3.8.23

Mayor Spruill visits campus, discusses local government ‘It’s

Mayor Lynn Spruill visited campus Thursday to share her local government journey with students.

College Democrats at Mississippi State University hosted the town hall. President Justin Childs introduced Spruill to the audience of six students.

“Tonight, we’re going to hear about progress beginning locally and how to stay engaged with our community and how important local leaders are,” said Childs, a senior psychology major.

Mayor Spruill said she is a Democrat but pulled out of the local party because city politics

should not be either Democratic or Republican.

“It is my belief that potholes and water leaks and things of that nature are not even remotely related to what party you belong to,” Spruill said.

Before Spruill became

mayor, the Starkville native and MSU alumna served as an officer in the U.S. Navy and then moved to Addison, Texas.

After a city councilman’s death, Spruill gained his title. Addison’s mayor then

Degree Works replaces previous degree auditing system

This semester, Mississippi State University is transitioning from the CAPP compliance system of degree audits to a program called Degree Works. Degree audits are performed to ensure that students have completed all requirements before being awarded their degrees. In the past, CAPP compliance has helped students track audits, but Degree Works will replace this system.

According to the MSU Office of the Registrar, students enrolled at MSU from fall 2020 until now will use Degree Works. Students who enrolled prior to fall 2020 will continue using CAPP to track degree requirements and graduation progress.

DEGREE, 2

died, naming Spruill as its first female mayor.

“It’s just an odd series of events, tragic, in a lot of ways, but you just don’t anticipate some of this,” said Spruill. “But, at the same time, you don’t turn down a challenge.”

Emma Day, a freshman psychology major, said she attended Thursday’s event to meet Mayor Spruill.

“I did not know [Spruill] was in the military,” Day said. “My dad was in the military, so I found that very interesting.

I’m glad she served our country.” Spruill said she never imagined serving her cities’ boards, but her local government involvement started piecing together in Addison, Texas.

SPRUILL, 2

New wine bar opens on University Drive

L’uva Wine Room opened its doors on 509 University Drive in January.

Located beside the gelato shop Dulce, L’uva features a curated wine collection, signature cocktails, charcuterie boards and flatbread options.

The wine bar is open Wednesday through Saturday evenings. Robbie Coblentz, Bonnie Coblentz, Stefan Tribble and Laura Kate Tribble own L'uva. The four also own Dulce Gelato.

Melanie Hankins Booth, a Certified Specialist of Wine and long-time friend of the Coblentzes, is the mastermind behind L’uva’s wine selection. By curating the weekly wine menu,

Booth said she teaches guests how to experience wine.

“There is so much that goes into a bottle of wine that we should stop just drinking wine, and we should actually experience it,” Booth said.

When making selections, Booth said she

considers each wine’s chemistry to make appropriate food pairings. She said this process brings out the best flavors in the wine and food.

“There’s a lot of science into it. You know, they say that good wine is part art and part science,” Booth said. WINE, 2

Equine-assisted therapy program provides healing

The Mississippi State University EquineAssisted Therapy Program will offer therapeutic horse riding for children with a variety of different disabilities, including autism, cerebral palsy and muscular dystrophy.

The therapeutic riding program is held at the Elizabeth A. Howard Arena within the Jimmy Brian 4-H Complex in West Point and takes place every Monday and Thursday. Sessions are held at 2:30 p.m. and 3:30 p.m.

Kate Yelverton, a senior majoring in human development and family science, has worked as a student intern for the program. She said program volunteers work in different capacities to assist and benefit riders.

“There is always one volunteer talking to the child on the horse, one beside the horse providing safety and support and another leading the horse through the activities,” Yelverton said. “For the

children that have physical disabilities, riding helps to strengthen their muscles and work on posture. We also do a lot of activities where we tie in numbers and colors … that help with their motor skills.”

Yelverton said the program’s approach allows the volunteers to give as much attention as

they can to the children during the session.

“I wish everyone could see how healing this program is,” Yelverton said.

Yelverton said the program has positively impacted her life.

“It has helped me to get out of my comfort zone, work well with children and overall, it is

just a really calming part of my week. It’s therapeutic for me as a volunteer as well because everyone has the same goals in mind when working with the children,” Yelverton said.

Cheyenne Lemire, a senior kinesiology major, said the therapy program positively impacts the children.

“It is a place where the kids can come and just be themselves. We don’t look at them as disabled … they’re just kids,” she said.

“The social interactions they get are another important thing as well.”

Along with the children, Lemire said the horses used for the program are benefitted.

“The horses love doing

their job,” Lemire said. “You can really tell they are enjoying it just as much as the kids.”

Many of the horses in the therapeutic riding program are older, previously injured or cannot be used anymore for their previous jobs and enjoy having a new opportunity to work, Lemire said. THERAPY, 2

HEATHER HARRISON EdITOR-IN-CHIEf

ELISA STOCKING CONTRIBUTING WRITER

Mayor Spruill spoke to seven students Thursday night about her local government journey and student involvement. Heather Harrison | The Reflector

MSU announced Degree Works will replace the CAPP Compliance degree auditing system. File Photo | Landon Scheel

Located on 509 University Drive, patrons drink wine and cocktails at L'uva Wine Room. Ivy Rose Ball | The Reflector

ANNMARIE RAQUE CONTRIBUTING WRITER

Sierra Nicholson is a participant in MSU’s Veteran Horsemanship Program. The program works with veterans to facilitate recover y.

Courtesy Photo | Lori Irvin

ANNE LOUISE PHILLIPS CONTRIBUTING WRITER

Courtesy Photo | Justin Childs

Student volunteer Cheyenne Lemire works to assist children in the therapy program.

Courtesy Photo | Lori Irvin

College Democrats President Justin Childs introduced Spruill Thursday night.

She returned to Starkville in the early 2000s after a stint in Atlanta, Georgia.

Dan Camp, a longtime friend of Spruill’s, became mayor in 2005 and named Spruill as Starkville’s chief administrative officer. She held this title for eight years under two mayors.

“The best-laid plans of what you think you are going to do — not necessarily the case,” Spruill said.

After leaving City Hall, Spruill wrote for the Starkville Dispatch for four years. She had a weekly column that reported town oddities, board meetings and community events.

“It was a very introspective opportunity because I

Emily Shaw and Amy Adkerson have been working with Information Technology Services to lead this effort.

Adkerson and Shaw said the university has used CAPP since 2008.

According to Adkerson, Degree Works will be very similar to the current system but will have several new features to help users.

“If a degree requirement has multiple courses that can fulfill a rule, Degree Works displays those right there in the audit,” Adkerson said. “Degree Works also shows students which courses have prerequisites, and with one click, they can see if the course is included on future master class schedules.”

Along with easier access of course information, Adkerson said the system will clearly display the academ-

Due to her extensive knowledge of wine, Booth said she can assist guests in finding a wine they will enjoy by asking about food they already like. She said those who enjoy lemonade, pickles and vinaigrettes are prone to enjoy acidic white wines while those who prefer black tea and walnuts may enjoy bold, tannic reds.

Bonnie Coblentz said the meaning behind the bar’s name contributed to its aesthetic.

“L’uva means ‘the grape’ in Italian, so we were trying to make a classy establishment for adults to have a glass of wine or a cocktail,” Bonnie Coblentz said.

L’uva’s storefront includes large windows, warm lights and classic decor. Robbie Coblentz said he would describe the location as

THERAPY

Lori Irvin, a coordinator for the MSU EquineAssisted Therapy Program and an extension associate, agreed this program served an important role for disabled children.

“For a lot of the children we serve, this is their only group activity, and it makes them feel really special. It’s good for them physically and emotionally,” Irvin said.

Irvin said she thought highly of the horses in the program.

“I think God made horses to heal people,” Irvin said.

The program has been searching for volunteers interested in helping with their therapeutic riding services. According to Irvin, outgoing and horseexperienced individuals are sought after as potential volunteers.

“A person that really

had to find topics to write about,” Spruill said. In 2017, Spruill put her name on the mayoral ballot and won the title by six votes.

“And that’s a pretty strong statement as to who your community is,” said Spruill, Starkville's first female mayor. However, she ran unopposed in 2021 for her second term.

“So, those folks who are Republican, those folks that are Democrat were relatively satisfied, I would say, from that, or else they just decided … it wasn’t a job worth having,” Spruill said.

She mentioned the intensity that local politics tend to encapsulate, saying she

ic standing and additional attributes of a student.

Shaw said the change has been initiated to maintain sustainability for updates.

Both Adkerson and Shaw said they believed students will find the update to be a positive change, but it may be challenging to learn a new system.

Ginger Pizer, an adviser in the Department of English, agreed.

“There will definitely be a learning curve as with any process,” Pizer said.

However, Pizer said Degree Works will be a useful tool. She said she remembered the previous transition to CAPP 15 years ago.

“Before CAPP, everything was on paper,” Pizer said.

Ann Olivia Radicioni, a senior majoring in political science, said she does not think the learning curve

"fabulous" and ensured the furnishing added the right mood.

“We’ve gone for unique finishes and touches: the black granite bar, the specialized bar area, the light fixtures. We’ve gone for a more metropolitan feel,” Robbie Coblentz said.

Robbie Coblentz said Starkville residents have shown out to support L’uva.

“The response has been tremendous. Everybody loves what we do here,” Robbie Coblentz said.

Robbie Coblentz said he and his team felt there was a need in Starkville for a place like L’uva.

“So many times, places in Starkville become college hangout spaces. We tried to create a space where college students are welcome but this is for professionals …

likes working with children and is outgoing is important for the kids … and volunteers get way more out of it than they give,” Irvin said.

Additionally, Irvin said the Veterans Horsemanship Program was another service offered. The program lets veterans to work with horses to facilitate recovery and transition to civilian life.

“The veterans gain confidence and friends,” Irvin said. “They also help prepare the horses for riding with the kids.”

All services the MSU Equine-Assisted Therapy Program offers are free to participants, and the program relies heavily on donations.

For more information on volunteering for the program, email Lori Irvin or call (662) 436-0799.

dislikes that environment and prefers completing projects that impact residents.

“From my perspective,” Spruill said, “government is where it’s at, and politics is kind of about how you get there.”

Although she believes in term limits for herself, Spruill said she might consider running for reelection because the COVID-19 pandemic stalled her plans for two years.

“I really don’t think you [need to] get to that point where you’re the end-all, be-all,” Spruill said, referencing mayors who serve for decades.

In 2017, Spruill attended Bulldog Bash on Main Street. As she

will be much of a hurdle in the transition process.

“The transition has not ultimately been difficult, as I have had many of my friends show me Degree Works and how they are using it. I also think the overall new layout of links makes the program so much simpler,” Radicioni said.

Radicioni said she was impressed by the aesthetic of the system.

“I found that CAPP was incredibly useful, but based upon the layout, it was a bit harder to navigate. The overall set-up of Degree Works is much more aesthetically pleasing, and through its graphics, it’s simpler to understand,” Radicioni said.

To learn more about the transition or the degree auditing process, visit the registrar's website.

adults of all ages,” Robbie Coblentz said.

According to Robbie Coblentz, they plan to start wine and pairing classes in April on Tuesday nights.

Outside of wine and food pairings, Robbie Coblentz said customers can order desserts from Dulce to accompany their dining experience.

“Since we own Dulce and L’uva, you can cross order. So, you can pull gelato and desserts from Dulce into L’uva which is really kind of fun,” Robbie Coblentz said.

As for the goals of the business, Booth said they want to educate guests on wine and wine pairings to enhance their tasting experiences and to have a skill to take home.

“That’s the beauty of doing classes because you wouldn’t go to, say Scotties, and buy four

walked through the crowd of thousands, she heard some MSU students say they had never visited downtown. Those overheard conversations sparked the idea for the current Main Street makeover.

As mayor, Spruill said she focuses on bigpicture projects and appreciates the aldermen's visualization of her plans for the city. Spruill mentioned Cornerstone Park as her favorite mayoral project for its economic development and friendly environment.

Spruill said she wants foster engagement with young people and encourage them to attend MSU after spending their

youth playing sports in Starkville’s parks.

“If you were to leave here [Starkville] … then I want you to think this is where you spent a good bit of time,” Spruill said. “It was a wonderful place to be and it’s a place you want to come back to."

Spruill mentioned controversies the city has faced recently and said local involvement should rise above disagreements.

“It’s not hard to be a part of a community … and you can still be yourself and still be part of a community without disrupting things and turning things upside down,” Spruill said.

Spruill said the Starkville, Oktibbeha County and MSU

partnership is strongest when the trio is in harmony.

“The county, the city, MSU — we do best when we do together,” Spruill said. “We share the costs, we share the designs, we share the effort, and it makes a huge difference.

After the town hall, Childs said he appreciated Mayor Spruill’s work with College Democrats.

“Our town hall event was planned to bridge any gap between Mississippi State students and the Starkville community,” Childs said. “We hope to strengthen the bond between Mississippi’s College Town to support and empower local involvement for all our members.”

bottles of wine so you could have a wine tasting, and you wouldn’t go to Kroger and buy the ingredients to do three different dishes to pair with those four different wines on a normal Tuesday night. But if you come to one class and see how it works … then you get to have that experience at home,” said Booth.

Booth said the owners want L’uva to be a place guests can gather and unwind.

“We are trying to set up a place where you can come in and unpack your day," Booth said. "It might be over a glass of wine with your best friend or sister. It might be a special occasion. It might be because you’re hungry. We want you to come in feeling fancy and we want you to leave feeling like family."

L’uva owners plan to offer wine and pairing classes in April on Tuesday nights. Ivy Rose Ball | The Reflector

Along with other volunteers, Narsis Whigham (middle) assists children with horses. Whigham works as a program leader for the MSU Equine-Assisted Therapy Program.

Courtesy Photo | Lori Irvin

Degree Works will provide new features that clarify course prerequisites, degree requirements, student ranks and student attributes.

File Photo | Landon Scheel

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Tree fallout: Damage report from eventful weekend

March 1 - A student reported that she was sexually assaulted in Deavenport Hall by her ex-boyfriend.

March 3 - A total of 10 reports of property damage were filed as a result of a tree falling on Walker Road.

March 3 - A student reported members of the Kappa Alpha Fraternity throwing objects into the backyard of the Pi Kappa Alpha Fraternity House. A

Aquarius - During spring break, you will search through your dad’s old college photo album and find a picture of a family member that you will stare at for entirely too long.

Scorpio - This will be your most trying week to date. The parking tickets are mounting, the girl in class won’t shut up and you bombed your midterm, but at least you have cool socks.

Gemini - Clark the disemboweled made his return to the star god club this week with emphasis. That emphasis being in a drunken rage, though. We need new curtains now. Please donate.

Aries - Your primate instincts will take over this week at least once. Avoid small children, outdoor bathrooms and absinthe at all costs. If you can, stay indoors. We don’t want to see that stuff.

Eating disorders are too casual in college

cule on their own, their weight becomes crushing in context.

Before embarking on your journey through college, I am sure you were all once warned of the looming, ever-present threat that is: The Freshman Fifteen.

As I am sure it was for many of you, my transition from plentiful, home cooked meals to dorm room ramen and family sized bags of Cheeto puffs was an unpleasant one. As college students, we learn to sacrifice our health and well-being for the sake of convenience and comfort.

We find time in our busy schedules to scarf down whatever is within arm’s reach, and we learn to make do with what we can afford.

While making room for an extra 15 pounds is hardly the end of the world, behind this playful adage lurks a more sinister truth regarding the eating habits of college students, a truth that I believe is entitled to more recognition.

According to a 2011 study published in the Journal of American College Health, between 8% and 17% of college students suffer from an eating disorder. While these statistics may seem minus-

As of fall 2022, 22,649 students were enrolled at Mississippi State University. Assuming this number has remained consistent, my research suggests that an estimated 1,811 to 3,850 MSU students are currently suffering from fullblown eating disorders.

The grumbling of empty stomachs in 11 a.m. classrooms echo these daunting numbers.

We all recognize that eating disorders are bad. Rest assured, no one is sitting at home right now, thinking about all the good that eating disorders do, waiting for me to come along and convince them otherwise. However, what many people fail to realize is the severity and commonality of such disorders.

Somewhere along the way, someone spread the misconception that eating disorders arise solely from a lack of selfesteem. This outdated perspective perpetuates the stereotype that eating disorders are restricted to thin, sickly-looking girls. By pushing forth this narrative, we leave men and other seemingly healthy people to fend for themselves.

What I implore students to recognize is that eating disorders are never so simple. Oftentimes, eating disorders stem from a lack of control and the desire to regain it. This makes college students a particularly susceptible group for developing them.

I was 17 when I moved from Georgia to Mississippi on my own to go to college. I had no job, no friends or family in the state and no backup plan for what to do if things went awry. Although I was given full independence over my life, at that moment, I felt like I was completely stripped of my control. This is an all too familiar feeling for students.

When teenagers are removed from the watchful eyes of their parents and given the label of “adult,” they are stripped of their structure, given demanding workloads and pushed entirely into unfamiliar environments. This is enough to make anyone feel at a loss for power.

SI sessions are worth the extra effort

SI is anywhere from 5-12% higher than others who did not attend.

I coped with this by throwing myself into 18 hours of classes, getting two jobs and spending a lot of time driving through dark Mississippi roads alone and in silence at 2 a.m. In comparison, I think I got off lucky. Many students, however, find a sense of control through fixating on their eating habits. This illusion of control is fleeting, though, as eating disorders take over the mind long before they ever touch the body.

Let’s go back a moment and revisit our statistics. If between 1,811 and 3,850 students at MSU are currently suffering from eating disorders, what about the students struggling with disordered eating? Falling on the lower end of the spectrum, disordered eating entails skipping meals, eating at irregular hours, binging, fasting and putting nutrition on the back burner. Essentially, disordered eating sums up the life of the average college student.

Once we factor in a couple thousand students struggling with this lesser extreme, we are closing in on a large fraction of the student body, and that does not include the 40% of college students Forbes calculated who struggle with food insecurity.

To get a better idea of this number, I conducted a small survey of college students’ eating habits and asked how many meals they ate each day. Of the 63 respondents, 50 reported that they ate less than three. Many students stated the reasons they eat less is due to a lack of time and money, as well as increased stress.

Despite the often-unintentional nature of disordered eating, it is still just as dangerous and serious as it would be if intentional. As students, we normalize this type of behavior to such an extreme extent that most of us find no problem with it. Habitual disordered eating is a precursor to developing

fully-fledged eating disorders, and it should be treated as such. Eating disorders have one of the highest mortality rates of all mental illnesses, according to the Eating Disorders Coalition. Although they are extremely common, these disorders are hardly ever brought to light until it is too late. If research estimates a minimum of 1,811 students on MSU's campus are suffering, it is imperative that more attention is drawn to this issue.

It is not enough just to know that eating disorders are bad. There are currently no recognized support groups or clubs on campus dedicated to bringing awareness to this issue. To help our peers and loved ones, this has to change. Students must advocate for one another and help to create a support system on campus for those who are struggling. The only way to shed light on this issue is to talk about it.

Chances are, if you have spent any significant amount of time at Mississippi State University, you will have encountered a class that offers Supplemental Instruction. SI is a resource available for students to help them succeed in classes that have been deemed appropriately difficult.

If you have taken a class that offers SI, you can also recall receiving at least three emails a week from your assigned SI leader. I get the feeling, though, that not enough students understand what a benefit SI can give in these classes.

The proof is in the pudding. SI’s website flaunts some serious statistics, claiming that the average percentage of students passing the class that attended

Beyond the glaring facts, it just makes sense. SI leaders provide students with test reviews during the week of a test, which can give students direct information about the upcoming test's content.

SI leaders do incredible amounts of hard work to create these informative sessions. Jackson Harrell, an SI leader for Calculus I said, “My experience with SI has been incredible. The program has helped me better my learning habits, teaching abilities and time management.”

Beyond that, the benefit for students is clear.

“Because most of my students are usually freshmen, I have watched SI teach so many students how to study now that they are in college instead of high school. Many students don’t start attending

SI until after the first test, and I've seen students go from failing their first exam of the semester to acing their second exam,” said Harrell.

Supplemental Instruction is not just a Mississippi State University offering. University of Missouri-Kansas City originally created the idea, and it has spread all over the world.

According to the UMKC, “Supplemental Instruction is a non remedial approach to learning that supports students toward academic success by integrating ‘what to learn’ with ‘how to learn.’”

Numbers do not lie. These programs are included in the price of tuition, so why not get your money’s worth? SI is an excellent way for students to have access to a tutoring program without spending more money. Just visiting a few sessions makes an impact. Getting serious about your education takes more than just a dream of a higher GPA.

Every new building should come with a parking parage

Parking on campus is a brutal affair, and if you have ever tried to park during school hours, you know that truth deep in your soul.

With how many surface lots Mississippi State University has, you would think that issue would be less impactful than it is, but the struggle remains. No one is blind to it, as the construction of the parking garage near Deavenport Hall shows, but with MSU’s population being so high, new parking areas are not opening up fast enough for everyone to have a place to park.

However, that parking garage and its 500 spaces are a step in the right direction, as is Old Main Academic Center’s built-in parking garage. Especially that second one. MSU’s website lists the total grounds as being 4,200 acres all told, which is a lot as far as objective land use goes, but is far from infinite in the grand scheme of things.

Using land wisely is key to the future of the school’s development, at least assuming that the recent slight decline in enrollment

does not become a pattern.

Every square foot of parking is going to be fighting for real estate with the latest necessary additional academic building, even with the pushes towards denormalizing on campus parking in favor of the pedestrian core.

The default reaction to trying to use space more efficiently is to turn downwards and begin digging for extra square footage, which has some merit. After all, the underground stays one temperature, and with how prone this area is to severe and tornado-producing storms in the spring, a little bit of extra underground shelter can never hurt.

Old Main’s parking garage is at least a facsimile of an underground space, cleverly leaving open air access, as most buildings in the South lack fully enclosed basements for a reason.

This is a trend that should continue: whenever a new building goes in, attach a garage to it in some way.

If the building will be central to campus, sticking with Old Main’s approach is fine to continue the idea of

pushing parking to the edges of campus. It might have less than half of what the north side’s dedicated parking garage has by Parking and Transit Service’s own count of 148 spots. But enough straws can break any camel’s back, especially if the surface lots begin to cycle when the inevitable construction of a new dorm with president parking in its hypothetical garage comes around to take some of the load off.

The other way to do garage-building integration is no stranger to Starkville: just stick the garage on the backside of the building. The Vista apartment complex does it; one of the buildings has the entryway to the main parking garage going through the inhabited building itself, with entrances to the building included.

Maybe using that example for most campus buildings would be too much to integrate with the aesthetic of the rest of the buildings, but if there was some form of parking complex included in every new building's plans, the issues would snowball into resolution, all while taking up less space than surface lots.

aaron waterson staff writer

Sarah Rendon aims to create future leaders, lasting connections

Spend any time on Mississippi State University’s campus, and almost immediately one will come into contact with a poster or mass email preaching the benefits of getting involved.

If all of the statistics and quantitative data are not a compelling enough reason to believe in its merits, having one conversation with Sarah Rendon might sway one’s mind.

Rendon, a senior communication major, is known on campus for the impact she has had through her involvement in organizations like New Maroon Camp, Music Maker Productions and Freshman Edge.

"New Maroon Camp has probably been my biggest love, just because it taught me a lot about myself," Rendon said. "And it was the first organization where I realized that no matter how much I gave to it, it was always going to give me more."

Leadership has always been an extremely important value to Rendon, who said her first introductions to it was in Freshman Edge, a program now known as Freshman Reach.

“I think I really changed drastically coming into freshman year because someone who I looked up to told me I was worth something and that I could do this if I wanted. It shifted my perspective and I thought ‘I want to do that for other people,’” Rendon said.

Further proof of Rendon’s genuine desire to make an impact is best shown in what her peers have to say of her. Candice Bruce, who worked alongside Rendon at NMC, was no exception.

“Working with Sarah is a breath of fresh air. She is assertive but in a way that makes you want to be better,” Bruce, a senior communication major, said. “When the rest of exec would get overwhelmed, she would remind us of why we were doing this. She also recognizes other people’s ability that

they may not be able to see in themselves.”

Rendon’s ties to MSU began with her father, Andrew Rendon, who works in planning and assessment for the vice president’s office.

“He was kind of worried about overstepping; he didn’t want people to ask, ‘Are you Andrew Rendon’s daughter?’ And now he jokes, 'Maybe you went a little too far because now people ask, ‘Are you Sarah Rendon’s dad?’ It’s a very cool thing to earn your spot,” Rendon said.

Rendon’s achievements extend beyond involvement. She currently works in the Social Science Research Lab with Holli Seitz, an associate professor in the communication department, whom Rendon cites as one of her biggest life influences.

“Dr. Seitz was one of the first people to give me the confidence to try and fail at things. I do research with her, and she gave me the confidence to know that things like life, school and work are all just

chances to learn, basically. She has been one of the most influential professors and mentors I’ve ever had in my life,” Rendon said. Seitz had equally kind things to say about Rendon.

“As a professor, it is such an honor to get to be a part of a student’s life and witness this time of growth as they chart their course forward,” Seitz said. “I feel incredibly fortunate to get to be a part of Sarah’s MSU story and can't wait to cheer her on as she continues doing amazing things.”

For Rendon, leadership is a natural quality. She said she hopes to help grow that quality in others.

“I just encourage people to look within and know that maybe if you don’t see it in yourself, there’s always potential to grow and to go out for those things that you wouldn’t think you’d be qualified for or have the capabilities for. More often than not, I think we can rise to the occasion,” Rendon said.

MSU club empowers future female STEM leaders

Women in STEM Departmental Outreach Mentorship (WISDOM) aims to mentor upcoming women in STEM.

The club made its debut at Mississippi State University in October 2021.

As Women’s History Month arrives, the organization is growing, empowering college hopefuls and each other. Its mission is to hold a light up to, empower and guide high school girls who have an interest in the science, technology, engineering and math fields.

Sarah Frances Downs and Erin Matthews felt the weight of being the minority in the science, technology, engineering and math field at the beginning of their undergraduate careers.

They were behind in their classes and looking for support, ultimately finding that comfort in each other.

Downs and Matthews spoke to one another through a “women in STEM” group chat their freshmen year. Through this, they came up with their idea for WISDOM.

After a long, challenging process to form the club, the pair created the mentoring program they wish they had as incoming freshmen.

Downs, a junior biochemistry major on the pre-medical track, is a student adviser for WISDOM. She said she did not have a support system going into college, and WISDOM is an opportunity to give others a shoulder to lean on.

“I created it for my high school self and other girls that are like

me in high school. So, that's kind of what inspired us to get it started,” Downs said.

In the past year and a half of its operation, WISDOM reached out to schools across Mis -

sissippi to talk to young women about the STEM pathway.

WISDOM recently became a nonprofit organization, accepting grants to help fund its purpose. From this, the organization started reaching out to high schools and other colleges in the state to start their own WISDOM chapters.

Maggie Jo Everett, a junior biochemistry major on the pre-medical track, is the outgoing vice president of WISDOM. She helps develop events and brainstorm future ideas for the group.

“The number one goal of what we're trying to do is just create a positive atmosphere and just allow the girls to really feel strong in their abilities,” Everett said.

Workshops, such as

resume building and ACT practice, are common WISDOM events. Along with these workshops, the group holds Q&A sessions at each high school it visits.

Within its first year of activity, the club grew to approximately 130 members, including women and men.

Matthews, a junior majoring in biochemistry on the pre-medical track, is also student adviser for WISDOM. She said she enjoys seeing the club grow from a small idea to a working organization.

“It’s bigger than me at this point,” Matthews said. “The members come up with ideas and bring them to me that are incredible. And then we implement them, and it's like, everyone has a leadership position. That's just how the club feels.”

Starkville welcomed the Aldi franchise to its grocery scene last winter.

Aldi carries many average, name-brand products like Sweet Baby Ray’s Barbecue Sauce and Cheerios. However, Aldi also stocks a variety of affordable specialty items. Here are some of those unique finds.

Specially Selected Truffles: $3.99

Aldi has decadent and cheap chocolate treats year-round, but the store also features holiday truffles.

On Valentine’s Day, I purchased the Chocolate Truffle Hearts. The little hearts had showy swirls and stripes, and they were just the right size for a single bite. I had never tried a strawberry rhubarb truffle before picking up that box, but I liked the tartness of the fruit with the rich chocolate.

I have also seen Christmas truffles. I am going to be on the lookout for an egg-shaped Easter special.

Hummus Quartet: $4.95

The hummus quartet features four different flavor compartments: roasted garlic, cilantro jalapeño, roasted red pepper and classic. The fresh cilantro jalapeño compliments the smoky roasted red pepper. I like taking pita chips and turn the container after each bite to sample all the flavors.

For under $5, you get four distinct dips — perfect for spicing up individual snack time or adding some color to a party spread. You can only find this hummus bargain at Aldi.

Driscoll’s Rainbow Pack: $3.99

My roommate and I often struggle to eat all the fruit we buy. When we purchase grapes or strawberries, we get tired of the fruit before we can eat it all. I cannot always justify steep produce prices either.

Aldi offers the Driscoll’s Rainbow Pack, which includes a portion of fresh raspberries, blueberries and blackberries for almost $4. This pack provides an impressive quantity of fruit for the price and I appreciate the variety. You can fend off the freshman 15 with these berries without mono -

tony or waste.

Casa Mamita Beef and Cheese Chimichanga: $1.09

Though I love Aldi, I do not have as much insight as its employees. I decided to ask for an expert opinion.

Austin Beard, who has worked for the Aldi franchise for six months, helped me locate one of Aldi’s best frozen snack offerings.

“I have just the [one]

thing,” Beard said, “This is what I buy for my lunch — the dollar chimichangas.” These cheesy chimichangas are the perfect mess-free meal. You simply open the package and heat in the microwave for 45 seconds on each side.

The soft tortilla wrapper encases a filling of gooey cheese and savory beef. The chimichanga reminded me of a cross between a taco and a hot pocket.

La Croix Selection: $4.12

La Croix is an acquired taste. People either love or hate this fizzy beverage, and if you happen to find La Croix refreshing rather than repulsive, Aldi has an impressive selection.

True La Croix fans know the difference between the regular flavors and the special La Croix options that come in the tall, slender can. I have yet to figure out why

these seem to taste better, but they do.

Cherry lime, kiwi watermelon and apple cranberry are just a few of the flavors offered in this can type. I have searched high and low for these options at other grocery stores in Starkville, and I have only located these flavors at Aldi.

In a town full of grocery store choices, Aldi provides unusual and fun bargains, perfect for any occasion.

A shopper browses the home section of Aldi, which opened last winter at 607 Highway 12 in the Triangle Crossing Shopping Center. Aldi sells both home goods and grocery items.

Sarah Rendon, a senior communication major, is involved in many campus organizations.

Landon Scheel | The Reflector

Khaoula Kamal, biomedical engineering major, is the incoming vice president of WISDOM.

Landon Scheel | The Reflector

Mississippi State softball reigns supreme in Snowman Tournament

Mississippi State (16-5) went 4-1 on the weekend in the annual Snowman Alex Wilcox Memorial Invitational with wins against Dartmouth, Abilene Christian and Murray State.

The first day saw the Bulldog bats as hot as they've been all season with a pair of victories over Dartmouth and ACU, respectively, by a combined score of 13-2. Just as impressive as the MSU hitting, though, was the performances in the circle.

Freshman pitcher Josey Marron threw a no-hitter through six innings and earned the win in MSU's first game of the tournament before Grace Fagan relieved her. Marron mentioned how it felt to play in her first Snowman tournament postgame.

"It's really meaningful. Coach Ricketts, Mia [Davidson] and Grace [Fagan] all talk about Alex [Wilcox] and her legacy, so getting to play for something bigger than just the game is super important to us," Marron said.

Day two saw the only struggles of the weekend for MSU, as the first matchup with Murray State resulted in MSU's only loss of the weekend. The Racers came with their ace, Jenna Veber (6-2), and held MSU in check at the plate for the full seven innings. The final score rested at 4-1, Racers.

Abilene Christian did not have as much of an answer as Murray did, however, despite keeping the Bulldogs at bay until the last possible moment, when a Paige Cook RBI single scored Brylie St. Clair from second to walk it off in the bottom of the seventh.

Cook has been a

cornerstone of the MSU lineup for the past two seasons now, and head coach Samantha Ricketts had complete faith in the senior infielder in the moment.

"Yeah, I mean, Paige is a great hitter, and she has been her whole career ... it's [the moment] never too big for her. I think she did a really good job of staying within herself and knowing how to have team at bats," said Ricketts.

Cook is now hitting .380 on the year with a pair of home runs and 16 RBIs.

Walk-offs seemed to be the theme of the weekend from that point forward. In its final matchup with Murray State Sunday, MSU ended the affair in extra innings 5-3 after senior outfielder Chloe Malau'ulu sent a two run shot to deep left field that brought every fan in Nusz Park out of their seat.

Malau'ulu has provided her fair share of clutch performances for her team during her four years in Starkville, and Sunday was no different. Malau'ulu was calculated in the clutch, though, and waited for her pitch.

"I knew that the new pitcher that was coming in had more drop spin than the last girl, so that's my pitcher. I was ready to hit, green light all the way," said Malau'ulu.

MSU softball elevated itself to a 16-5 record over the weekend and looks to host their toughest opponent of the year next weekend as the No. 1 ranked University of Oklahoma Sooners come to Starkville for a pair of matchups on the diamond.

First, though, they'll face off with Southeastern Louisiana in game one of the Bulldog Invitational this Thursday, with the first pitch coming at 6:30 p.m. All games of the Bulldog Invitational will be broadcast on SEC Network+.

Three former Bulldogs impress at NFL Combine

Three former Mississippi State University football players participated in front of representatives from every team around the league at the NFL Scouting Combine this past week in Indianapolis, Indiana.

The NFL Combine is a stage for college athletes to put their raw talent on display in hopes of increasing their draft stock.

Cornerback Emmanuel Forbes, edge rusher Tyrus Wheat and defensive lineman Cameron Young were the three former Bulldogs in attendance this week. Forbes is likely the first of the three to be drafted, and he tested well. He ran a 4.35 40-yard dash,

and his time tied for third best at the position in this year’s class. Forbes’ vertical jump was recorded at 37.50” and his broad jump at 10’11”. Forbes is regarded as one of the better corners in the draft, and his ball skills and long arms combine to make him a great man-to-man coverage corner. In three years at Mississippi State, Forbes recorded a remarkable 14 interceptions, returning six of those for touchdowns. Forbes recorded 20 passes defended and 150 tackles in his three-year collegiate career. Wheat, who also spent three years at Mississippi State, showed out. Wheat ran a 4.65 40-yard dash and had a 28.5” vertical jump. Wheat is not a player who will stun scouts at the combine.

He separates himself with what he can do on tape and his physical style of play.

Wheat had 17.0 sacks, 25.5 tackles for a loss, five passes defended and five fumble recoveries in three years in the maroon and white. Wheat’s knack for always being around the football makes him an intriguing prospect in this year’s NFL Draft.

Young was the third and final Bulldog to participate in the NFL Combine this year. Young ran a 5.10 40-yard dash, which ranked 9th amongst fellow defensive tackles. Similar to Wheat, Young will impress scouts more in pads than in shorts. His combination of size, strength and speed make him a force against the run. In four seasons as a Bulldog, he recorded 110 tackles and five sacks.

All three Bulldogs will have another chance to impress general managers and coaches at Mississippi State's Pro-Day. Forbes is projected to hear his name called in the early to midsecond round. The 2023 cornerback class has no shortage of talent and whatever team can walk away with Forbes on day two could be getting a steal at the position. While Forbes’ projection is relatively high, Wheat and Young may not hear their names called until the final day of the NFL Draft. Mississippi State has a good track record of successful defensive tackles and edge rushers at the next level. Wheat and Young could potentially be late-round gems for any NFL team.

Defensive lineman Cameron Young uses his strength and speed to his advantage, making him a huge threat against the run.

tAnner MArlAr MAnAging editor

AAliyAn MohAMMed StAff writer

Pitcher Aspen Wesley struck out 14 hitters and only allowed four hits in nine innings pitched during the Snowman Tournament in Starkville.

Jahari Bell | The Reflector

Tyrus Wheat recorded 17 sacks in four seasons at MSU.

Courtesy Photo | Associated Press

Courtesy Photo| Associated Press Cornerback Emmanuel Forbes posted the third best time in the 40-yard dash at the 2023 NFL Combine.

Courtesy Photo