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130 th YEAR ISSUE 35

THE STUDENT NEWSPAPER OF MISSISSIPPI STATE UNIVERSITY SINCE 1884

HCDC TO START PLANNING INTERNATIONAL FIESTA

by Alexandra Hendon Contributing Writer

The Holmes Cultural Diversity Center is pairing with the World’s Neighbors Association to host “The International Fiesta,” an event to help showcase international organizations on Mississippi State University’s campus.

The event is still in its last stages of planning and the Holmes Cultural Diversity Center is looking for

organizations who would be interested in participating this year. There will an intersession for any group interested on Feb. 25 at 5:30 p.m. in Hilbun Hall, room 216. Applications for table reservations, as well as entertainment, food and booth competitions will be available. The event will provide information on what each group can expect of the event and how they can be best represented.

The International Fiesta will be held on April 2 from 10-2 p.m. on the Drill Field

and will include displays, authentic music, cuisine, dance and other cultural representations from a variety of countries. There will also be the Parade of Flags.

The World’s Neighbors Association’s webside said it is an organization that focuses on “training and educating communities to find lasting solutions to challenges they face- hunger, poverty and disease,” and wants to help spread awareness and knowledge to a wide audience.

FIESTA, 2

Nic Dampier| MSU PR The International Fiesta is an annual event hosted by the Holmes Cultural Diversity Center that aims to provide American students with the opportunity to experience other nationʼs cultures while simultaneously allowing international students to express and share their homelands customs.

Megan Bean| MSU PR

SA passes joint resolution 25 urging Mississippi’s MSU Men’s Basketball Coach supports Autism state Legislature to address the flag issue Joint resolution 25 is part of a statewide effort by all eight major Mississippi universitiesʼ student governments stating the majority of Mississippi college students desire a change in the state flag.

by Taylor Bowden News Editor

The voice of Mississippi State University’s student body joined a building chorus of other Universities in Mississippi Tuesday night when the SA Senate passed Resolution 25 urging Mississippi’s State Legislature to consider changing the state flag.

Resolution 25 is MSU’s end of a collaborative effort between student governments across Mississippi even across the boundary of traditional collegiate rivalries.

Resolution 25 states the students of Mississippi insist on having their voices heard, and asks the Legislature to address the issue in this year’s legislative term. The resolution points out the last time the State voted on changing the flag was in 2001, so anyone living in Mississippi under the age of 33 has not had the opportunity to officially weigh in on the matter.

Awarenesss movement

Senator Thomas, Appropriations Chairman Senator Walne, President Pro Tempore Mississippi State University 54th 3rd Session Joint Resolution Resolution 25

WHEREAS, students of Mississippi’s colleges and universities call upon the Mississippi Legislature to address the issue of the current State flag within the 2016-2017 legislative session; WHEREAS, the students of these named colleges and universities recognize that the Confederate battle flag has historic value, and also recognize that the Confederate battle flag has developed into a symbol of civil and racial division;

This Saturday Mississippi Stateʼs menʼs basketball team will take on two adversaries at once – The University of Alabama and Autism.

During the game, MSU basketball Director of Operations Jason Ludwig will wear a blue puzzle piece. The pin is the symbol used by Autism Speaks, an organizations that promotes awareness of the disorder.

MSUʼs support during the game is part of Autism Speaksʼ “Coaches Powering Forward for Autism” movement.

Bianca Rodrigues of Autism Speaks said autism now affects 1 out of 68 children and is one of the fastest growing developmental disorders in the U.S.

WHEREAS, these named institutions uphold their commitment to tolerance and inclusion in asserting that the current State flag displaying the symbol in question does not represent the spirit of all Mississippians; BE IT RESOLVED THAT, the Student Governing Bodies of Mississippi’s eight public institutions, Alcorn State University, Delta State University, Jackson State University, Mississippi State University, The University of Misssissippi, and the University of Southern Mississippi, in agreement request that the state Legislature of Mississippi address the current State flag of Mississippi.

Jason Ludwig

RESOLUTION, 2

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NEWS

FIESTA

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Monday Jan. 15, 2016 6:44 p.m. A student was having a seizure at Chi Omega. The subject was transported to OCH. 6:52 p.m. A student reported her iPhone stolen from Garner Hall.

9:40 p.m. A student was arrested on Stone Blvd for speeding 39/20 and a suspended driver’s license.

Beth Newman Wynn |MSU PR

Mississippi State University has a large population of international students, and much focus is placed on supporting study abroad programs and working with ʻsister schoolsʼ in other countries to provide students with as many opportunities to broaden their horizons.

The Holmes Cultural Diversity Center is located on the second floor of the Colvard Student Union and HCDC’s webpage said their purpose is to promote and encourage the “positive image that

all cultures contribute to university life,” working mainly with minority and international students.

The World’s Neighbors Association’ pairing with the Holmes Cultural Diversity Center will help raise awareness for issues happening in other countries and will promote diversity on campus.

Ra’Sheda Forbes, associate director for HCDC, said they are hoping the student body will delve into cultures other than their own.

“This is a great learning opportunity in a fun

environment,” Forbes said.

Forbes said each country represented will present their own unique customs and traditions and share them with domestic students to help increase their knowledge about culture and the world. In past years, the event has represented over twenty different countries.

Rachel Ross, Program Coordinator for HCDC said the goal is to reach all students and expose them to aspects of many different cultural backgrounds found on State’s campus.

“Through different performances and different foods, we hope to show the student body and local community the beauty of different cultures and people,” Ross said.

Forbes said there is also an array of other events HCDC puts on. They are hosting an upcoming event, “Speak Like A Girl,” on March 28 at 5:30 p.m. in the Dawg House located in the Union.

“Speak Like A Girl,” will include a poetry duo giving performances geared toward the discussion and awareness of women’s

Tuesday, Jan. 16, 2016 7:58 a.m. An employee reported a suspicious person in Montgomery Hall.

10:17 a.m. A resident was arrested on Stone Blvd for speeding 39/20 and no insurance with a suspended driver’s license.

12:28 p.m. A student reported her vehicle was damaged while parked in Sessums Hall parking lot.

1:12 p.m. A student reported a disturbance with her exroommate at Sessums Hall.

2:41 p.m. A resident was arrested on College View Street for speeding 42/20 with a suspended driver’s license.

Wednesday, Jan. 17, 2016 12:20 a.m. A visitor was arrested on Blackjack Road for speeding 47/30 with a suspended driver’s license.

2:32 a.m. A student was arrested on Blackjack Road for speeding 48/30, no insurance and driving under the influence. issues in today’s society and will provide an interesting way to speak about a controversial topic.

The Diversity Center is also representing “Unity Month” in April.

More events should be announced in upcoming weeks.

The International Fiesta will be a unique opportunity for all students on campus to become more aware and

knowledgeable about cultures outside of what they experience on a daily basis and will allow students to immerse themselves, if only for a small amount of time, in the many cultures of the world. For more information, contact the Holmes Cultural Diversity Center by stopping by their office in Union Suite 220 or calling (662) 3252033.

RESOLUTION

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Contact info for Mississippi legislature Representative District 23: Calhoun, Clay, Oktibbeha, Webster counties Jim Beckett (R) P.O. Box 722 Bruce, MS 38915 (662) 983-7358

Senate District 15 Gary Jackson (R) P.O. Box 40 French Camp, MS 39745 Gjackson@senate.ms.gov

Capital Office: 205-C (601) 359-3335 Jbeckett@house.ms.gov

Taylor Thomas, SA their student bodies also pass it, a copy of the senator and co-chair of the desire change, the tally will resolution will be sent to appropriations committee, rise to 80,000.

Mississippi Governor Phil said he and 2016 Vice Last week, Thomas said Bryant, Mississippi Lt. President Hunt Walne Alcorn State University’s Governor Tate Reeves, and approached Ole Miss’ student government passed Mississippi Speaker of the Associated Student Body on the joint resolution, and House Philip Gunn.

(ASB) VP in September Ole Miss’ ASB is scheduled Walne said he grew up with the idea of multiple to vote on the resolution viewing the confederate schools working flag in a positive together to pass light.

“However, now being older a joint resolution “I had many stating the majority members of my and more knowledgeable I of college students family that fought in Mississippi in the Civil War, understand both sides of the support the idea and even some that of changing the died,” Walne said. issue.”

“However, now state flag to remove being older and the confederate knowledgeable I iconography. understand both “From there, we -Hunt Walne, incoming SA sides of the issue.” collaborated with VP Walne said in the John Brahan, the same press release it Associated Student is now clear to him Body VP at Ole that the ‘Confederate Miss, and Kyle Battle Flag’ is seen as a Stoner, the (then) Student next week.

Government Association “One voice can make a racist symbol to many and VP at University of statement,” Ole Miss ASB not successful in unifying Southern Mississippi about VP Brahan said. “But the the people of Mississippi what this resolution would combined voices of the under a single banner.

The joint resolution could look like,” Thomas said in eight public institutions of a press release.

Mississippi can hopefully be a powerful statement, Brahan said.

Thomas said the previous make a difference.”

“This collaborative resolution MSU’s SA MSU’s SA Senate passed passed in September Resolution 25 with a 23- effort shows that the represented the voices 1-1 vote, with one senator students are passionate of the 20,000 students at voting against and one about seeing the state flag change to represent all MSU. If the push for the abstaining.

Brahan joint resolution is successful Should all eight of the Mississippians,” and all other universities’ universities listed in said. “Hopefully in the student governments agree the resolution vote to near future.”

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OPINION

THE REFLECTOR FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 19, 2016

We can be married

Out and In Print

Wedding woes encouraged appreciation of vows friends for a few years. It is also smack dab in between Valentine’s day on the 14th and Rainey’s birthday on the 16th. We joked that we would be able to celebrate “Birthaversarytine’s Day” and be able to enjoy all sorts of heavily marked down valentine’s day merchandise on our future anniversaries.

When I got the news on Thursday afternoon that we would not be able to be married legally on that coming Monday, I started panicking. I called the courthouse initially to see what documents I could use other than my social security card to meet their requirements as mine had been voided minutes prior due to processing my name change and I had not yet received a new one.

Once Rainey calmed me down, we hatched a plan to start the three hour drive up to Arkansas that night after she was done with work around 10 or 11 p.m. I had a test scheduled Friday morning, so I called up my professor in a panic begging their voicemail not to hold it against me before sitting outside their office door until they came back.

Thankfully, they were very gracious.

Bek Yake is the multimedia editor at The Reflector. He can be contacted at opinion@reflector.msstate.edu.

If you have never been in the position of a simple sentence of misinformation threatening to ruin months of work and planning, you have certainly never heard the words “Of course the courthouse will be open on the 15th” when the date in question happened to be a federal holiday.

I asked because the Arkansas government websites I found were unclear on the matter and did not list President’s Day as a day on which all courthouses in the state would be closed. For months Rainey and I had planned to get married on Feb. 15 because it is a sentimental date to us. It is the day we first expressed romantic feelings for each other and decided to try out dating after being best

We got in around 3 a.m. and slept at Rainey’s parent’s house for a few hours before going to the courthouse. After samesex marriage passed, apparently nine of the 10 people in the Chicot County who were authorized to marry people quit and the last person was a minister who grudgingly accepted our administrative fee and insisted to call the relationship a “civil union” rather than a marriage.

Regardless, the deed was done so we now legally have

“The wedding was great and it was nice to see family members I have not seen in years.” a different anniversary than the day we actually care about.

Rainey joked that we got married in jeans at the courthouse after all – which was her original plan until I expressed interest in having an actual ceremony.

Besides, it is not every day that it is socially acceptable

Now what?

In Mississippi, Grenada County Circuit Clerk Linda Barnette made national news when she resigned less than a week after the Supreme Court ruling for Obergefell v. Hodges citing her religious objections to same-sex marriage as reason for her resignation.

Source: NY Daily News

to dress as a There are no federal protections for LGBTQ couples against housing discrimination, such Victorian Dandy as denial of applications, eviction, and increased prices. 29 states have no LGB housing with blue and protections at the state level and 33 have no housing protections based on gender identity. black hair and Mississippi is one of those 33.

Source: Human Rights Campaign have your love dressed in a black and gold vintage Mississippi is the only state which explicitly bans same-sex French silk couples from jointly adopting a child or a same-sex spouse chiffon gown with adopting their spouse’s child. There is currently a lawsuit challenging this ban. a hand-beaded Source: Washington Times veil made by our better third. I For transgender people born in Mississippi, it is as of yet impossible to completely erase the ended up wearing fact that they are trans from government records since Mississippi will not issue a new birth more white than certificate stating corrected name and gender markers, and will only write a notation in the margin indicating the court-ordered change. my bride.

Source: National Center for Transgender Equality I was still not done with all (Trans people born in Mississippi are therefore doomed to potential discrimination for the rest of their lives, no matter how well they may pass as their proper gender, such as when a the preparations potential employer, school, or government employee is required to see the birth certificate for for our wedding legitimate reasons) clothes after Bek Yake, The Reflector being emergency My father texted me people who said they would married, however.

I scrambled to finish all our at the last minute asking show up actually come. clothes at the last minute, where the venue was and There were a lot of family even sewing a final detail ended up showing up alone members misgendering me onto my vest en route to because my stepmother did and one family member had the venue. I also had to not agree with the marriage given me a set of especially briefly unbuckle to fix her and forbade my little feminine nail polishes as a hair while she was driving. siblings from going and in wedding gift, though I was I had not realized there was fact had thrown away the able to get one of Rainey’s much more to a wedding invitation. My divorced nephews to call me “uncle ceremony besides the vows parents and their parents Bek” by the end.

The wedding was great until the night before. The sat on opposite sides of the and it was nice to see family friend I had officiating it central isle.

There was not much members I have not seen and I wrote the script on engineering paper the night drama at the wedding, in years, but as we were before, while sitting on the thankfully. No relatives trying to leave to return to floor of Rainey’s childhood showed up belligerent Starkville, Rainey got the bedroom, after we spent and drunk like we had car stuck in a mud puddle.

20 minutes looking for the anticipated and no one came At least we’ll have things to sewing needle I had lost in there to object, though we remember and laugh about only had about half the in years to come. the carpet.

REFLECTIONS George Bernard Shaw

“Progress is impossible without change, and those who cannot change their minds cannot change the world.”

International Ink

Obama’s Pakistan policy is a joke Last week, the Obama administration approved the sale of six Lockheed Martin F-16 jets to Pakistan including highend radar equipment and training. A rubbish statement was put out by the U.S. Defense Security Cooperation Agency which said, “This proposed sale contributes to U.S. foreign policy objectives and national security goals by helping to improve the security of a strategic partner in South Asia, the proposed sale improves Pakistan’s capability to meet current and future security threats. These additional F-16 aircrafts will facilitate operations in all-weather, nondaylight environments, provide a self-defense/ area suppression capability and enhance Pakistan’s ability to conduct counter-insurgency and counterterrorism operations.”

I have repeatedly pointed out Pakistan’s blasphemy in the region, and joining me this time are U.S. lawmakers who point out that in the past Pakistan has not given two hoots to the conditions that the U.S.

Congress had placed in return of such assistance.

In a letter to President Obama, Matt Salmon, Chairman of the Asia and Pacific Subcommittee of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, wrote, “As several other Members of Congress and numerous independent experts have argued, providing such a significant upgrade to Pakistan’s offensive military capabilities is extremely problematic in light of the Pakistani military’s widely alleged complicity in terrorist violence, as well as the potential for the Pakistani military to use these F-16s to deliver nuclear weapons in conflict scenario with India. I strongly urge the Administration to reconsider the sale.”

In a joint letter to Secretary Kerry, Ted Poe (R) and Tulsi Gabbard (D) wrote, “Given that the United States has already supplied Pakistan with over $30 billion in foreign assistance from FY2002FY2016 and Pakistan still has not changed its behavior in any significant way, it is unconvincing that giving Pakistan

more taxpayer dollars to finance the purchase of F-16s will somehow break that trend. Pakistan has the ability to become an integral partner in the international community and be part of the solution on ending terrorism and the instability that plagues the region. Until that time comes, however, we urge you not to use taxpayer money to finance the sale of F-16s to Pakistan. On Feb.

“There are times when you completely disagree with the president and there are times when you agree.”

3, Hafiz Saeed, one of the masterminds of the 2008 Mumbai terrorist attacks in which six US citizens were killed, called for additional attacks against India.

Despite being designated as a terrorist organization by the United Nations, a $10 million bounty on his head by the US government and pleas from India to rein in Saeed, he remains free,”

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the letter said.

The Obama administration has been a hypocrite in dealing with Pakistan and terrorism, a country that is notorious to breed and raise terror outfits like the Haqqani network, the Jaish-e-Mohammed and the Jamaat-ud-Dawah who are responsible for the killings of over 2,300 U.S. troops in Afghanistan. If Pakistan keeps targeting our men in Afghanistan it

keeps the region burning, which keeps the flow of checks from Washington.

The narrative in Islamabad is: “No U.S. presence in Afghanistan, no military aid to Pakistan.”

Jallaudin Haqqani, Hafiz Saeed, Dawood Ibrahim and hundreds more who are perpetrators of various terrorist activities are considered state guests in

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR Letters to the editor should be sent to the Meyer Student Media Center or mailed to The Reflector, PO Box 5407, Mississippi State, MS. Letters may also be emailed to editor@reflector.msstate.edu.

Letters must include name and telephone number for verification purposes. The editor reserves the right to edit or refuse to publish a letter.

The

various parts of Pakistan, they live a comfortable life in the country. It is also believed that Zakiur-Rehman Lakhvi, a top Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) commander has fathered a child from a high-security prison he is locked up in. Law and order in this country are a hoax if you work in the government’s interest.

If you look at it, Pakistan has played a masterstroke; use U.S. dollars and military equipment to kill U.S. troops in the Afghan valley, the very recent being in December 2015 where six NATO American soldiers lost their lives. Obama’s chief counterterrorism advisor John O. Brennan has said in the past, “It is inconceivable that Bin Laden did not have a support system in the country that allowed him to remain there for an extended period of time.”

The old rhetoric by Pakistan that their nuclear facilities are in danger in return of a big fat check from the U.S. tax payer’s money must stop. Pakistan must first have a uniform policy against terror, do not term terrorists as

Pranaav Jadhav is a graduate student majoring in political science. He can be contacted at opinion@reflector.msstate.edu.

good or bad. All terrorist activities on their land must be suspended and de-legalized.

Do not eulogize terrorists by calling them freedom fighters.

Pakistan is capable of ending homegrown terrorism but it will not because it suits their interests.

Now, with the state of the art modern military machinery from the U.S. and $30 billion dollars in the bank account- why would it? There are times when you completely disagree with the president and times when you agree, foreign policy decisions like these worry me because there is no premise, no proper justification and no rationale behind offering military jets to Pakistan.

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Content is determined solely by the student editorial staff. The contents of The Reflector have not been approved by Mississippi State University.

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The Reflector staff strives to maintain the integrity of this paper through accurate and honest reporting. If we publish an error we will correct it. To report an error, call 325-7905.

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email to club_info@ reflector.msstate.edu with the subject heading “CLUB INFO,” or a form may be completed at The Reflector office in the Student Media Center. A contact name, phone number and requested run dates must be included for club info to appear in The Reflector. All submissions are subject to exemption according to space availability.

YOGA MOVES Yoga Moves incorporates meditation and relaxation into a free class where everyone is welcome. We meet Thursdays at 5:30 p.m. at the Sanderson in Studio C. They hope to

CLASSIFIEDS POLICY The deadline for Tuesday’s paper is 3 p.m.

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CLUB INFO The deadline for Tuesday’s paper is 3 p.m. Thursday; deadline for Friday’s paper is 3 p.m. Tuesday.

MSU student organizations may place free announcements in Club Info. Information may be submitted by

see you there!

UNIVERSITY AIKIDO CLUB The University Aikido Club teaches nonviolent self-defense in an encouraging and laid back atmosphere.

Classes are free and all are welcome to join. We meet in the Sanderson Center, Studio C, at 5:30 p.m. every Monday, Wednesday and Friday.

FREETHINKERS, ATHEISTS, AGNOSTICS OF MSU We are hosting a lecture

by Chuck Miller called “Atheism, Humanism, Freethought and Secularism 101” in Fowlkes Auditorium on 2/25 at 6 p.m. All are welcome!

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Feb. 16 SUDOKU Solutions

BAD DAWGS FLASHBACK: This day in Bad Dawgs history

Tuesday, Feb. 19, 2013 7:58 a.m. An employee reported her hub cap stolen from her vehicle while parked at Etheredge Hall.

8:31 a.m. An employee reported items lost while doing inventory in ITS Hardware Trailers.

2:02 p.m. A student reported losing her keys in an unknown location.

4:20 p.m. An employee reported her vehcile was hit while parked in McArthur Hall parking lot.

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People of MSU

Q&A with a ‘Furry’

by Lacretia Wimbley Editor-in-chief

Mississippi State University Junior Biological Science major Brandon Stuart said he is part of an interesting “fandom” that many students are probably curious about. If one has ever seen some individuals around campus wearing cat ears, or maybe a tail—some of those individuals may belong to the “Furry Fandom” on campus.

1.) Can you explain what the Furries are?

Are they official on campus (or plan on becoming an official group)?

A: In general, Furries,

“I’ve never met a more accepting and fun group of people in my life.”

-Brandon Stuart , junior biological sciences major

members of the Furry Fandom, are typically fans of anthromorphic (basically animal people) artwork and animation (ex. Bojack Horseman on Netflix).

Nearly all Furries design a character with an animal they have affection for or feel connected to; this is called a fursona. At conventions and online, Furries can commission artists to make badges, artwork, or commission full

fursuits of their character. As of right now, there is not an official Furry group on campus and I’m not sure of any plans for one, but there are plenty of furs across campus and I’d be ecstatic to join a group should one arise.

2.) Are there other names the Furries go by?

A: There aren’t many names that I know Furries go by other than just Furry. There are some important differences between Therians (people who believe they were some sort of animal in a past life or were born into a wrong human body) and Furries. Furries in general do not believe they are actually the animal they choose for their character, and their animal choice is usually just for fun. There are Therians who participate in the Furry Fandom of course.

3.) What would you say is most awesome about this group?

A: I’ve never met a more accepting and fun group of people in my life.

They say you can be anything in life and it’s really true, but no one typically thinks about dressing in a wolf suit.

There’s something amazing about finding other people who are part of this group I’m into. Many non-furs look at you with total disapproval because you’re wearing a tail around your belt-loop, but other Furries see you as just another human being.

4.) What is your least favorite thing about the group?

A: My least favorite thing about the Fandom is how few conventions or furry-related gatherings there are to go to around the country. There are a good handful of them and more get started every year, but down here in the South we have very limited events. The Fandom has been and will continue to grow quickly, so I’m

Brandon Stuart | Courtesy Photograph

Brandon Stuart (pictured) shares his fox fursona with everyone by wearing his paws.

sure more cons will pop up.

5.) When did you first come to learn about Furries and what made you decide to take part?

A: I remember browsing the internet when I was around 13 and just happened to stumble upon some Furry artist’s digital artwork of the old N64 game Star Fox and

continued to browse through their work. On their webpage, they talked about the Fandom and I gradually developed an interest and fell in love with Fandom. Now, I have my fursona (also a fox) and attend conventions and parties with my other Furry friends. I’d rather die on my paws than live on my feet.

Bulldogs for Batson hosts events for charity

by Mary Rumore Staff Writer

Members of Mississippi State University’s Student Association are working to make Bulldogs for Batson the university’s official philanthropy.

Roxie Raven, student association vice president, said Bulldogs for Batson is a series of events the Student Association conducts to raise money for Blaire E. Batson Children’s Hospital.

AudreyAnne Estess, director of special events for the Student Association,

said starting a philanthropy for Mississippi State was her passion.

“Different organizations on campus, student organizations or Greek organizations, do philanthropies, but Mississippi State as a whole, until now, has never really come together to do a philanthropy,” Estess said.

“If one organization can raise a lot of money, then what can a whole university be able to do?”

Estess said this past fall semester, there were several events that raised money for the children’s hospital as part of Bulldogs for Batson. There was a Harry Potter Trivia Night hosted

in conjunction with the Honors Council that raised around $500, Bells for Batson, a cowbell painting class, raised about $1,000 and Change a Child’s Life, a change collecting competition between all the residence halls on campus, raised about $300.

Estess said it is trickier to plan events during the spring because of all the changes taking place to the Student Association, but there is a trivia month currently being planned for the spring semester.

“It will be very similar to the Harry Potter Trivia Night, but over several weeks with several

different themes,” Estess said.

Estess said she hopes Bulldogs for Batson continues to grow even as the Student Association cabinet changes.

“As a university, we should be able to come together and really do something significant to help someone else,” Estess said.

According to Blair E. Batson Children’s Hospital’s website, it is the only hospital in the state devoted exclusively to the treatment of children and adolescents. She said patients come from all of Mississippi’s 82

counties for treatment of common childhood illnesses to severe trauma or life-threatening diseases. It is located in Jackson and is a part of the University of Mississippi Medical Center.

Jen Hospodor, manager of Children’s Miracle Network at Batson Children’s Hospital, said the hospital is oneof-a-kind in the state of Mississippi.

“The care sick and injured children receive here often cannot be duplicated anywhere else in Mississippi,” Hospodor said.

Hospodor said the needs at the hospital are immense and support from the public

is vital in making children’s treatments possible.

“Unless a donation is designated to be spent a certain way, it is used to fill the greatest need, which could be everything from character Band-Aids to life-saving equipment,” Hospodor said. “No matter the amount or the motivation for donating to Batson, we are grateful and so are our patients. It can and does make a difference in a child’s life.”

Follow the Student Association on Twitter or Instagram @Msu_SA for information about upcoming Bulldogs for Batson events.

‘The Choice’ portrays unique romance

by Abby Ready Staff Writer

Recently, I saw the new movie “The Choice,” based on Nicholas Sparks’ best selling book, and it is another Sparks favorite to add to a list of must- see movies. This movie portrays a compelling love story between Gabby (Teresa Palmer) and Travis (Benjamin Walker).

Travis and Gabby get off to a rough start when Gabby moves in next door and cannot get any studying done due to Travis’ loud music. After Gabby approaches Travis, the two quickly notice how much they bother each other.

Gabby is a feisty medical student studying for her boards and working at a local hospital her boyfriend’s family owns.

Meanwhile, Travis is a good ole’ boy who is partners with his father at a veterinary clinic and has no interest in a relationship with any meaning. Travis is the kind of guy who wants to keep his

easygoing lifestyle, while Gabby plans to settle down with her perfectly planned out life. The unlikely couple eventually face their irresistible connection, are wed and begin the journey of a life of love together.

A few years later, two kids come and life is good until one night a storm rocks their world. One of them is forced to make a choice like no other. “The Choice” ultimately confronts viewers with one of the most heart wrenching questions in the world, how far can you go to keep the hope of love afloat?

“The Choice” is yet another one of Sparks’ love-inspired, adrenaline rushing and heart wrenching films to hit the big

screen. The story conveys the message of how many choices people are faced with in life and how one little choice can change everything. This film is colorful and entertaining with numerous plot twists.

It is a film that will make viewers cry, laugh and compel viewers to deep thought.

Allie Pilgrim, sophomore business major, said this was perhaps his best movie yet. This speaks volumes because many of his books have been turned into major motion pictures.

“I’d go back to see that again now. It was that good. It is such a compelling story with twists and

turns and so much love,” Pilgrim said.

The film remains similar to the book, as did past films. The movie was 111 minutes, making it one of Sparks’ longer films. It was exquisitely timed and never lost the viewer’s attention.

The gorgeous scenes and practical plot twists with well thought out dialogue really held the attention of the audience, making it a movie that kept one on the edge of their seat.

Lastly, I enjoyed how the film showed life’s ups and downs and how things can turn around in an instance. Without giving too much away, there are so many times when people think it’s all over, but in a snap things change.

“The Choice” is creative, compelling, exciting and relatable. If one is looking for a romance or a good cry, this is undoubtedly the movie to see.

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@SPORTSREFLECTOR

SPORTS

THE REFLECTOR FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 19, 2016

Diamond Dogs led by solid pitching staff Dalton Middleton is a junior majoring in communication. He can contacted at reflectorsports@gmail.com

The Mississippi State baseball team never fails to be right in the middle of contention talks. They are always expected to be fantastic every season. Even after the terrible season the Bulldogs encountered last year, they are expected to be

a top team in the SEC and contend for a spot in Omaha.

The difference between this year’s edition of the Diamond Dogs and last year’s is depth. After having the third-ranked freshman class in the nation, MSU also picked up some key contributors from junior college.

After losing Wes Rea, MSU picked up Nathaniel Lowe from St. Johns River Community College. He won Florida Junior College Player of the Year and turned down an offer to be drafted in the 10th round of the 2015 MLB Draft. He was named one of the top 30 first basemen in college baseball.

Another transfer standout is Jack Kruger. He played

his freshman year at the University of Oregon and then transferred to Orange Coast College. He is one of the team’s top hitters and is going to be in the middle of the lineup whether he is catching, playing first base, or playing the outfield.

The catcher positon has a lot of depth, which will help a lot. Elih Marrero enters as one of the top 60 incoming freshmen in the NCAA. He turned down offers from the University of Miami and a third round draft pick to come play for MSU. He is much needed, and expected to make a huge impact from the beginning.

If MSU has a good season, it is going to depend on the arms of the pitching staff and the team’s ability to close out games. Last year, it seemed the Bulldogs could have picked up 10 or more wins if they could have closed out latter portions of games.

Dakota Hudson and Austin Sexton also need to have outstanding seasons.

Hudson was named a preseason All-American and was regarded as one of the top pitchers in the NCAA this season. Sexton, on the other hand, is very underrated and

was arguably the team’s best pitcher last season. But with new Coach Wes Johnson’s help on his breaking ball, Sexton is poised to have a stellar year.

The depth of the Bulldogs pitching rotation is phenomenal. Hudson is just one of the players who are expecting great things out of the group.

“It has been interesting to see,” Hudson said. “That [competition] is making everyone sharp. It pushes the next guy in front of you. This year, more so than any other year, we know if we are not on our game someone else will easily be able to step in.”

With the depth of the rotation, the biggest problem with last season that has to improve is the role of closing pitcher. Coach Johnson said the team is looking to run a three closer set this year.

“We have some viable candidates,” Johnson said.

“We are looking at Reid Humphreys, who has established himself on the mound right now. Blake Smith can do some things as well. Jacob Billingsley has a power slider and is throwing the ball really well.”

There are a lot of returning players such as leading hitter Jacob Robson, leading fielder

Courtesy photo|hailstate.com

All-American pitcher Dakota Hudson leads a potent rotation for the Bulldogs.

John Holland, and many others returning or moving to new positons to make room for players looking to improve from struggles of last season.

Coach John Cohen said he believes his team is eager to right the ship after last year’s disappointment.

“There is no question they have a chip on their shoulders,” he said. “Every one of our returning guys talks about what they went through a year ago and how disappointing it was to them.

I feel like they have a lot to prove. I am excited about seeing how they do it on the field.”

With their biggest strength being the pitching

staff and possibly having five to six guys who can throw and succeed in the toughest division of baseball in the country, the Bulldogs should have a great season. Although they play seven out of the top 14 teams, they should finish in the top three of the SEC and can make a serious run in the SEC tournament.

Some doubt the Bulldogs because they are the only team that is ranked that had a losing record last season, but this team will go out there on the field and compete with the Vanderbilts and the Floridas of the national college playing field. Expect this Bulldog team to be playing in Omaha come June.

Bulldogs fill vacancies

by Taylor Rayburn Staff Writer

IMAGINE

THE FUTURE O F A E R O S PA C E .

WE ARE .

Mississippi State football officially fi lled all of their vacant coaching positions with the official announcement of Maurice Linguist taking over as safeties coach. MSU also fi lled their defensive coordinator vacancy with Peter Sirmon and their cornerbacks coach vacancy with Terrell Buckley.

Buckley played in the NFL for 13 years and won a Super Bowl with the 2001 New England Patriots.

Buckley spent the last two seasons coaching defensive backs at Louisville. Buckley is also a Pascagoula, Mississippi, native.

Buckley mentioned his Mississippi roots multiple times to media Monday .

“I am a Mississippi guy, born and raised here,” he said. “It has been great, the coaches are awesome and the players have welcomed me with open arms. So, we

are off to a great start.”

Maurice Linguist, also a former college player, spent four years playing safety at Baylor. His last coaching stop was at Iowa State as the defensive pass game coordinator from 2014 to 2015. Linguist stressed the importance of his unit developing their own identity.

“There has been a culture of playing good defense here, but every year and every team is its own. So, what we are doing is creating our identity and our own brand for what we want the 2016 defense to be,” Linguist said on building the defense.

The biggest hire of the offseason was Peter Sirmon.

He is an up and comer from Walla Walla, Washington.

Sirmon played linebacker at Oregon for four years before moving on to play for the Tennessee Titans in the NFL for seven years.

He is taking over for former defensive coordinator Manny Diaz, who left for the same position at the

University of Miami (Fl).

His most recent stop was at USC as the linebackers coach and recruiting coordinator. Although he came from USC, Sirmon is not without SEC coaching experience. His fi rst fulltime coaching job was as the linebackers coach at Tennessee in 2011.

“I have spent a lot of time on the West Coast but have spent 10 years living in the state of Tennessee as well,” Sirmon said. “I have a good understanding of what the conference is about, what the expectations are and the passion of the fans.”

The trio of new coaches looktoimproveadefensethat fi nished 55th in the country in total yards allowed last season. With losses of Chris Jones, Beniquez Brown, Will Redmond and Taveze Calhoun they will have to rely on some of the younger stars to fi ll the void. MSU will play their spring game on April 16 and will open up the 2016 football season on Sept. 3 against South Alabama.

Editor’s note: In an article that was published in the Feb. 16 edition of The Reflector, it was stated the softball team went 4-0 in the Bulldog Kickoff Classic. The softball team went 5-0 in the Classic. The Reflector regrets this error.

When you’re a leader, people watch to see what you’ll do next. Nobody knows that better than Mississippi State University. For years we’ve been leaders in the world of aerospace engineering. MSU now serves as the national lead university for the Federal Aviation Administration’s Center of Excellence of Unmanned Aircraft Systems, putting us on the cutting edge of this new era of research, development and integration into the nation’s airspace. We’re driven to lead the way. Keep watching as we soar to new heights. M S S TAT E . E D U