The Current - Dec-Jan 2024

LOVE LANGUAGES WHEN HOME NO LONGER WELCOMES YOU NO PLACE LIKE MSU FOR THE HOLIDAYS

PLUS! D E C E M B E R 20 23 J A N U A RY 2024 TheCurrentMSU.com

CURRENT TRENDS, ARTS AND CULTURE, AND MORE 1

UNDERSTANDING CREDIT 3 Things MSU Students Need to Know

By Betsy Young, MSU Federal Credit Union Vice President of Marketing & Communications As you navigate through your college years at Michigan State University, you’re not just building your academic knowledge; you’re also building a foundation for your financial future.

One key aspect of this financial foundation is understanding credit — a concept that will play a pivotal role in various aspects of your life.

1. What is Credit?

Simply put, credit is like a money deal between you and someone lending you cash. It’s what happens when you get a loan for a car, a mortgage for a house, or even when you use a credit card to buy everyday things. Knowing how these money deals work is really important for your financial know-how.

2. So Then What’s a Credit Score?

A credit score is like a grade for how well you handle borrowed money. It’s a number between 300 and 850, and the higher it is, the better. Lenders, landlords, and employers use this score to decide if they want to lend you money, rent you an apartment, or hire you. The score is based

on things like how reliably you pay your bills, how much credit you use, how long you’ve had credit, and the different types of credit you have. Keeping a good credit score is important because it helps you qualify for loans, get better interest rates, and access more opportunities during and after college.

3. Why Credit Matters Good Credit = More Opportunities: Having a good credit history opens doors to cool opportunities. Want to rent an apartment, buy a car, or eventually own a home? A good credit score makes these things easier and more affordable.

You’ll Save Money: The better your credit score, the lower the interest rates and the better the terms you get on loans and credit cards. This means you save money in the long run, and who doesn’t want that?

Your Job Hunt and Credit: Some employers might look at your credit history when hiring. It’s more common in certain jobs, but having good credit

can give you an edge in your professional life. So, taking care of your credit is not just about money — it’s a key to more opportunities in college and beyond.

Getting the hang of how credit works is super important for your money smarts, and it’s not just a college thing — it’s a skill that’ll stay with you long after graduation. When you handle your credit wisely, it’s not just about getting a good credit score; you’re actually laying down the foundation for a strong financial future. As you dive into this financial adventure, keep in mind that MSU Federal Credit Union has your back. Whether you’ve got questions or need some advice, our team is here to support you.

Check out msufcu.org/students for even more info.

BETSY YOUNG VP of Marketing & Communications, MSUFCU betsy.young@msufcu.org | 517-333-2424 Headquarters: 3777 West Rd., East Lansing, MI 48823

Editor’s note

PUBLISHER Tiffany Dowling tiffany@m3group.biz MANAGING EDITOR Mary Gajda mary@m3group.biz CHIEF STRATEGY OFFICER Shelley Davis Boyd

This season, we must simply recognize that among the Christmas lights and clinking glasses there is a need for community; a need for togetherness that is, sometimes, a luxury.

To our valued readers, As the time for snowfall and holidays are upon us, it can prove to be both a joyous and stressful experience. In fact, a myriad of emotions can come with the holiday season and its facets — such as loneliness, nostalgia, excitement, loss and much more.

In this issue, we looked at the many different experiences that can accumulate throughout December and January: international students staying on campus, those navigating their mental health, and those who are excited to go home and spend time with their family. As a result, we’ve combined these experiences to create a shared community of feelings that our writers thought needed to be shared.

And while those feelings may be especially prominent throughout this season, we must not forget to love our neighbors and family. That can come in many ways, in the material and nonmaterial. This season, we must simply recognize that among the Christmas lights and clinking glasses there is a need for community; a need for togetherness that is, sometimes, a luxury.

Hold on tight to your loved ones this holiday season. ’Tis the season for it!

Best, Olivia Hans

SENIOR CREATIVE VISIONARY Kathryn Aspin kathryn@m3group.biz LEAD EDITOR Christopher Nagy CONTRIBUTORS Helena Brunte Claire Donohoe Sonia Fekete Olivia Hans Ilya LeVangie Amethyst Macelli Justice Seay Grace Walker Abby Wisniewski GRAPHIC DESIGNERS Sophia Straub PHOTOGRAPHERS Olivia Hans Sarah Kefri Amethyst Macelli Shreshta Sinha M3 GROUP 221 W. Saginaw St. Lansing, MI 48933 P 517-203-3333 SUBSCRIPTION The Current is owned by MSU Federal Credit Union and is written by and for the students of MSU. The Current, Volume 3, Issue 3, December/January 2023.

The Current (USPS#020-807) is published monthly by M3 Group at 221 W. Saginaw St., Lansing, MI 48933. Periodicals postage paid at Lansing, Michigan.

EDITORIAL OFFICE 221 W. Saginaw St., Lansing, MI 48933.

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CURRENT Contents

On page 13

3 5 6 8

Healthy Policical Debates in a Toxic Political Atmosphere Death to Sea Turtles

Modern Southern 16 The Gothic

10 Exciting Winter Festivals in Michigan

17 A Seat at the Table

When Home No Longer Welcomes You

I Want Is …”: Making 18 “All Your Loved Ones Feel Loved

Home for the 11 (Not) Holidays

20 Calendar

Down About the 13 Feeling News? Young Adults and

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Women are the Most Vulnerable Taking Care of the Young You

14 A Closer Look at the GSCC 2

Place Like MSU for the 15 No Holidays

Campus Life

5 Phone-Free Winter 24 Top Activities

CURRENT Affairs

Healthy Political Debates in a TOxic Political Atmosphere

by Grace Walker With a toxic political atmosphere, how can we have healthy political dialogues without destroying relationships or our mental health?

With political polarization increasing, it seems near impossible to have a conversation about politics without it ending in anger, hurt feelings or the end of a friendship.

Many have experienced the discomfort of a tense Thanksgiving dinner and watching your family argue about politics. Or the tense debates in our high school government class discussing the latest bill. Or even losing a friend during election season.

According to a 2014 Pew Research Center study, Democrats and Republicans are becoming more ideologically divided than in the past. With this increasing divide between the parties, it isn’t surprising that a 2020 Pew Research Center study found that 94% of right-leaners and 92% of left-leaners see strong conflicts between the two parties.

Even foreign media are horrified at the lack of healthy and controlled debate within America. A prime example is the 2020 presidential debates between former President

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Donald Trump and President Joe Biden, with Trump bulldozing Biden, and Biden using personal attacks against Trump.

While it’s easy for us to point out the obvious flaws in presidential debates, we’re also guilty of using the same unhealthy tactics.

So, how do we handle conversations with our loved ones and classmates without tensions rising? Without hurt feelings or ending a friendship? It’s actually quite simple.

The Common Ground Committee, an organization focused on improving incivility, simplified it into five easy steps.

Good Motives The first recommendation is to make sure you have good motives before entering the conversation. The best goal to have is to want to understand the person’s viewpoint better, not to change their mind. We should approach these types of conversations as dialogues rather than debates. Dialogues aren’t about

proving someone else wrong. Rather, it calls for finding common ground, practicing openmindedness, and being understanding.

Make a Connection It’s also recommended to form a connection with them and find a commonality as it’s easy to view the other side as a threat or an enemy. Nikki Haley, who is running for the presidential nominee for the Republican party, stated: “In our toxic political life, I’ve heard some people in both parties describe their opponents as enemies or evil. In America, our political opponents are not evil.”

Personal connections will help us view others as human beings instead of adversaries.

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CURRENT Affairs

Healthy

Political Debates in A Toxic Political Atmosphere When we view people as our enemy rather than people with feelings and experiences, our conversations get out of control.

Active Listening We have been taught repeatedly throughout our educational career another important aspect of handling conflict: active listening. A great way to practice active listening is by repeating the main points back to the speaker, not only to showcase that you hear their point, but also to comprehend it within yourself.

Brooke Groce, a junior and in the political science major, also felt that listening was key to having a healthy political discussion. When asked about tips she uses when discussing politics, she said, “I think tips to have a productive conversation is actually listening. If you go into a conversation with the mindset ‘I’m correct, and this is automatically incorrect,’ it won’t be a productive conversation.”

Listening just to argue back is not listening. It’s hard to fully listen to someone and take the time to understand what they are saying if we are busy coming up with a response. This will only cause further misunderstandings and tension on both sides.

The goal of these conversations should be to understand the other person’s perspective.

In an ideal world (and country), we would all agree. Each person has a different background and experiences, which create a vast spectrum of opinions and views on the truth. The key detail to good listening is having empathy, which was covered well in Laura Westcott’s article from The Current. A great way to practice empathy while listening, as Westcott discussed in her article, is to focus on the needs of others.

Shared Values Look for shared values. Gov. Gretchen

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Whitmer and 2022 Republican gubernatorial candidate Tudor Dixon were great examples of this practice. In a debate, the candidates were prompted to compliment each other.

They found common ground in the fact that they were both Michigan mothers. Dixon even remarked: “She has also made sure she’s fought for women, and I love that about her.”

Redirect Finally, know when to end the conversation. Sometimes conversations will just continue in circles, or it gets to a point where emotions are running too high. When this happens, it’s OK to walk away and agree to disagree.

Put simply, actively listening and being open-minded to learning about someone else’s perspective with empathy can decrease the chances of intense debates or hurt feelings.

Healthy dialogues instead of toxic debates will decrease the ever-increasing divide in

America.

As Whitmer has stated, “I still believe there is more that unites us than divides us.”

Grace Walker

Political Science - Pre Law

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CURRENT Climate

DEATH TO SEA TURTLES

by Helena Bunte

Humans are the reason hundreds of baby sea turtles are dead. But we are also the only ones who can save them.

People are driving an unprecedented change in the Earth’s climate in recent history, causing major impacts on many of Earth’s processes and the beings inhabiting our planet.

Hurricane Idalia recently hit the Atlantic coast of the United States, and is estimated to have wiped out 600 nests in South Carolina alone. Idalia is not the first to destroy a significant amount of sea turtle nests, and it will certainly not be the last, as hurricanes are expected to increase in frequency and intensity.

Increased surface temperatures of ocean waters creates greater wind speeds and storm surges when hurricanes form, according to climate change researchers at the University of Alabama. Wind and water erosion destroys turtle nests and nesting habitat, bringing in plastic debris.

Sea turtles have evolved reproductive strategies to withstand many natural storms.

The mothers lay multiple nests, each with about 100 eggs, far up the beach where normal tide levels likely will not reach them. Despite their evolutionary strategies, sea turtles are not equipped to handle the intensified storms expected with climate change.

The actions people take, no matter if they have an oceanfront home or live in the

middle of Michigan, have an impact on sea turtles. While one small action may not seem significant, many small actions create a huge impact that fight climate change and help save sea turtles.

Simple actions you can take against climate change include walking, riding a bike, using public transportation or carpooling, eating local foods, incorporating more plants into your diet and composting, according to the United Nations.

You can also reduce, reuse and recycle your goods and products, dispose of your trash properly, turn off your lights when leaving for work or class, and write to your government officials (or even MSU leaders) to find solutions to decrease carbon emissions and be more sustainable.

This holiday season, you can help save sea turtles by being conscious of your environmental impact when traveling and gift-giving. Consider donating to organizations protecting sea turtles, such as the Karen Beasley Sea Turtle Rescue and Rehabilitation Center, as a form of gift-giving.

You do not have to be perfect, but you have to do something. Without a combined effort from every person, including those hundreds or thousands of miles away from the ocean, sea turtles will continue to face major devastations from climate change-exacerbated storms.

As humans drive climate change, hurricanes are expected to increase in frequency and intensity, which will create further losses in sea turtle populations.

Every individual has the power to battle climate change and help protect sea turtles.

We cannot wait until tomorrow to make a change. We cannot wait for someone else to make a change. We must take action now to fight for sea turtles.

You can be the reason hundreds of baby sea turtles are saved.

To read more about environmental issues, check out Wildfire Fiasco on The Current.

Helena Bunte Zoology

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CURRENT Trends

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CURRENT Trends

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CURRENT Feature

R E G N O L O N E M O H WHEN

U O Y S E W E L CO M

by Ilya LeVangie

ut o b a t a h w , r e s get clo s y a d li o h r e t in s y a d li o h As the w e h T ? e ve hom a le o t d e c r o f le ’t n a c o h the peop w le p o e eer p u q r o f e im t d r a time. is h t can be a h g in r u d y il ee fam s t ’ n a c d n a e m eason s y go ho a d li o h is h t , s high n io s n e t l a ic t li o With p d. r a h y ll ia c e p s e l can fee

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CURRENT Feature

As winter rolls in, many people are thinking fondly of family and planning how they’ll spend the holidays together. Some people may travel across the country to be with family and friends, while others may walk next door. But what about those who can’t go home for the holidays? What about the ones who can’t go home at all?

For many people, the world in its current state feels unsafe. War is a constant in the news, and political tensions are strong around the world. In the United States, people of color and transgender people have been facing an increasingly hostile climate, both socially

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and politically. In the recent moral panic surrounding queer people’s very existence, many states have been passing anti-trans and “anti-drag” laws.

America saw this take initial shape in 2016, with North Carolina’s so-called “Bathroom Bill” banning the use of bathrooms that don’t match the gender marker on one’s birth certificate. Now, in 2023, the American Civil Liberties Union is tracking 506 antiLGBTQ laws, with 84 of them having passed into law.

Florida in particular has been in the news due to the state’s “Don’t Say Gay” law,

prohibiting the mention of queer identity and pronouns in the classroom, as well as bans on hormone replacement therapy for anyone under the age of 18. This law has also made it easier to challenge and ban books related to queer identity and race, causing Florida to lead the country in book bans, with over 40% of all book bans coming out of Florida. This hostile environment has caused the people from various racial or ethnic backgrounds and queer communities of Florida to feel pushed out of their own communities by Gov. Ron DeSantis’ administration.

Despite many landmark wins for queer

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CURRENT Feature people in the last decade, such as the 2015 Supreme Court case that made same-sex marriage a legal right, there has always been an uneasy feeling surrounding safety for queer Americans. Conservatives have consistently targeted LGBTQ+ communities with their platforms, and as queer people’s very existence is being targeted, this feeling has been reaffirmed. While many have chosen to stay in their home states and fight these laws, many others have chosen to flee.

Leaving your home behind, especially when one does so out of fear for their future, can be a traumatic experience. The loss of one’s community can result in social isolation, depression and anxiety. The effects of the hostile political rhetoric surrounding one’s identity is also a major stressor, with rates of suicidal ideation among queer youth on the rise. While research into the mental health effects on fleeing queer youth is limited, a 2022 review found that the “widespread destitution faced by [transgender forced migrants] results from social and economic marginalisation linked to pervasive and persistent violence, discrimination, unobtainable documentation, barriers to health care access and economic exclusion.”

When moving out-of-state, queer people are being forced to leave behind their cultures

and communities and, in some cases, family.

While many queer youth are leaving with their families, many others are forced to leave their family behind. Whether due to their family’s own conservative views or because they are unable to leave with them, the loss of family is devastating and can contribute to the social isolation already found when moving to a new community.

While it may not seem a huge move for those who are staying within America, the adjustment period after leaving your home is difficult. Reestablishing yourself in a new community, the disruption to your daily routine along with the stressors of finding a new job and new home all stack on top of one another.

The culture shock can also be incredibly real, as despite the similarities among Americans, the cultural differences between states like Texas and Massachusetts can be massive.

Now, as the holiday season approaches, there is more to mourn for people who have left their homes and families. While some may be able to visit, it is not always possible. Not being able to spend this time with family is an emotional hardship that is made all the more difficult when seeing others get to do so. The emphasis on family in the media and among friends can highlight the loss, and the isolation this comes with can be immensely harmful to

oneself.

For others, the simple reminder of family and the holidays can be a stressor. Being pushed out of your family is a wound that takes a long time to heal, if it ever does. Combined with political hostility, it can feel that the world is against them during a time that is “supposed” to be happy. Queer people in America are feeling pressure from all sides; and as the months get colder, empathy and kindness are needed now more than ever.

Ilya LeVangie

English and Professional and Public Writing

While it may not seem a huge move for those who are staying within America, the adjustment period after leaving your home is difficult.

Reestablishing yourself in a new community, the disruption to your daily routine along with the stressors of finding a new job and new home all stack on top of one another.

Photo caption

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e m o H (Not) e h t r fo s y a d i l Ho

Shreshta Sinha and his parents at the airport.

Recognizing stress and loneliness over the holidays, especially in international students

by Sonia Fekete

Many see the holidays as celebrations to look forward to as they reunite with loved ones once more. However, for those attending university either out-of-state or internationally, this time of year can be a stark reminder of the physical distance between them and their families — many of whom, for a number of reasons, are unable to spend their break with those they care about.

Shreshta Sinha is an international student from Ranchi, India, who is going into his second year at Michigan State University. He is a neuroscience and entrepreneurship major involved in

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CURRENT Student of the Month

If you’re interested in learning more about incorporating movement into your daily routine, there are a variety of free group exercise classes ranging from yoga, cycling, and pilates to strength and circuit training. MSU also provides personal trainers for a fee. Furthermore,

research with the Bioengineering of Olfactory Sensory Systems lab and is also currently working with the Burgess Institute for Entrepreneurship and Innovation. He can be found studying at the Law Library or going for jogs on trails around campus. Sinha has not seen his close family in over a year.

Like Sinha, many can find traveling home even for the weekend unrealistic, especially when living on a student budget.

Other possible inhibiting factors include unforeseeable travel restrictions or visa regulations. Sinha stated, “I stayed on campus during the winter, Thanksgiving, spring and summer breaks. … It is just a short 19hour flight back home from East Lansing.

Going back has always been a possibility, but expensive tickets and internships have prevented me from going back to India for the breaks. ” One of the most significant stressors born from this issue is loneliness. For international students especially, living in a new place that has a different climate and customs can be jarring. Sinha said, “Last winter, I was on campus staying in my own dorm when I was done with my first semester. It does not snow at all where I come from, and the winter cold was very challenging for me. The [weather] became colder, and all of my acquaintances and friends went missing.”

Sinha described a common experience among a large fraction of the MSU population.

Even if you are not an international student,

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there are still general ways to cope with strong negative emotions, such as stress or loneliness, properly. Being far from family is definitely an aggravator, but so are life factors such as classes, work and other circumstances.

Though it may seem like a common answer, exercise is one of the most effective ways to reduce stress in your daily life. “I go for a jog — 5 miles is enough — to make myself feel empowered and ready for the massive and entrepreneurial tasks that I have at hand,” said Sinha. No matter the activity, if you’re moving your body in some sort of way (even just by going on a quick stroll around the block), you’re starting to help both your brain and body feel calmer.

It may also help to find an existing community on campus, whether it is a club, sport or class that you particularly enjoy.

Because of his major, Sinha is part of both the Neuroscience Club and Entrepreneurship Club. He said, “I absolutely love the clubs I am involved in. I’ve found many new friends and a sense of community and belonging here in the clubs. Managing time is something that I learned along the way. I have to constantly change and blend in with the schedule according to what shows up in all of my commitments.” While no one may replace your family or certain people you care about, there is a significantly unique bond that is formed when you participate in activities of notable enjoyment with others.

It indeed is difficult, as mentioned, to be

another low-cost and convenient form of boosting one’s mood is through listening to music, which has been confirmed through examining multiple studies that it has a significantly positive effect on the brain and body.

away from those that are the closest to you. “I am the only one in my close immediate family living in the U.S., though I have a few distant relatives living in New York and Texas,” Sinha said. Visiting distant relatives or connecting with those of a similar cultural background helps minimize feelings of isolation for international students.

For those struggling this season — especially those far from familiarity — it’s important to recognize that you are not alone in your feelings. There are many ways to bear the weight of these emotions, and it can begin with the smallest step.

Sonia Fekete

Psychology, Criminal Justice

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CURRENT Health & Wellness

FEELING DOWN ABOUT THE NEWS? YOUNG ADULTS AND WOMEN ARE THE MOST VULNERABLE Taking Care of the Young You

by Abby Wisniewski

Watching the news and feeling overwhelmed? It’s more common than you may think. In a survey conducted in March 2022 by the American Psychological Association, it was found that 73% of Americans reported feeling overwhelmed by the number of crises in the world.

Furthermore, researchers also found that young adults and women were the most vulnerable to feeling emotionally distressed when increasing their news consumption.

It’s important to understand what’s causing feelings of uncertainty when viewing the news.

Michigan State University human resources and labor relations master’s student Re’Anna L. earned an undergraduate degree in interdisciplinary studies with a psychology concentration. In the past few years, anxiety and depression skyrocketed due to the pandemic. “I remember when I was checking the news during the pandemic, I used to always hope that there would be something good. Sometimes it gave me hope knowing that I could go seek out that information with just my phone,” Re’Anna said. “But sometimes it gave me anxiety, that I wasn’t finding what I was looking for. I guess it can make one hopeful and anxious.”

Certain communities may be more susceptible to feeling anxious when viewing the news. “The younger population and those who have already been diagnosed with mental

health issues, so maybe the neurodiverse community,” Re’Anna said. “[It could] be hard for them to interpret what’s happening globally versus what is happening to them independently.” In a survey conducted by The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 62.9% of young adults reported symptoms of anxiety or depression, or both symptoms.

Understanding which communities may be experiencing mental health challenges is essential in order to take preventative measures.

Despite constant breaking news and current event updates, some solutions exist for those who may be struggling. “Don’t check [the news] too often. It’s better to heal yourself first physically and mentally before you start adding another mood to your mental health by checking the news,” Re’Anna said. “When you are able to do that, feel healthy enough mentally and physically to do it, then you can check the news. But I wouldn’t worry about what’s happening globally or locally just yet until you focus on what’s happening to you internally. That might be a balance that’s sometimes hard to find.”

Experts recommend paying attention to how the news alters mood, limiting news consumption to one block of time per day, or watching news that evokes uplifting and positive feelings. Staying up-to-date regarding current events is important; however, it’s

With many current events overpowering the news headlines, feeling upset is a common response. In particular, young adults and women may be more at risk of feeling emotionally distressed when viewing the news. It’s vital to understand what may be triggering these feelings and to investigate ways to alleviate negative emotions that may arise from news consumption.

essential to limit news consumption to be happy and healthy.

Abby Wisniewski

Professional and Public Writing

CURRENT Rotation

k o o L r e s o A Cl C C S G e h t t a The Gender and Sexuality Campus Center, also known as the GSCC, began as a discussion group between gay and lesbian students in 1988. Over the years, it grew through funding and now has the ability to provide education and resources to queer and allied students across campus. If you’re a queer student, you’ve probably heard of the GSCC and know that it provides resources. You may have even attended an event or two the center has hosted, although you may not know the full extent of the resources that it offers.

One resource students find very helpful, especially when coming from homes that aren’t as supportive, is the GSCC’s genderaffirming closet. Sex educator assistant Belle Hoke said, “We have a gender-affirming clothing closet, which basically means we have binders, trans tape, bralettes and breast forms. ... We carry [many] sizes — I know for binders we have XXS to a 5XL — and we have a variety of skin tones for trans tape.

And those are free to try on, and then you can find a size that works for you. You can ask [the] staff questions about how to use any of

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these products well and safely.” In addition to this, the center has also been working to get packers, and hope to get them next semester.

Resources are available for most of the year, with the exception of breaks when the center is closed. Many queer students, particularly incoming freshmen, fear returning home to unsupportive families and look for any excuse to be able to stay on campus.

The GSCC recognizes this concern and has resources available to help students navigate their stay. The Unconditional Love Fund is a scholarship fund of $500 per semester, specifically tailored to provide queer, trans, Black, Indigenous and people of color students on campus with anything they need. For activities during the winter break, the GSCC recommends looking into the Salus Center, an off-campus queer-centered organization.

There will also be care packages available for students who aren’t going home for the break. While these care packages are still in the works, the staff are working hard to pull some goodies together, so be on the lookout for the form to receive one, either through the

by Amethyst Macelli newsletter or on Instagram @msugscc.

Communications assistant Rhett Maybin said the best way to connect with the GSCC is to “just show up. We have a few regulars that we like to talk to. In fact, those regulars have basically become our friends now. Yes, we’re staff, but we’re also students. I think the GSCC is really special in the fact that we can have an actual relationship with the people who come in.”

The GSCC is open Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. in Room 302 of the Student Services Building. Reach out to connect with the queer community on campus and participate in many cool events and workshops.

Amethyst Macelli

Professional and Public Writing and Arts and Humanities

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CURRENT Rotation

No Place

MSU

Like for the Holidays

by Claire Donohoe

Everything students need to know about staying on campus over holiday break, from dorms to dining For some, holiday break is a time to lock the dorm room, pack up a suitcase and head home. For others, home for the holidays is the banks of the Red Cedar at Michigan State University. However, what happens when a large population of students abandon campus for a month? What can the students who stay do, and how can they come together to pass the days of late December?

For many students, especially international or out-of-state students, heading home can be an expensive process. For other students, home just might not be the place you grew up. No matter the reasons for sticking around this holiday season, there are plenty of ways Spartans can expect to fill their chilly days.

Living in dorms can already feel isolating sometimes. The unique experience is exactly what you make it — some find it social, and some don’t. Junior Ellyn Skodack said it’s important to take the opportunities to explore when you can. A former resident assistant in Bailey Hall, Skodack said there

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are opportunities available for students, and it’s also important to “leave your room and engage with others when possible.”

While some parts of campus close down, there are still activities to do on and around campus. Venture off campus for cold-weather activities, explore a new cozy coffee shop, or find a new movie or book to immerse yourself in. For more information about on campus activities, check in with student organizations like the Office for International Students and Scholars and the Live On Instagram page.

According to MSU’s Live On site, the official winter break housing contract runs from Saturday, Dec. 16, through Friday, Jan. 5.

Students looking to stay on campus can apply for winter break housing by visiting their My Housing MSU account. Note the flat fee for extended housing over break is $315. Students can stay on campus for part or all of winter break. More information on specific dates and times can be found at the Live On website.

The winter break dining plan includes 34 meal swipes to Brody Square, Kellogg Market,

1855 Starbucks along with Sparty’s Market and the Sparty’s in Owen Hall.

No matter how students will be spending their holiday, there are many resources to take advantage of. East Lansing is home to thousands during the academic school year and can be a warm place to spend your winter weeks, too.

For more financial information, calendars and campus resources, visit liveon.msu.edu.

Claire Donohoe

English and Professional and Public Writing

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CURRENT Arts & Culture

THE MODERN

SOUTHERN GOTHIC

REVIVAL

by Ilya LeVangie

The Southern Gothic genre has had new life breathed into it, as new artists and creators explore the reality of Southern life in the both viral and critical success, is an indictment modern era The past few years have seen a renewed interest in the social and political climate of the South, leading to a resurgence in the Southern Gothic. In the early days, authors such as William Faulkner, Flannery O’Connor and Zora Neale Hurston defined Southern Gothic as what it is today — a genre that explores the dark and taboo, with a focus on complicated social and political realities, illuminating the myths and fictions of the pre-Civil War South. However, the South is no longer the South of Faulkner’s day, and new artists have taken up the legacy redefining it to the modern South.

In May 2022, Ethel Cain made waves with her album “Preacher’s Daughter,” which received critical acclaim and widespread success. Cain is a character and stage persona created by Hayden Anhedönia, a trans woman, young musician and artist from Florida. “Preacher’s Daughter” is about Cain, the daughter of an Alabama preacher, and her life story from childhood to death.

“American Teenager,” a song which received

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of the American military and its recruitment tactics promising the American dream to unassuming high schoolers.

Anhedönia is not the only one creating modern Southern Gothic art. With movies such as “Bones and All” and the 2022 TV revival of “Interview with the Vampire,” is a desire to see these dark Southern stories.

“Bones and All,” reminiscent of “Preacher’s Daughter,” explores themes of abuse, family and cannibalism. In AMC’s “Interview with the Vampire,” based on Anne Rice’s “Vampire Chronicles,” the story has been adapted with Louis as a Black man, where his book counterpart is a white slave-owner. This has given the show a chance to explore similar themes from the books with a different lens, such as the position of a Black business owner in 1910s New Orleans.

The South is a region with a fraught history, one defined by slavery and the Jim Crow era, leading to the current political climate. Although more than half of the Black population in the U.S. lives in the South, the common perception is of a region dominated by whiteness, which comes

down to the continued legal discrimination.

Southern states in particular have taken up the anti-trans and critical race theory moral panics. Florida has notably enacted some of the harshest laws, banning the use of “gay” and pronouns that “do not match a person’s assigned sex.”

With book bans running rampant and the censorship of diverse, complex and taboo media taking center stage in American politics, the modern Southern Gothic revival is allowing new figures to shine a light on the darkness and show the complexity of their realities living in the South.

Ilya LeVangie

English and Professional and Public Writing

TheCurrentMSU.com

CURRENT Cooking

A Seat at the table

by Justice Seay Content Warning: Disordered eating, food, anxiety “Home for the holidays” is a phrase that, for many, conjures images of spending quality time with loved ones around the dinner table, engaging in winter-themed activities such as baking treats and ice skating, and taking a much-needed mental health break after a taxing finals season.

However, for those who struggle with disordered eating or have a poor relationship with food, these images become clouded with anxieties over being immersed in an environment that regards food, meals and cooking as a means of connecting with loved ones throughout the season.

“Holidays — including holiday meals — can be charged with expectations, memories and emotions, so it’s likely that there will be challenges to navigate,” said Karen GilesSmith, an MSU Health Promotion registered dietitian nutritionist.

Eating disorder prevalence in college students is estimated to range from 8% to 17%, according to the Journal of American College Health. Additionally, disordered eating — described by Giles-Smith as an umbrella term for a spectrum of eating struggles ranging in severity — and issues with body image can impact a person’s experience when returning home during the holidays.

For those in recovery, one of the biggest obstacles can be adapting one’s individual practices into an environment and schedule they’re less in control of.

Balancing mental well-being and recovery-focused habits with a desire to participate in holiday meals and food-centric activities with loved ones is certainly possible, but it requires forethought and discussion.

“During the holidays, it’s helpful to plan ahead to manage potential challenges, which may derail eating and increase the risk of disordered eating behaviors,” Giles-Smith said. “A smart strategy is to find out when the holiday meal will be served, and then decide where it will fit into the day’s eating schedule.

“If any aspect of the holiday is known

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to be difficult or triggering, taking time in advance of the holiday to talk with a dietitian and/or a therapist with expertise in disordered eating is an excellent way to support self-care around food, eating and improving body image,” Giles-Smith said.

While having a set course of action can be beneficial, it’s also important to acknowledge that recovery isn’t always linear.

Maintaining a mindset of self-compassion can help one remain focused on recovery goals and positivity, even amid holiday setbacks.

“My best advice for eating during the holidays is to keep food and eating in perspective, be flexible and accept imperfection,” Giles-Smith said.

Though one may already have set coping skills while at school, returning home for the holidays might require prepping for external conflicts.

“People’s words — whether misinformed, misguided or mistaken — can be upsetting, even traumatic,” Giles-Smith said. “Does Aunt Dora always comment on the amount of food you eat? By considering, maybe scripting, a response in advance, you can be ready with a reply that is fitting for the commenter and the occasion, such as, ‘I’m working on honoring my hunger and fullness cues,’ or ‘I’d rather continue to enjoy my meal without uncalledfor commentary,’ or ‘Did you know that turkeys can, and will, attack humans?’”

Family and friends of those in recovery can contribute to making home a safe space by showing a willingness to learn and respect boundaries. Giles-Smith recommends

avoiding topics of food, eating, weight and physical activity with the person in recovery, and instead asking about ways to support them.

Overall, while it’s important to support those in recovery, this shouldn’t overshadow the fact that, just like many others, they’re simply returning home to celebrate with loved ones and enjoy time off from school.

“It can be helpful to think of food and eating as just one part of the holiday experience and to focus on what is enjoyable during the holidays, which may be spending time with friends and family, participating in family traditions, and sharing a meal together — or not.”

“Holiday eating probably won’t be perfect,” Giles-Smith said. “It doesn’t have to be.”

If you or someone you know needs immediate crisis assistance for an eating disorder, call 988 or text “NEDA” to 741741.

To schedule an appointment with an MSU Campus Health Services dietitian, call 517 353-4660.

Justice Seay Journalism 17

CURRENT Feature

“All I Want Is …”: Making Your Loved Ones Feel

by Olivia Hans Your dad shovels the driveway. Your roommate buys you a Starbucks coffee on a cold, snowy day. Your significant other hugs you when you feel down. There are many ways that people make others feel loved — and it’s the season of giving. It’s in your mind, in commercials, in your home — the pathos is everywhere. The Hershey’s commercials sound their bells and children are telling Santa which Barbie to get them for Christmas. Maybe gifting a Barbie is within a specific child’s love language, but what about everyone else?

The five love languages, which are quality time, words of affirmation, acts of service, physical touch and receiving gifts, are important for understanding the love that you receive and give to others. This holiday season, it’s important to realize that each person gives and receives love differently. Knowing and learning these, both personally and within relationships, helps to strengthen people both

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personally and relationally: “Learning to speak your partner’s love language can help your relationship grow, your love deepen, and your communication improve,” according to Health.com. For each love language, there are gift ideas unique to each person.

Quality Time Quality time focuses on spending undivided, uninterrupted time with a person or having goal-oriented, quality conversations.

If anyone you love receives love best this way, look for activities that are unique to you and that other person this season — look at Christmas lights, have a “no phones” dinner date or get concert tickets together to the person’s favorite band, as suggested by Lovepop.com.

There are many things in life that make people feel loved: grabbing groceries from the car without asking, wiping away tears, going on a bike ride or simply just being with the other person. Within the holiday season, people tend to become focused on giving gifts adequate enough to represent the love they share with the people around them — yet, gifts don’t have to be material to be sentimental. The five love languages provide not only a great basis to merely understanding the people you love (and yourself — they allow for personal and relational wellness.

Words of Affirmation Words of affirmation revolve around actively supporting, praising or appreciating

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CURRENT Feature your partner’s efforts and goals. This is typically done through auditory compliments, letter writing or pointing out things the person does well in their day-to-day life. Gifts for this type of language could be sending voice notes out of the blue, putting post-it notes on their bathroom mirror or sending poetry and quotes that made you think of them. Or, more focused on the season, giving your partner a book of quotes that made you think of them and reading them aloud.

Physical Touch While physical touch is the most common display of affection (or at least seen most consistently in our society), in explanation, this type of love language involves holding hands, kisses on cheeks and hugs when one is feeling sad. If your partner, or the person you love, has this love language primarily, make an effort to speak about mutually comfortable ways to care for them, especially if it isn’t your love language. Gifts could include a blanket or long-distance touch bracelets, as suggested by Lovepop.com.

Receiving Gifts Receiving gifts and gift-giving is commonly mistaken in society for being “materialistic” or other such terms — but receiving gifts does not mean that the person is so. On the contrary, gifts don’t have to be expensive to be worthwhile: Stopping to get a roommate’s favorite snack on the way home, picking lavender for your aunt and grabbing a small bouquet of flowers from Trader Joe’s are all significant, selfless gifts. Keeping an eye out for trinkets or small things that have significance in a person’s life is the point of gift-giving — and sometimes, the littlest gift can mean the most.

Acts of Service Acts of service refers to individuals who feel best loved when someone does something for them, such as taking the trash out, making dinner or altogether relieving them from responsibility. The key, as stated by Health. com, is “to do things with a positive attitude.”

A few ways that this can be done is to unload the dishwasher without being asked, clean the house, make a homemade meal for your caregiver or drive a grandparent to a place they need to go.

Now that the love languages are explained, one can begin to see the appeal of noticing and knowing not only others’ love languages, but their own.

Michigan State professor Bill Chopik has thoroughly studied the effects of the love

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languages — but he has a different take.

“One thing that we found is that we measure your preferences for giving and receiving different types of love, and we find that they are really highly correlated,” Chopik said. “If you want to be told you’re loved by your partner, you’re usually open to receiving gifts from them.

“One thing we’ve tried to dispel is the fact that there are separate love languages at all,” Chopik said. “We’ve done some analyses to show that … all of these things are stuff that nice people do for their partners or friends. If you do one of these things, it’s likely that you’ll do another.”

In the lens of the study, the love languages are not a “be-all, end-all” proposition — they merely help those around you (and yourself) be a more aware and loving human being.

The love languages promote emotional intelligence, selfless behavior, meaningful

interaction and more. And they just may help someone learn more about themselves, too.

Having that factor in relationships with family, friends, co-workers or partners allows for people to deepen and enrich their lives. But take these ideas as a mere direction of how people prefer to be loved, even though they may like to receive every love language.

Keep in mind, as we head into the holiday season — it may be considered “the season of giving,” but one should remember to give love every day, not just in a particular season.

Here’s to the season of giving — meaningful giving.

Olivia Hans

English and Professional and Public Writing

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CURRENT Calendar

December & January

2023 - 2024 DEC. 1 - 17

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SEASON OF LIGHT & CHRISTMAS CONSTELLATION SHOWS Abrams Planetarium | Various times Fri. - Sun. Celebrate the season with Abrams Planetarium’s holiday-themed feature and family shows. Season of Light explores seasonal traditions you may not know have astronomical associations, while Christmas Constellations invites families to search the stars for holiday shapes. Ticket sale dates are TBD.

https://www.abramsplanetarium.org/Programs/Public.html

DEC. 16 COCOA AND COLLEC TION

Broad Art Museum | 1 p.m. - 3 p.m.

Warm up and chill out at this seasonal crafting event. Provided with hot cocoa and art supplies, guests will make their own creations inspired by winter-themed works in the museum’s collection.

Registration for this free event is encouraged.

https://broadmuseum.msu.edu/events/cocoa-and-collection-20231216/

DEC. 16 ANATOMY OF FASHION: A RUNWAY SHOW FOR CHARIT Y Wharton Center, Pasant Theatre | TBD A collaboration between MSU’s College of Human Medicine and student designers, medical students will model designs made entirely of repurposed scrubs in this fashion show benefiting Care Free Medical, a Lansing charity providing health care to the uninsured and unhoused. Ticket sale dates are TBD.

https://humanmedicine.msu.edu/events/2023-StudentCouncil-fashion-show.html

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CURRENT Calendar

SPORTING EVENTS

JAN. 12 THE GOLDEN TICKE T MSU Museum | 7 p.m. - 9 p.m.

Search for golden tickets hidden throughout the MSU Museum while learning about the confectionary-making process and enjoying free sweet treats at this Willy Wonka-inspired treasure hunt. Registration for this free event is required, as spots are limited.

https://museum.msu.edu/?event=first-fridays-for-college-students-the-goldenticket&event_date=2024-01-12

JAN. 16 - 21 MAMMA MIA! Wharton Center, Cobb Great Hall | Various times Enjoy ABBA classics during this feel-good musical about a mother, a daughter, a wedding and three potential dads to walk the bride down the aisle. MSU students can purchase discounted tickets starting at $29; tickets start at $39 for non-students.

https://www.whartoncenter.com/events/detail/mamma-mia

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Women’s Gymnastics, Green and White Meet Dec. 16 Jenison Field House | 1 p.m.

Women’s Basketball, MSU vs.

Central Michigan Dec. 17 Breslin Center | 2 p.m.

Men’s Basketball, MSU vs.

Oakland Dec. 18 Breslin Center | 7 p.m.

Wrestling, MSU vs. American University Jan. 5 Jenison Field House | TBD Men’s Tennis, MSU vs. Brown & MSU vs. Western Michigan Jan. 19 MSU Indoor Tennis Facility | TBD Hockey, MSU vs. Minnesota Jan. 26-27 Munn Ice Arena | 6 p.m. and 4 p.m All sporting events listed are home games, this list does not include all events.

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CURRENT Campus Life

@venti_bella Izzone section leader Bella Ventimiglio presents on stage with her fellow section leaders during the Izzone Campout.

@oliviahanss or @oliviajanephoto_ Right outside the botanical garden, on the path. This was late October, so the leaves were just starting to fall!

@_.petunia2 A beautiful sunset on campus.

@emilie_hebenstreit There are several species of trees on campus that provide a unique opportunity for students to learn about these species in their community.

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@cnlphotography18 The squirrels, one of the seven wonders on MSU’s campus.

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CURRENT Campus Life

@sarahkefri Taking a journey through the cosmos at Abram’s Planetarium.

@eisele.hirschel Junior Eisele Hirschel celebrates Bid Day with her Delta Gamma sister, Keegan Teed.

@_zoeschantz Junior Zoe Schantz cheers the MSU football team on from the student section in Spartan Stadium.

@_ariya_ambrose_axel_ @emilysfarkas MSU in the fall/winter

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This is Ambrose — an emotional support animal who lived on campus last year. This is a photo from February of him walking around campus to be there for others who maybe missed their cats at home.

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CURRENT Wrap Up

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WINTER CRAFTS (E.G. SNOWFLAKES, HOMEMADE Celebrate the holiday season with homemade crafts. Re-create your favorite winter crafts by cutting designs in folded paper to create unique snowflakes. Make a present for someone special by filling a clear ornament with glitter, confetti, buttons or other craft materials you have at home. Use ribbon or twine to make festive garlands with spare felt, beads or pantry items (like popcorn). Tie together leftover sewing scraps to assemble a winter wreath. The possibilities are endless! Whether you make something for yourself or someone else, use your creativity to make a truly personalized and heartfelt craft.

BUILD SNOWMEN Pack your gloves and don your warmest coat — we’re headed outside for this activity! It may not look exactly like Frosty, but give building a snowman in the fresh snow a try! When you see the powdery, white snow build up, go have a snowman-building contest with your friends, roommates or family — it’s sure to bring a smile to everyone’s face. If it gets too cold, make sure to look at No. 4 on our list to warm you up!

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GO SEE HOLIDAY LIGHTS Spend time with friends and family by going on a drive to see the Christmas lights in your own neighborhood or even at your local zoo! The holiday season is the perfect time to go out and admire the colorful and twinkling lights put up around the community. You can even make a game out of spotting specific characters like Santa and Rudolph. Look up your local organizations to see if they’re holding light show events or even lighting up the star on the town’s holiday tree, and then bundle up for a magical night with loved ones!

HOT CHOCOLATE BAR Warm up after a cold day spent in winter weather or accompany freshly baked gingerbread cookies with a DIY hot chocolate bar. Compile a spread of your favorite cocoa toppings — mini marshmallows, candy canes, peppermint bark, chocolate and caramel syrups, cinnamon sticks, and whipped cream — and get to work creating drinkable masterpieces with friends and family. Put a Secret Santa spin on the activity by gifting each other unique mugs to sip from.

Phone-Free Winter Activities

STOP-MOTION MOVIES Remember Rudolph and his red nose that popped off the screen?

Remember the cherry-cheeked St. Nick? Rewatch the nostalgic favorites of stop-motion movies, produced in the 1960-70s! It will bring a cozy, festive atmosphere to see the classic movies that everyone grew up with — the best crowd-pleaser of the holiday season, no matter the age!

Staff

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SPARTANS CHOOSE ACTIVATE YOUR MSUFCU SPARTAN STUDENT BUNDLE! MSU Federal Credit Union is here to help you add to your adventures in the classroom, on your spring break, and after you cross the stage.

Spartan Student Bundle: •

Spartan Saver

•

Financial 4.0 app

•

Sparty Debit Card

Know Your Worth Financial Education Designed For You Financial 4.0 provides free resources to help you achieve goals now and in the future. MSU students can learn more about credit cards, investing, and more through our weekly financial education sessions. You can also download the MSUFCU Financial 4.0 app! Our app keeps you up to date on events, podcasts, and blogs as you navigate your financial path.

Start your Spartan experience today.

msufcu.org/students

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