Emily Reyst Danielle Schwartz Hannah Shaneberger Jonathan Shead EDITORS Leah Boelkins Holly Bronson Sam Fegan Veronica Finniss Jessica Gibbons Amanda Kimmen Diana Nicoletti Allie Wilson SOCIAL MEDIA Hannah Bullion Veronica Finniss Em McCullough Hannah Shaneberger Allie Wilson

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CONTENTS march ON THE COVER 14 HOLI HAI

FEATURing 4 IZZO SHINES IN MARCH 6 MSU’S SOLAR ENERGY PROJECT 8 STUDENT ART SPOTLIGHT

HAPPENing

16 MSU’S GUIDE FOR GETTING THE JOB

17 “ANY DISTANCE ANY PACE” WITH PLAYMAKERS

IN THIS ISSUE 10 LIVing 11 COOKing 18 RELAXing 19 TRENDing 20 EATing 22 PHOTOGRAPHing 24 SHOWing

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8 3

FEATURing be March without the excitement that surrounds March Madness. Despite the harrowing upset the Spartans were handed in last year’s March Madness tournament, many Spartan fans remain optimistic about our team’s chances this year. As many Izzone members say, “Izzo shines in March.” Rhiannon Pavlinac, a senior human biology major, and also known in the Izzone as the girl in the pizza suit, has been an Izzone member for the past four years.

Spartan basketball fans Dan Stephens (left), Rhiannon Pavlinac & Elena Petrovich attend a Spartan basketball game at the Breslin Center. Photo courtesy of Rhiannon Pavlinac

IZZO SHINES

IN MARCH MSU basketball fans remain hopeful BY JONATHAN SHEAD

There is one thing every Spartan can agree on: March is the month

of basketball. For many Spartan basketball fans, it simply wouldn’t

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“My first three years in the Izzone we barely ever lost any games,” said Pavlinac. “And now it’s hit or miss whether we win. And I think a lot of it has to do with the fact that we have a lot of freshmen … I don’t think we’ve come together fully.” Elena Petrovick, a junior arts and humanities major, who has been an Izzone member all three years she’s been a Spartan, also mentioned the team’s young age as a factor in how they’ve been playing and what that means for their tournament chances. “It always feels like we start off rough. It always just feels like that in the beginning because that’s just how Izzo plays his guys — he tries a bunch of different things, but the

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MARCH 2017

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roughness has not been alleviated yet,” she said. Petrovick believes the team could still surprise people and be a “dark horse.” They have the talent, but they have to actually make it to the tournament first. Scott Kolasa, a senior criminal justice major and four-year Izzone member, agrees that the team has the talent to go far in this year’s tournament. However, he thinks the players lack the “killer instinct” to play strong until the end and to win games. Despite Kolasa’s concerns, he still has faith in the Spartans and believes they’ll go pretty far this March. Nonetheless, he always prepares for the unexpected during March Madness, because you never know when an upset like last year can occur.

“With the tournament, it’s really just a crapshoot. You gotta go in there and act like you’re gonna lose, cause if you don’t, you’ll get upset like we did last year,” said Kolasa. “I would expect them to go to the Sweet 16 if they go to the tournament though.” Pavlinac isn’t as optimistic about the Spartan’s chances in this year’s tournament as Kolasa. She’s still picking MSU to win it all on her bracket, but she knows that isn’t realistic. “I would say [we’ll] probably win the first and second round, and then it’ll be a struggle from there. So I don’t really see us winning from there, but who knows what could happen.” On the other hand, Petrovick is split down the middle. She’s preparing for the worst, but hoping for the best.

“I think we could make it to the Sweet 16,” she said. “I think it depends on who we play, obviously. But it’s Izzo and it’s March, so who knows; I think we could go pretty far.” No matter how the Spartans’ regular season record ends up and no matter where they end up on this year’s bracket, Spartan basketball fans remain as optimistic in our ability to win the tournament this year, just as they have every other year. Jonathan Shead is a senior studying professional writing and journalism. Outside of writing for ing, he also writes for Impact 89FM, MSU’s student-run radio. His passions include music, custard-filled donuts and basketball. When he’s not writing or talking to sources he can be found playing NBA 2k16 with his roommate or exploring the documentary section of Netflix.

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FEATURing

MSU’S SOLAR

ENERGY PROJECT Shedding light on the climate crisis BY REYNA HURAND

Imagine being able to charge your phone simply by walking outside. Better yet, picture an entire building powered by sunlight. A research team at Michigan State University has developed an innovative technology that’s bringing us one step closer to a more sustainable world: transparent solar panels. The team was searching for a cheaper and more efficient way to utilize solar energy. Their result was transparent luminescent solar concentrators (TLSCs), which are devices that can be placed over windows. This is quite the breakthrough, especially since the unappealing aesthetics of solar technology are often criticized. Technologies like TLSCs are able to create energy without obstructing anyone’s view; it would be like looking through an ordinary window.

“The key was in developing materials and devices that harvest invisible light, namely the infrared and ultraviolet parts of the solar spectrum, and convert it to electricity,” said Richard Lunt, associate professor and materials scientist at MSU. “Because the materials do not absorb in the visible spectrum, they look exceptionally transparent to the human eye, like a clear piece of glass.” Renewable energy is particularly advantageous when it comes to protecting our environment. Solar power doesn’t rely on the burning of fossil fuels, which is one of the major causes of climate change. You may have heard of something called the Greenhouse Effect. Although it is a natural and beneficial process, carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases released into the atmosphere have the ability to trap heat, resulting in quicker warming of our planet. According to scientific journal BioScience, the United States is facing major energy shortages due to increasing consumption of fossil fuels, and reducing this consumption could slow the rate of global warming. Not only is this technology better for our environment, it also leaves room for even more innovation. “You can think about deploying this anywhere: windows, tall buildings, sunroofs, greenhouses, electric automobiles and mobile electronics,” said Lunt. “They could be all around us without us even knowing, turning our cityscapes into solar farms.”

Photo from msutoday.msu.edu

A transparent luminescent solar concentrator module. 6

MARCH 2017

Students at MSU are also passionate about the environment. We are all too familiar with the phrase “go green.” Individual actions such as recycling and saving energy help, but new ideas and collaboration are key.

“We have a limited amount of resources,” said environmental sustainability major Charlotte Beers. “I think it’s essential to implement renewable energy. It has to be done.” Beers also expressed her support of MSU’s Solar Energy Project. “I think it’s really cool,” said Beers. “I think any new ways to make renewable energy happen is a good thing.” Traditional solar panels

However, change doesn’t always come easy; implementing solar power has some drawbacks. For instance, sunlight is intermittent and solar cells will be less efficient at night. Another problem is the political climate; with various government officials skeptical of climate change, it’s going to be more challenging to persuade them to invest in sustainable practices.

When voices are silenced, it’s easy to feel angry and powerless. But the key is taking that anger and turning it into action. Change doesn’t happen without new ideas and innovation, and projects such as MSU’s Transparent Solar Cells are what will lead us in the right direction: to a cleaner, more sustainable future.

Regarding the obstacles, Lunt has some advice for those feeling sad or helpless.

To learn more about renewable energy, other sustainable practices and how you can get involved, visit bespartangreen.msu.edu.

“First and foremost, do not lose hope! Everyone can play a role and can get engaged. For example, you can contact your congressmen and urge them to support renewable energy and funding for renewable energy research,” he said.

Reyna Hurand is a junior studying professional writing. You can usually find her curled up with a good book, her two adorable dogs and a hot cup of coffee. To learn more, you can follow her on Twitter and Instagram @reynasblogxo.

WE ALL HAVE A STORY… No matter where you find yourself in your story, you have a place at Trinity @trinitywired 517-272-3820 www.trinitywired.com 3355 Dunckel Road, Lansing, MI 48911

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FEATURing

STUDENT ART

SPOTLIGHT

Putting the ART in SpARTans BY HANNAH BULLION & CHLOE BECKER

CHLOE JENNINGS

attention and appreciate it, even if it’s just for a moment,” Jennings said. Many of her creative designs relate to pop culture topics she’s most interested in or inspired by.

Work by Chloe Jennings Senior graphic design major Chloe Jennings is no stranger to the world of art. Experienced in both digital and paint, she’s had the creative itch since high school. Most recently, she was awarded second place for her design in a mural competition for Panda Express. You can find her work on display on the back wall of Panda Express, located on Grand River and Division Street.

Jennings is in it for the long haul as a graphic designer. “My dream career is working in a small graphic design studio that focuses on branding and print. I love working with local companies and organizations. Ideally, I’d love to do some freelance on the side,” Jennings said. Currently, she works for the College of Arts and Letters’ Marketing and Communications office as a graphic design intern and continues to work on as many passion projects as possible.

Leaning more as a graphic designer than a painter, Jennings loves the readability of digital. “A perk of digital is the printing process. I’m taking a few classes at MSU about the various ways of printing digital illustrations or designs like letterpress and screen printing,” Jennings said.

View more of her work at chloedaven.com.

The most important aspect of her work is connecting viewers to her design. “I want to have it catch their

Having caught the artistic itch as well, first-year graduate student Megan Yasick turns to acrylic paints and canvases to express her creativity. Before she could even hold a brush, Yasick watched her mother paint and became more and more fascinated by Painting by Megan Yasick art until she was one day able to create her own. Since then, Yasick has caught the creative flu, covering more than half of her home in colorful canvases.

Graphic Designer

Work by Chloe Jennings

MARCH 2017

Planning to graduate in December 2017, Jennings hopes to take some time off of work to pursue ideas she’s had stored up in her “little idea book” and take on some freelance work for play money.

MEGAN YASICK Painter

Rather than going to school for the arts, Yasick graduated from Michigan State University with a degree in interdisciplinary

studies and is now in the graduate program for communicative sciences and disorders. She is aiming toward a career in speech-language pathology for people with special needs, and has a particular interest in autism. While this line of work may seem unrelated to painting, Yasick says that her artwork has helped her tremendously in her field, as it encourages her to come up with different and inventive strategies at work.

find new, creative solutions to address a behavioral, language or speech problem.” She describes her hobby as a parallel between her personal life and professional life. “Challenges are rewarding to me, and my job and my art both provide that for me,” she said. Outside of work, painting continues to be a huge stress reliever for Yasick and a much appreciated break from her hectic schedule. She has previously done freelance paintings but prefers to keep her hobby as mainly that — a hobby.

“I’ve always liked painting because in my head, it’s like a puzzle I have to transfer on canvas for others to see and understand,” Yasick described. “Work can be challenging or present new challenges I haven’t encountered before and I have to

Painting by Megan Yasick

Hannah Bullion is a junior professional writing major with an interest in all things new media. She hopes to flee the Midwest and pursue a career in fashion in New York City. She is also the social media director for MSU’s fashion and lifestyle publication, VIM Magazine and an intern for the College of Arts & Letters. Keep up with her on Twitter (@hannahmbullion) and Instagram (@hannahbullion).

Naturally artistic or not, Yasick encourages all individuals to find some type of creative outlet. “Art is good for the brain!”

Chloe Becker is a senior professional writing student with a concentration in environmental studies and biology. She’s well versed in the works of Edgar Allan Poe, as well as the lore of World of Warcraft. Keep up with her (and her pets) on Instagram at @chlopbeck.

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REFRESH YOUR SHOPPING LIST A guide to buying affordable, crueltyfree and eco-friendly products BY DANIELLE SCHWARTZ

As concerns about climate change and planet preservation increase, much of the world has become passionate about restocking their shelves with products sold by companies that cater to the environment and its needs.

Not Your Mother’s only has three products that aren’t vegan. Smith loves their award-winning curly hair products, and dry shampoo has become a staple in many girls’ haircare routines.

Kristi Pollum and Robin Smith, two seniors in the Residential College of Arts and Humanities (RCAH) program, have long been conscious of their purchases regarding animals and the environment. In high school, they realized that the goods and services they spent their money on sent a message to the companies that provided them.

Makeup

The two changed their diets to exclude meat and began to put their money where their mouths were; they decided to buy cruelty-free and eco-friendly. In collaboration with Pollum and Smith, ing Magazine has created your new wish list: a compilation of hygiene and household items that fulfill your needs, but more importantly, the needs of the Earth and its many creatures.

Skin Care

Yes To offers optimal options for almost any skin type. Their ingredients say it all; the brand is natural. The brand also has a line of products for men, including natural shaving creams and facial soaps. Oxy provides powerful cleansers, wipes and other products that not only fight acne, but animal testing too. Their products still boast dermatologist testing and top ingredients, but their affordability sets them apart from competitors.

Hair Care

Lush is the inventor of the shampoo bar, a unique soap that saves water and energy with each use. Promoting eco-friendly practices is part of their business motto; 89 percent of their packaging is recycled, and they provide discounts for those who bring their empty packages back to the store. 10

MARCH 2017

Though Smith said that Wet n Wild Beauty “used to be the first makeup you bought just to mess around with in middle school,” their quality has increased in the past few years. The brand has remained true to its philosophy of providing affordable and cruelty-free products. Urban Decay is a major favorite of both Pollum and Smith, though they acknowledged how controversial the brand has become following its purchase by L’oreal, who does test on animals.

Laundry & Cleaning Supplies

Method is on a “cruelty-free mission” and they sell “naturallyderived, biodegradable, non-toxic household cleaners, laundry supplies, personal care and soap.” Method sells a unique, concentrated laundry detergent that allows you to use less soap with each wash. Seventh Generation believes that “every day is a new opportunity to care for the next seven generations.” Pollum recommended their scent-free laundry detergent for those who have allergies, but the brand sells a wide array of green household products. For a more complete list of cruelty-free and eco-friendly products, refer to PETA’s search engine on peta.org. Danielle Schwartz is a junior studying English and professional writing. When she’s not writing or taking pictures of her dog, you can usually find her eating a veggie burger or drinking her daily English Breakfast tea. See her dog pics on Instagram at @danielleeilleen.

Photo by Cynthia Bezinque

COOKing

EASY KEY LIME PIE A bite of spring for the winter-weary BY CYNTHIA BEZINQUE

Looking for a bit of color to help lighten up the dreary weather outside? ing Magazine has just the recipe for you: Key lime pie! A uniquely American dessert, it originated in the West Florida Keys around the late 1800s. A cook named Aunt Sally is reported to have created the original recipe with egg yolks, sweetened condensed milk and Key lime juice. While there are other theories to the pie’s origin story, most are happy to give Aunt Sally the credit.

INGREDIENTS Graham Cracker Crust: • 1 ½ cups finely ground Graham cracker crumbs • ⅓ cup white sugar • 6 tablespoons butter, melted • ½ teaspoon cinnamon (optional for more flavor) Key Lime Filling • 3 cups sweetened condensed milk • ½ cup sour cream • ¾ cup Key lime juice • 1 tablespoon grated lime zest

DIRECTIONS Graham Cracker Crust 1. Preheat the oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit. 2. Mix Graham cracker crumbs, sugar, melted butter and cinnamon until well blended in a medium sized

This recipe is the best for anyone working off of a food budget but who still wants to treat themselves to something special. The slightly tart flavor from the Key lime pie is a great way to re-introduce oneself to the coming of warmer weather and certain March traditions of green-hued garb and decorations. Wow your friends and family with this deliciously refreshing treat at your next St. Patrick’s Day party! bowl. Press the mixture into an 8 or 9 inch pie plate. 3. Bake for seven minutes. Remove and cool. Key Lime Filling 1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. 2. In a medium bowl, combine condensed milk, sour cream, lime juice and lime zest. Mix well and pour into graham cracker crust. 3. Bake in preheated oven for 5-8 minutes, until tiny pinhole bubbles burst on the surface of pie (make sure it doesn’t brown). 4. Chill pie thoroughly before serving. Garnish with lime slices and whipped cream if desired. Yields 8 servings. Cynthia Bezinque is a senior studying professional writing with a minor in documentary production. When she isn’t working on video production she loves to sew, make stained glass projects and read. Board game nights are a thing in her family. MYINGMAG.COM

MARCH 2017

MYINGMAG.COM

I L HO COVERing

! I A H G N I R P S S T E E GR Y A D I L O H N A I AN IND OLOR

C F O S R E WITH SHOW BY NITISH PAHWA

All is quiet in the village square. A soft breeze blows, gently caressing the plants in the windowsills, slightly quivering the hanging clotheslines. The sun is bright and hot, almost unbearably so. Not one person is to be found — all sound is faint, all movement nonexistent. That is, until the jubilant cry travels through the streets: “Holi Hai!” Out springs the flock, clad in white, armed with fistfuls of colors. The people race toward each other with glee, smearing paints and powders of every imaginable hue onto each other’s faces. As they play on, the air becomes misty with faint tints of the tossed colors, covering the carefree participants in a lustrous mist. So begins Holi, a euphoric spring greeting captured in vibrant Technicolor. Each year on the day following March’s Purnima (full moon), friends and family come together to welcome the new season, celebrate the triumph of good over evil and most importantly, share a longstanding tradition of love and affection with their community. While this iridescent festival is an ancient staple of the Hindu tradition, it has long enraptured the imaginations of citizens all over the world. 14

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A COLORFUL HISTORY

Holi has a rich cultural background. Mentioned within the pages of ancient Sanskrit literature, defining practices of the festival have been documented as far back as the fourth century. Holi is now regarded as a global festival, and traces of its customs can be found in popular events such as the Color Run. The central concept of Holi stems from Indian mythology. The roots of the holiday are based from the tale of King Hiranyakashipu, a malicious demon king who ruled the city of Multan, Punjab. Hiranyakashipu, immersed in supreme power, demanded the complete worship of his subjects. The kingdom’s sole dissenter was his son, Prahlada, who had pledged himself to the divine deity Lord Vishnu. Enraged by this, Hiranyakashipu asked his sister, Holika, to kill Prahlada. Holika attempted to lead Prahlada into a burning pyre, but Vishnu intervened and protected Prahlada, leaving the evil Holika to burn to death. The tale, while macabre, symbolizes the victory of our purest self.

Across the world, families and friends join together to celebrate Holi, a festival of joy and unity. Photo courtesy of Sunita Lal

“All of the demons of the legends represent our ego and our sins,” explained Panditji Srihari Kadambi, a priest at the Bharatiya Temple of Lansing. “Holika represents our bad attitudes, and our holiday celebrates the burning out of our bad desires.”

LANSING’S LITTLE HOLI

Holi is an especially popular holiday in Lansing. The Bharatiya Temple hosts the area’s most prominent Holi festivities. “We have been celebrating [Holi] here in our temple every year for the past 15-20 years,” said Mathi Ramachandran, president of the Bharatiya Temple’s board of directors. “We usually get around 200 people at each of our functions. But you cannot count that number now, for our community is growing every year.” The Bharatiya Temple tends to celebrate Holi in the traditional manner. On the first morning of spring, known as Basant Ritu, devotees from all over the state gather inside the temple for a havan, or small fire, to signify Holika Dahan (the death of Holika). After chanting mantras around the fire, the devotees regroup outside to merrily splash each other with heaps of color. Panditji Kadambi prefers “dry Holi” — using powders instead of paints and colored water. For this year’s festival, Ramachandran plans on going bigger. He wants to cover the floors and walls of the temple with white sheets so that participants can safely play inside without ruining the temple’s decor. Ramachandran is also considering extending the celebration to two nights, as per traditional Hindu custom. The first night would exclusively feature the havan, and the next day would be dedicated to the merriment. The temple has further expanded their outreach efforts within the region, inviting all locals interested in the holiday. “We have now started involving MSU students. We reach out to different MSU student unions by sending out mail and distributing our information to them,” explained Ramachandran. “Lansing also has many organizations here, like the Telegu Association and the Tamil Association. They’re based in the southern part of India, so they don’t really celebrate Holi. Still, if we talk to them, they will participate with us.”

RAINBOW CONNECTION

While Holi is primarily a staple of northern India, it is by no means an exclusive festivity. Rather, it is a joyous call for harmony. “Holi is very much rooted in Hinduism. But at the same time, during moments of conflict — particularly religious conflict — it has become a symbol of unity,” explained Soma Chaudhuri, a professor in the MSU College of Social Science. “People of all religions come together to play Holi. It has this universal message of love and celebration.” At its core, Holi is an invitation to disregard all temporal differences and welcome the season with unabashed joy. Ramachandran emphasized the power of Holi as a beacon of positivity. “Sometimes we call it the festival of the sharing of love. We gather, meet, forgive, forget, make friendships, build broken bridges and be happy.” Rohan Kulkarni, a freshman computer science major, looks forward to reuniting with loved ones during the holiday. “My favorite part about Holi is getting together with all the people I haven’t seen in awhile,” he said. “It’s a good excuse to get the family together.” Rohan also anticipates the holiday as a harbinger of the seasonal shift. “It’s the start of good weather,” he said. “You can start having fun and doing things outside again.” If you’re looking for a fun, fresh way to embrace spring, consider joining your friends or your local temple in celebrating Holi this month. This year, Holi falls on March 12-13. Feel free to revel in the colorful ceremonies while embracing the diversity and culture of your local community. Nitish Pahwa is a senior majoring in professional writing with a concentration in editing and publishing. He is passionate about the arts and has written about music and culture for various websites and publications. He owns way too many books and CDs, but somehow it’s never enough. Follow him on Twitter @pahwa_nitish. MYINGMAG.COM

HAPPENing

from their employees and how they operate can give students a leg up when it comes to introducing themselves on the day of the fair. “The first initial question is always going to be the most awkward, so having the confidence of [knowing] what you’re looking for is key. And once you talk to that first employer, the ball will get rolling and the rest will be easy,” said Gring. Morgan also stressed the importance of being prepared, explaining that the students who go in with prior research typically end up with summer internships and jobs when the career fair is over.

Scott Gring (left), a career peer with Career Services, helps a student with their resume. Photo by Jonathan Shead

MSU’S GUIDE FOR GETTING THE JOB Career Services gives us the inside scoop on how to search for and secure a summer job or internship without all the added stress BY JONATHAN SHEAD

Whether you’re an adventurous young freshman, just getting familiar with the countless opportunities MSU has to offer, or a graduating senior clinging on to the last bit of the college experiences you have left before the real world. For many of us, thinking about and trying to plan out the future can be extremely daunting and stressful. The thought that 3,000 other students around you are also vying for the same jobs and internships doesn’t help alleviate any of the stress either. Luckily as MSU students we are offered numerous opportunities and resources from Career Services that help us prepare for career fairs. In case you missed any of these opportunities, we sat down and talked with Bill Morgan, a career 16

MARCH 2017

services coordinator, and Scott Gring, a career peer with Career Services, to get their advice on how students should prepare for the upcoming summer jobs and internship career fair on March 14 at the Breslin Center, and the inevitable job search that lies ahead. Gring, who helps students with their resumes and interview skills, explained it’s never too early to start thinking about jobs, internships and what you want to do after college. “The opportunity to talk to employers, even if they’re only looking for juniors and seniors, is still a good opportunity to hone in your skills,” said Gring. He explains, however, that before talking to employers, students should definitely do their homework. Knowing what the company expects

Another important item Morgan mentioned to prepare is your resume. Whether your resume is just a bunch of bullet points on a napkin or only in need of a few tweaks, Morgan explained that students should be constantly trying to seek out advice and improve their resumes so it accurately reflects who they want to be as professionals. He added that students should know what’s on their resume and be able to talk about their different experiences. “It’s your story, and you need to be able to tell your story,” said Morgan. “When you walk up to somebody at a career event, you need a short introduction … as to who you are and where you’re heading.” The last advice Morgan wanted to leave students with is this: “Don’t put all your eggs in one basket.” Don’t feel discouraged if you find yourself walking out of a career fair without an interview or job. There are plenty of other resources offered by Career Services, including their online job site Handshake, that help students find their dream job. Jonathan Shead is a senior studying professional writing and journalism. Outside of writing for Ing Magazine he also writes for Impact 89FM, MSU’s student-run radio. His passions include music, custard-filled donuts and basketball. When he’s not writing or talking to sources he can be found playing NBA 2k16 with his roommate or exploring the documentary section of Netflix.

HAPPENing

Accountability, motivation and camaraderie will make you want to run

BY EMILY REYST

Playmakers in Okemos, just east of MSU, is a running store that doesn’t simply sell the apparel and the footwear; they also help you do the training. “Any Distance Any Pace” is one of their training groups — a title they truly embody. Team members range from fast to not-so-fast; there are sub-six minute milers and 20 minutes per mile walkers, ultra marathoners and 5k racers. There are seasoned runners and first-timers; there are young teens that come with their parents, and then there is Don, an 83-year-old gentleman who completed the 10k at Bayshore last year and is an inspiration to the team. The smiles, laughter and warm embraces of Team Playmakers are enough to make anyone excited to run, even on Saturday mornings. At 7:30 a.m. team members start to trickle into the Playmakers facility. Despite differing abilities, team members have a lot in common. They care about setting goals, helping each other and building friendships — all integral to establishing the group’s sense of community. Johnson, a 40-year-old health and fitness coach and proud mom, first joined the team in 2011 to train for a race. She went on to become a pacer, then an assistant coach and is now a head coach for the team. “It’s about helping people get to whatever goal they want to get to. For some it’s completing a 5k, but for others it’s getting faster at a specific distance, or increasing the distance. We have, myself included, Boston marathoners on the team, ultramarathoners, and we have a group that is so encouraging—they meet separately on Sunday mornings to run trails.” Corey Baker, a 47-year-old child and family psychologist, joined the team in 2007 to train for a half-marathon. Now he is a pacer and particularly enjoys racing the 50k (about 31 miles). Why does he keep coming back?

“The camaraderie and the people. Once you get up to a certain physical level, you can train anywhere, but you can’t always have the people around you,” said Baker. “And there’s a great bunch of people that run here.” The sense of community doesn’t disappear after practice. Baker helps out his teammates during their races too. Runners who need a boost will often pay the entry fee for Baker so he can pace them. “That is one of the most rewarding things,” said Baker. “It’s so neat to see someone doing their first marathon or half marathon, ultra distance or whatever distance they’ve tasked me to help them with,” said Baker. “You get to know people really closely when you’re working with them for up to 18 weeks.” Janet McDuffey was fairly new to running when she joined the team in 2010. “I wanted to meet other people that ran as slow as I did, and become a better runner,” said McDuffey. “I love the people, I love the encouragement of the group, I love what playmakers is doing in the community.” Johnson, Baker and McDuffey all joined at different times and with different abilities, but they all stayed for the same reasons: the motivation, the accountability and the camaraderie. Emily Reyst is a senior majoring in professional writing. Outside of writing for ING, she interns for the Broad College of Business Marketing team and the Women’s Center of Greater Lansing. She was once hit by an airborne pizza box while driving her moped. Follow her on social media for updates in real time. Twitter: @ accio_avocado Instagram: emilyreyst MYINGMAG.COM

Photo by Emily Reyst

“ANY DISTANCE ANY PACE” WITH PLAYMAKERS

RELAXing

You snooze, you lose…

The grogginess and bags under your eyes, that is BY CHLOE BECKER

When they told you you’d meet your closest friends in college, you probably didn’t think they were talking about coffee, energy drinks and the receptionist who works the midnight shift at the library. If you wake up in the morning already wanting a nap, you’re not alone. As college students, we’re familiar with all-nighters and caffeine with each meal. However, especially with midterms creeping in, it’s imperative that we take a second to address just how important sleep actually is. The time we spend snoozing is the time our bodies do their recharging. While you’re asleep dreaming of Jalen WattsJackson’s game-winning touchdown against Michigan, your body is putting in overtime, catering to your health from the inside out. Sleep aids in memory, alertness, problem solving, decreased risk of many diseases and emotional well-being. On top of that, a good night’s sleep also elicits a better physical appearance, with fresherlooking skin and brighter eyes. For college students, a full eight hours of sleep can seem a little ambitious. There are only 24 hours in a day, filled with classes, jobs, internships and sports practices among other things. Even though we should aim towards a complete night’s sleep each day, most studies agree that while frequent naps shouldn’t take the place of a full sleep, short snoozes reap most of the same rewards as an eight-hour-long slumber. 18

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For the most effective catnap, you should doze off for somewhere between ten to ninety minutes. A tenminute power nap provides a quick burst of energy and alertness, while seasoned nappers can actually go through one full REM cycle during a ninety-minute rest. This means they go from the lightest to deepest stages of sleep and back again, leaving them feeling almost completely refreshed. Schedule permitting, naps should be taken between noon and 3 p.m., so not to interfere with regular sleep cycles. Napping and regulated sleep also help diminish caffeine dependencies, which can lead to accelerated heart rate, irritability and other negative side effects. With less caffeine, you may also notice your wallet feeling heavier with all the money you’re probably saving on Starbucks. As if you needed an excuse to sleep any more, March 13 is National Nap Day, so go ahead and celebrate! Press snooze one more time! Make up for all those naps you refused in preschool! Stop counting the number of things you have to do and start counting sheep, because after all, if you don’t sleep, how can your dreams ever come true? Chloe Becker is a senior professional writing student with a concentration in environmental studies and biology. She’s well versed in the works of Edgar Allan Poe, as well as the lore of World of Warcraft. Keep up with her (and her pets) on Instagram at @chlopbeck.

TRENDing

SUSTAINABLE SPARTANS BY HANNAH BULLION

Here at ing Magazine, we are interested in looking at sustainability in everyday life. We wanted to know: “What does it really mean to live sustainably?” Living sustainably can mean being as extreme as participating in a waste free lifestyle or simply changing your methods of transportation, consumption or diet. SUSTAINABLE SPARTANS Michigan State University’s campus has been working toward a more a sustainable infrastructure with the university-wide engagement campaign: Be Spartan Green. Additionally, students are taking their own strides toward a more mindful use of the Earth’s resources. Marissa Saldivia, junior Spanish and communications major, has been a vegan for almost two years. “Being vegan has added such a greater purpose to my life as well as making me healthier and happier,” she said. On top of going vegan, she’s recently decided to stop using plastic bags at the grocery store. “I’ve been bringing my own bags, which is decreasing my [carbon] footprint on this earth,” said Saldivia. Another Spartan, sophomore interior design major and beauty enthusiast Emily Marquette, has been leaning toward vegan and cruelty free makeup products rather than her usual favorites. “Many countries that produce these products are required by law to test on animals before people, and that really disappoints me,” she said. On top of using vegan and cruelty free products, Marquette has also been working toward not wasting

products and has been actively trying to “hit the pan,” a phrase used by conscious beauty enthusiasts that simply means using all of a product before purchasing different or newer versions. SMALL STEPS TOWARD SUSTAINABILITY Taking steps toward a greener, more sustainable lifestyle doesn’t require a complete overhaul. There are plenty of easy day-to-day changes you can make such as: • Eating less animal by-products (meat, dairy) • Walking or taking public transportation to work/class • Swapping out beauty and home products for cruelty free/vegan products • Recycling whenever possible All of these things can decrease our carbon footprint and can have a lasting effect on our world. While MSU and the Be Spartan Green campaign are taking strides to be more sustainable, it’s also on us, as individuals, to work to keep our planet as green as possible. As Marquette pointed out, “these things sound really small, but starting with yourself is the key to making a lasting impact on our one and only Earth.” To learn more about sustainability at MSU, follow @bespartangreen on Twitter/Instagram and check out their website bespartangreen.msu.edu. Hannah Bullion is a junior professional writing major with an interest in all things new media. She hopes to flee the Midwest and pursue a career in fashion in New York City. She is also the social media director for MSU’s fashion and lifestyle publication, VIM Magazine and an intern for the College of Arts & Letters. Keep up with her on Twitter (@hannahmbullion) and Instagram (@hannahbullion). Photo courtesy of MSU College of Arts & Letters

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EATing

Photos by Hannah Bullion

GREEN IS THE NEW BLACK Eating fruits and vegetables doesn’t have to be boring BY EMILY REYST

You might have been bribed and rewarded at the dinner table as a child — ice cream if you finish your apples, growth if you finish your beans and maybe even night vision if you eat your carrots. Many of us know the importance of fruits and vegetables, yet as a population we’re still not eating them enough. According to the 2015–2020 dietary recommendations released by Health. gov, adults should be eating 2 ½ cups of vegetables and 2 cups of fruit per day (as based on a 2,000 calorie diet). For MSU dietetics senior, Darby Molloy, eating enough fruits and vegetables isn’t something she has much power 20

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over due to food allergies. “My diet is about 80 percent fruits and vegetables,” said Molloy. “I’m on a strict diet, but there is no label for how I eat.” Her dietary restrictions inspired her to learn about the food she’s eating. “Fruits and veggies are a carb source that aren’t high in bad types of fats or high in sugar,” said Molloy. “They’re high in fiber, vitamins, minerals and antioxidants. The diet that dieticians, nutritionists and healthy food bloggers agree on is a plant-based diet: eating 80 percent plants,

10 percent nuts and seeds, and 10 percent whatever else. Fruits and veggies are nutrient dense, so you get the most out of what you’re eating.” To reduce time in the kitchen, she does batch cooking for the week, buys a ½ lb of brussel sprouts, roasts them with carrots, and she’s set. In the summer, she grows her own vegetables in her garden — an effort that also saves her time and money. Many worry a plant-based diet isn’t sustainable. Everybody’s needs and bodies are different, but for Molloy, it works. “I think that’s something people fear too. They think, ‘Well if I eat fruits and vegetables I’ll never be full’ or they don’t think they’ll get enough protein. I feel like I have energy all the time and I’ve never had any vitamin deficiencies,” said Molloy. “And I don’t feel hungry. You have to eat a little bit more because meals aren’t as calorie dense, but I think if people are concerned about their calorie intake you don’t need to watch it as much when you’re eating plant based foods.” Her method to keep it interesting? “I shoot for different colors. Squash is different from leafy greens and leafy greens are different from romaine lettuce that’s white,” said Molloy. “It sounds easy enough, but different colors can indicate different vitamins. If you switch it up, you’ll just about cover what you need that way.” Molloy may not have much autonomy over her diet, but many others are choosing to put fruits and vegetables at the center of their diet as well. Such is the case for

Emily Carmody, a senior at MSU majoring in human development and family studies. Carmody looks to try new recipes, and pays especially close attention to what’s in season. “Fruits and veggies are cheaper when they’re in season, and they’re more fresh,” said Carmody. “You’ll be able to taste the difference.”

Check out some of Molloy and Carmody favorites for more inspiration: @rawvana @therawboi @shutthekaleup @justkaleit_

As a college student on-the-go, she gives her veggies flavor without overdoing it. “Quinoa and lime juice are my staple foods that I pair with vegetables. Apple cider vinegar and honey is good on anything like green beans, and as a salad dressing,” said Carmody. Both Molloy and Carmody follow food bloggers on Instagram in search of new ways to incorporate fruits and vegetables into their meals. “I’m prone to read work by registered dietitians,” said Molloy. Carmody finds that those who are vegan tend to get more creative with the way they prepare their food. Emily Reyst is a senior majoring in professional writing. Outside of writing for ING, she interns for the Broad College of Business Marketing team and the Women’s Center of Greater Lansing. She was once hit by an airborne pizza box while driving her moped. Follow her on social media for updates in real time. Twitter: @ accio_avocado Instagram: emilyreyst

Source: health.gov/dietaryguidelines

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HUMANS OF E BY CYNTHIA BEZINQUE

CLAUDIA P. MEDIA & INFORMATION, SENIOR

Did you change your major as a sophomore? I transferred here in the spring of my sophomore year and that’s when I declared media and information because my freshman year I was undecided. I didn’t change, but I declared it; I finally decided what I wanted to do.

What was your most embarrassing memory as a sophomore? I walked into wrong classrooms two or three times when I got here.

What was your biggest pressure as a sophomore? I’m not that much into partying and when I first got here I was

AUSTIN T. FILM STUDIES, SUPER SENIOR

Did you change your major as a sophomore? I declared my major as undecided as a freshman. Sophomore year is when I became an English major with a concentration in film. I was grandfathered into the film studies program.

What was your most embarrassing memory as a sophomore? I video-auditioned for the Spartan Marching Band because I couldn’t make the actual audition date, and after I got home I planned to practice and film. When I got home my mom said, “Don’t forget you’re getting your wisdom teeth taken out tomorrow”, so I hurried up and did a really quick audition. I don’t really remember what I sent because I edited after [having my teeth pulled]. 22

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living on campus and the other girls around me in the dorms would say “okay, we’re going to this party!” I wanted to do it to have the experience, but then I decided it wasn’t really my thing.

Who is your greatest inspiration? Probably a high school teacher that I had. He got me interested in my major. I was having this “who am I?” type of thing when I was a freshman and he helped me reaffirm that this was what I like to do.

What would you pass on to other sophomores? Being a sophomore is kinda weird because you’re not a freshman and you’re not an upperclassman. You’re in a weird position and if you’re questioning your major, stay in the moment and don’t think too far ahead. Don’t worry about little things.

What was your biggest pressure as a sophomore? I was brand new to film studies. Even though I liked what I was doing I was still new, and that was in the back of my mind the whole time. (“What if I’m not good enough?”...) You never really lose that thought, but you [get] better at dealing with that.

Who is your greatest inspiration? Bill Vincent. He’s been my greatest mentor here at MSU. Between my sophomore and junior years I did a Study Abroad program: Film in Britain. We stayed four weeks in London and two weeks in Edinburgh. I would go to the meetings and talk with him and I’ve had classes with him since.

What would you pass on to other sophomores? Study Abroad. If you have the opportunity to Study Abroad raise those funds, apply for those scholarships — it’s worth it. Also,

just because you’re in your second year [doesn’t mean] it’s too late to change your mind about anything. You can always change it up and say “yes” to opportunities.

EAST LANSING JAMIE M. ZOOLOGY, SUPER SENIOR

Did you change your major as a sophomore? No, I did not. When I first started, at orientation, I changed it from criminal justice to zoology.

What was your most embarrassing memory as a sophomore? I “stole” a reindeer mascot head from a party on accident. I just wore it out of the house when my friends left and I didn’t realize until I was halfway home that I still had it on.

getting a house my junior year with one of my friends and his friends from high school.

Who is your greatest inspiration? Probably my grandma — she was really into conservation her entire life.

What would you pass on to other sophomores? Take a lot of electives. Because that’s the time that you can; you don’t have the pressure of trying to finish up all the classes that you need to graduate. I took a Buddhist class spring of my sophomore year and that was really interesting.

What was your biggest pressure as a sophomore? Trying to figure out where to live the next year, [or deciding whether to] move off-campus. I ended up

TAYLOR C.

Readiness Exam twice in order to pass it to get into the college.

ELEMENTARY EDUCATION, SENIOR

Who is your greatest inspiration?

Did you change your major as a sophomore? I didn’t change my major my sophomore year. Only briefly my junior year before I got into the College of Education.

What was your most embarrassing memory as a sophomore?

My Mom. She went back to college while raising me and working and still managed to get straight A’s.

What would you pass on to other sophomores? I’d like to pass on to other sophomores not to procrastinate [and] to take school seriously, but also to have fun because time flies by.

I was on the CATA 1 Bus and I started laughing and spit my gum across the aisle. Everyone saw it and laughed. I just laughed it off and pretended it never happened.

What was your biggest pressure as a sophomore? My biggest pressure as a sophomore was trying to get into the College of Education. I had to take the Professional MYINGMAG.COM

Photos by Carol Rosegg, 2016

SHOWing

RENT CELEBRATES 20 YEARS AT WHARTON BY NITISH PAHWA

One of the most revered Broadway musicals of all time is making its grand return to the Wharton Center for the Performing Arts. This March, Rent is coming to East Lansing for a stop on its highly-acclaimed 20th anniversary tour. The characters, songs and stories that inspired countless audiences in the ’90s have been revived for a new generation of theatergoers. This will be the third time that Rent has played at the Wharton Center, and Public Relations Director Bob Hoffman could not be more delighted. “It was just such an amazing show when I first saw it years ago in New York,” he said. “It’s a timeless story. We’re introducing people to something that really changed Broadway. It’s just one of these shows that really touches people’s hearts.” Rent came into fruition as the dream project of a young playwright named Jonathan Larson, who wrote the entirety of the script and the music. Unfortunately, he would never see his show come to life — he died suddenly on the morning of its Off-Broadway debut. Rent lived on, forever transforming the theatrical landscape with its gritty storytelling and hard-hitting, lively music. The show, a modern-day revamp of the Giacomo Puccini opera La Bohème, follows a diverse community of bohemians searching for love and self-fulfillment in New York City’s East Village. They thrive with an irrepressible spirit, even as the threats of HIV/AIDS, drugs and poverty loom over their everyday lives. “It’s a story of young artists struggling to live and celebrate life, and I think that’s so much a part of today’s fabric as it was in the 1990s,” Hoffman said. 24

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Rent was a resounding commercial and critical success. The show’s initial run lasted for 12 years, making it the eleventh longest-running show in Broadway history. Rent also won six Tony Awards, including Best Musical, and is one of only nine musicals in history to earn the Pulitzer Prize for Drama. The influence and cultural impact of the show continue to this day. The musical centerpiece, “Seasons of Love,” has become a universal Broadway standard. Actors from the original cast, such as Idina Menzel, have gone on to pursue flourishing careers both on and off the stage. Several Broadway composers, including Lin-Manuel Miranda, have cited Rent as a vital influence on their own work. For Hoffman, Rent remains a pivotal musical. “It’s a story which addresses adult themes and controversial issues, but they’re issues that happen even today,” Hoffman said. “Art is supposed to make you think, to make you curious, to make you want to learn more. So I’m pretty excited about Rent coming back.” Don’t miss out on what is sure to be an incredible revival of a legendary musical. The Rent 20th Anniversary Tour is playing at the Wharton Center from March 17, through March 19, 2017. You can purchase your tickets by visiting whartoncenter.com or by calling 1-800-WHARTON. Student discounts are also available. The show is only here for five performances, so make sure to grab your tickets soon! Nitish Pahwa is a senior majoring in professional writing with a concentration in editing and publishing. He is passionate about the arts and has written about music and culture for various websites and publications. He owns way too many books and CDs, but somehow it’s never enough. Follow him on Twitter @pahwa_nitish.

CALLING ALL PHOTOGRAPHERS ARE YOU A SKILLED PHOTOGRAPHER? WANT TO BE PUBLISHED IN A MAGAZINE? ing Magazine is looking for freelance photographers to contribute to the monthly publication. If youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re interested, please email Ami at ami@m3group.biz with your experience, along with three samples of your work.

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