Orientation '21 by Reflector Editor

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ORIENTATION SUMMER 2021

136th YEAR ISSUE 23

THE STUDENT NEWSPAPER OF MISSISSIPPI STATE UNIVERSITY SINCE 1884

THE REFLECTOR ORIENTATION, SUMMER 2021 @REFLECTORONLINE

NEWS

Welcome from President Mark Keenum SA President Garrett Smith offers are different from your own, Dear new Bulldogs, and you will ﬁnd that our advice for incoming freshmen Welcome to Mississippi reputation as a welcoming,

State University! This is the start of an especially exciting time in your life, and I want you to know that you are on a campus that will allow you to take full advantage of your strengths across a wide range of pursuits — in the classroom and beyond. Our faculty and staff are eager to assist in your transition to college and to help you chart a course to become whatever you want to be. Your fellow students come from every corner of Mississippi, almost every state in the nation and more than 80 different countries around the world. You will gain by living and learning alongside those whose traditions and experiences

caring and inclusive campus is well deserved. Each of you has ability and promise, and I hope you will make the most of it to become the leader that your community, your state and your country need you to be. I will do everything in my power to make Mississippi State the university you deserve and expect it to be. We are committed to doing all we can to help you make progress academically, earn your degree and remain safe and healthy. I hope you will make the same commitment to give your best — in the classroom, on the playing ﬁeld or in upholding our timeless values of integrity, hard

Hello new Bulldogs!

MARK KEENUM

work and respect. We’re glad you’re here and look forward to getting to know you better. And remember, go to class — every class, every time! Hail State! Mark E. Keenum MSU President

The Ref lector

Who are we? As the SEC’s oldest college newspaper, we exist to bring students campus and town news, as well as provide journalistic experience for students. Where can you ﬁnd us? We publish our print edition every Wednesday. Find it on news stands around campus. You can also read all of our articles online. Find us on reﬂector-online.com or any social media. Can you work for us? Yes! We are completely student-run and every position is paid. Apply on our website in the fall.

My name is Garrett Smith, and I am excited to welcome you to campus and to serve as your student body president for this year. I want to start by encouraging you all to take full advantage of the wide variety of opportunities Mississippi State University has to offer. There are countless ways to get involved thanks to our various student organizations, not to mention the incredible avenues MSU has for academic growth. From study abroad to undergraduate research, there are always ways

for you to pursue your interests. While you take advantage of all that MSU has to offer, do not forget to enjoy your time here. There are plenty of new friends to make, fun events to attend and awesome athletic experiences to take in. MSU provides a comprehensive college experience, and over the next four years you will get the chance to participate in all of the things that make it so incredibly special. Mississippi State University has truly been a blessing to me throughout my three years on campus and my 20 years in Starkville. I am unbelievably thankful

GARRETT SMITH

for the friends and the moments it has given me. I cannot wait to see what it gives you all! Hail State! Garrett Smith Student Body President

Hello from the Reﬂector’s editor-in-chief Dear new fellow students, I remember being in your place as if it was yesterday — full of nerves and excitement and plunging headﬁrst into many unknowns. But I made it through, and you will too. Certainly get involved on campus in different organizations, but do not put too much pressure on yourself to have the perfect resume and friend group by freshman year. Good things take time. And be cautious about getting involved just for the sake of getting involved; choose carefully what to

spend your time on and make sure it is something you are truly passionate about. We are so glad to have you here. MSU truly is a school of faculty, administration and fellow students who love you and want to help you in any way they can. Get to know your professors, advisers and fellow students. Take advantage of the beneﬁts of living on campus — easy access to food and campus activities — before your classes get too hard junior and senior year. Make sure you have a cowbell in hand as often

HANNAH BLANKENSHIP

as possible. Oh, and of course a copy of the Reﬂector too. We cannot wait to see what all you will accomplish. God bless and go Dawgs! Hannah Blankenship Reﬂector Editor-in-Chief

Campus clubs, activities will return to normal in the fall HEATHER HARRISON NEWS EDITOR

With COVID-19 cases on the decline and vaccination rates on the rise, campus activities will look more normal for Mississippi State University students this fall. Regina Hyatt, vice president of student affairs, said she is anticipating a fun and involved academic year for students. “I think students can look forward to a very active, rich, robust student experience,” Hyatt said. From club sports to Greek life and environmental organizations, to speech and debate council and anime club, MSU boasts over 400 clubs and organizations where students can get involved. With a sense of normalcy returning, engagement levels should be higher than ever this fall, Hyatt said. New students can look forward to New Maroon Camp, a studentled retreat for incoming freshmen and transfer students. Last year, the camp did not happen at all. This year, NMC will be held a week before MSU’s official move-in day. Jackie Mullen, assistant dean and director of the Colvard Student Union’s Center for Student Activities, said she was looking forward to New Maroon Camp in the fall to see new students find roots at MSU. After New Maroon Camp, Panhellenic sorority recruitment will begin, so interested students can attend both without any conflict. Mullen said she hoped to see an increase in participation in both events. Mullen said Greek life activities, like philanthropy events and date parties, will resume in person in the fall. She

said some events will probably offer a hybrid option, and students can choose to join in person or virtually. Dawg Days, two weeks of events and activities beginning before classes start and continuing through the ﬁrst week of classes, will return in person. Mullen explained her team’s goal of having Dawg Days activities inperson for freshmen, transfers and continuing MSU students to get involved on campus as school is starting. “We hope to have our normal scavenger hunts, movie nights, the out-ofstate social and all of the things that the Division of Student Affairs does, but also what all of our individual student organizations do: Grill on the Drill and URec Day and all of those events,” Mullen said. Student Association is planning to have a majority of their events in person this fall. Chrissy Hoof, the director of programming for SA, said she was particularly excited to introduce a program called Healthy Start that will hold a booth on the Drill Field with healthy snacks and wellness tips as part of the Health Promotion and Wellness Center. “I think freshmen will have so much to look forward to,” Hoof said. Reagan Clark, SA secretary, said she is anticipating having a normal college experience next year. She noted Bulldog Bash as an event she was particularly excited to attend, as the Bulldog Bash committee is hoping for the concert to return to downtown Starkville. Clark said she hoped sporting events, especially football, will be at total capacity next year. “Davis Wade isn’t the same when it’s only a few thousand of us versus however many

Jeremiah Joswick | The Reﬂector

Anthony Burton, Anna Armour and Madison Brode, representing Involvement Ambassadors, gave away potted wildﬂower seeds on the Drill Field in front of Lee Hall.

the stadium holds. I’m deﬁnitely looking forward to that,” Clark said. With football games more than likely being at full or almost full capacity, Saturdays in Starkville will be back in full swing. A perfect way to prepare for football season is Cowbell Yell, a student pep rally held before the ﬁrst home football game. The pep rally is returning this fall for its 10th anniversary, according to Hoof. Cowbell Yell is a time for students to learn the chants and cheers for football season and boost school pride. Although plans are tentative, Homecoming week is the week of Halloween, and the theme is sure to get students in the spooky spirit. Hoof said she plans for all the

events to be in person including traditional events that did not happen in 2020.

“I think students can look forward to a very active, rich, robust student experience.” Regina Hyatt Vice President Student Affairs According to Mullen, pageants, like Miss MSU, should return to campus, as long as the Miss Mississippi Corporation allows it. Recreational sports and exercising will

increase in person in the fall, too, as the Joe Frank Sanderson Center’s guidelines will begin loosening this summer. Emily Loefstedt, a fitness graduate assistant at the Sanderson Center, said this summer the Sanderson Center will no longer require Center, said reservations for patrons to use the facilities. She said that would hopefully translate to the fall, as long as vaccination rates increase on campus. Logan Reynolds, a fitness graduate assistant at the Sanderson Center, agreed with Loefstedt and said more people should be able to use the Sanderson Center in the fall. “I think we are gonna see an influx of participants coming back

in,” Reynolds said. Club sports will be able to travel once more, according to Hyatt. During the 2020-2021 academic year, most club sports teams were not allowed to host or travel to games. Hyatt said other clubs and organizations will be able to travel to competitions in the fall. As far as University Recreation intramural sports go, Reynolds said there will be more in-person sports for students to participate in, like volleyball, and ﬂag football. “I’m just excited to see how everything pans out over the next few months in getting prepared and trying to reconnect with everyone and get everyone back on board,” Reynolds said.

THE REFLECTOR ORIENTATION, SUMMER 2021 @REFLECTORONLINE

NEWS

MSU debate team places third in nationals

MAggIE pHIllIpS STAFF WRITER

The Mississippi State University Speech and Debate Council placed third in the International Public Debate Association (IPDA) National Championship Tournament, and Mia Robertson is the varsity division champion. Eleven members of the team competed in the debate tournament, and four members advanced beyond preliminary rounds. Mia Robertson, a sophomore studying political science and economics and vice president of the speech team, was recruited to the Mississippi State University debate team after several seasons of successful debate in high school. Robertson said she has come to admire the competitive college debate style, which she said has a far more diverse, friendly and educational style of debate than she experienced in high school. “IPDA on the college level is completely different than anything I’ve ever seen before, so it was definitely a change and something I had to adjust to,” Robertson said. “Once I got the hang of it, I just fell in love with it.” According to Robertson, the abrupt change in styles of debate from the high school level to the college level required a much more “jack-of-all-trades” approach, instead of the more extended focus on one topic in high school debate. Robertson attributed

much of the team’s success and her own success to the team effort and unity in the tournament and the personal growth promoted by the participation on the team. “We are one of the most close-knit organizations on campus. I legitimately have found every single one of my closest friends through the debate team… Our environment is so, so close, and we are so supportive of each other. It is really nice to have a community like that, that genuinely wants you to succeed,” Robertson said. “If one person has a particular specialty, they will educate the rest of us as something happens. For example, our president is great at sports and knows a lot about sports, so if something notable happens, he will send it in the group chat.” Collin Staten, a freshman mechanical engineering major, joined the debate team in September 2020 and was one of the four members who advanced beyond the preliminary rounds. Staten joined the team after taking a Freshman Year Experience course on speech and debate. He said he has found it to be a substantially beneficial activity, improving his speaking skills, critical thinking and overall educational experience. Despite being new to the debate team, Staten discovered debate to be a skill he was interested in and excelled in. He said it has become something he

is a r Varsity National Champion Mia Robertson

enjoys and looks forward to doing throughout his years at MSU. “Debate’s a fun thing. It lets you explore a million different topics, a million different sides of that topic and you learn from some pretty interesting people,” Staten said. “There were some tough debates, and there were some really, really good ones. Each round was an honor, and I had some really good opponents. And it was nice to make it that far— to compete with people who have debated for years— whereas I am almost completely new to it.” Staten spoke of the extemporaneous style of debate hosted by the IPDA National Championship Tournament and the topics employed. Competitors expect to debate on a plethora of topics, ranging from discussions about current pop artists, such as Lil Nas X’s recent artistic decisions, to various political issues, like federal legislation and international activity. According to Staten, learning to work as a team, manage time and work on

Megan Bean | Courtesty Photo

The MSU debate team placed third in IPDA debate nationals on April 11. Pictured is the current MSU Speech and Debate Council.

a general knowledgeability of current events are vital components to succeeding in debate. “It helps to have knowledgeable teammates with previous experience. We all help each other build our cases,” Staten said. “This has taught me how to expand my horizons and how to encounter topics that I am not as comfortable with or as knowledgeable about. It helps me consider points of view that I haven’t thought about before, as well as points of view that I don’t necessarily agree with.” The unity, hard work and skill of the Speech and Debate Council are major contributors to their recent successes in national tournaments. Furthermore, the guidance of Cheryl Chambers, the director of forensics and one of the founding faculty members of the Speech and Debate

Council, plays a vital role in the improvement of the teams. Since starting the team in 2015, Chambers said she has seen improvement in both the speech and debate sides of the club throughout her six years of leadership. “While our debate national tournament is the one in which we had some really major accolades, in the speech tournament, you have to qualify to go to nationals; not just anyone can go. This year, we qualified five students, which is the most that MSU has ever qualified for the tournament,” Chambers said. “The students are obviously the ones that make all of this happen. We are just so fortunate to have some of the brightest minds on campus getting involved in our organization.” Chambers said the Speech and Debate

Council has risen above her expectations in this semester’s tournaments and competitions, despite the various challenges brought by the pandemic. The thirdplace scoring, according to Chambers, is a testament of the hard work, adaptability and resilience of the students on the team. “We formed a student organization that developed into a competitive team about six years ago in 2015, and we have just improved every single year. We have gotten more recognition on a national level every single year, and we’ve gotten more involved on campus every single year. And, even through a pandemic, when we really thought it was going to slow us down, we had our best year to date,” Chambers said. “The whole season has been a whirlwind, and the students have been so incredible adapting to it.”

MSU students paint mural downtown “From City Hall to Lee Hall” HAnnAH blAnkEnSHIp EdITOR-In-cHIEF

Jordan Smith | The Reflector

Mississippi State University is developing multiple new areas on campus, like providing a new parking garage near Deavenport.

Multiple construction projects are underway at MSU JOSHUA STEWART STAFF WRITER

Mississippi State University and the immediately surrounding community are undergoing a myriad of construction projects in various stages of completion, including new parking features, academic buildings and the long-awaited renovation of Blackjack Road. The largest of these new parking features is a multi-story parking garage next to Deavenport Residence Hall, named the North Parking Garage. Jeremiah Dumas, executive director of transportation at MSU, explained the purpose of the new parking garage. “The North Parking Garage is a 500-space garage that will be hourly parking. Its purpose is to add capacity in a sector of campus that has historically had congestion issues,” Dumas said. Dumas also mentioned the multiple uses the garage will have. “The garage is strategically placed on the SMART Loop so that it can serve as a multimodal hub for vehicles, transit, pedestrians and cyclists,” Dumas said. “It will also add event parking capacity for various events that occur on the north side of campus.” Another piece of renovation that has been on many students’ minds over the past year is the construction on Blackjack

Road. The road is a key part of student life, as many off-campus student living complexes like Helix, Aspen Heights and The Social Campus are located on or near Blackjack. Despite calls for the city of Starkville to speed up construction, Blackjack road is not under Starkville’s jurisdiction. The construction and renovation fall under Oktibbeha County’s purview, specifically the fifth district, under the leadership of county supervisor Joe Williams and the county engineer’s office. Williams spoke about the timeline for completion. “I don’t know if I can give you a definite date on completion, but I do believe that you will see a considerable amount of improvement by this fall,” Williams said. Williams explained his vision for Blackjack Road. “I see it becoming three lanes, with one of those being an outside lane for student travel,” Williams said, “so students will not necessarily have to get on that main way.” Officials are not the only people with perspectives on construction issues. Matt Davis, a sophomore psychology student and resident of an apartment complex directly off Blackjack Road, raised some concerns about the construction. “Timing for traffic is the main issue. Traffic delays are frequent when trying to leave the complexes and

the roads. Things seem to be moving slowly, and it was especially bad during the icy week Starkville had a few months ago,” Davis said. “The construction on campus affects me less, as they stay in their individual lots most of the time. I don’t think I’ve really been inconvenienced once.” Davis continued, saying he is hoping the construction will be finished soon. “It has taken them too long to finish, and it will really help the flow in and around campus once it’s all done. I wish aspects of the road were better right now. The leveling on both sides feels completely off, and people’s driveways have been taken over for at least a year now. I’m excited for them to finally be done,” Davis said. Dumas spoke at length about MSU Transportation’s plans for the future. “We will continue to evaluate and invest in infrastructure that continues to enhance all modes of transportation. The university is in the midst of updating their master plan, which will include a heavy emphasis on planning the next ten plus years of transportation infrastructure,” Dumas said. “As for the nearer future, we have been awarded funds from MDOT to design and construct a multi-use path from Collegeview Drive to the intersection of Highway 182 and Old West Point Road.”

Students at Mississippi State University are turning a downtown retaining wall into a work of art. They will be painting a mural titled “From City Hall to Lee Hall: We’re all in this together” that will feature a long line of stylized buildings in various colors of the rainbow, progressing from iconic buildings in the city to buildings that characterize the campus of MSU. “I think the whole idea of murals is to beautify the city and connect the physical city with the ideals and the things that people love,” said Emily Harms, a junior graphic design major and the MSU student who designed the mural. The mural will be just that: a visual representation of the “town and gown” connection that is integral to both Starkville and MSU. “The town and gown relationship is incredibly important to me and Dr. Keenum, as we have worked together over the last few years to make sure the things we do complement each other and that we are working in tandem to keep the partnership strong and benefit off of each other’s strengths,” Starkville Mayor Lynn Spruill said. Spruill has had her eye on the North Jackson retaining wall as a possible site for a mural since before she became mayor. After taking office, the city adopted “the mayor’s mural program,” and one of the main pieces of the plan was the North Jackson retaining wall. Through collaborating with the Starkville Area Arts Council (SAAC) and the MSU Department of Art, spearheaded by Director

John Bateman and Professor Jenna Altamonte, the decision was made to have MSU art students design and paint the mural. “It’s intimate in regards to utilizing the brilliant minds and different talents we have in the art department at Mississippi State,” said Marcus Williams, a junior painting major and a student working on the mural. John Bateman, director of SAAC, said getting local artists involved was the key to building a thriving arts community. “The idea is ‘let’s create more opportunities that are real-world learning opportunities for artists to build the skill set,’ and if artists see these opportunities here then they’ll stay here and the more artists we can keep here the more vibrant the community can become,” Bateman said. Bateman said he saw his small hometown in Arkansas waste away simply because there was nothing to do. “It’s a fundamental thing that chambers of commerce, arts organizations and tourism know: the stuff that brings people to a town is the stuff to do outside of work,” Bateman said. Starkville’s murals have already inspired recognition, as Bateman said cities from all over Mississippi have reached out to him and asked what they need to do to begin building an arts community. From his vantage point as a student, Williams confirmed Bateman’s point that the mural will attract attention and inspire future artists. “Who knows? It could draw in even more individual high school students to come to Mississippi State and say ‘I want to develop a lasting

impact on my community,’” Williams said. Harms, the student who created the mural, mentioned how before being involved in the mural she had never considered working with public art. “Now that I’ve been introduced to public art I really love it and so wherever I end up in life whatever city I’m in I definitely want to pursue public art,” Harms said. The new North Jackson mural is not the only splash of color that has been showing up around Starkville recently. A large red and orange sunshine emblem was recently painted in the Cotton District at the intersection of University Drive and Maxwell Street, and the University Drive bridge was also recently transformed into a swirl of colorful flowers. Mayor Spruill, a huge proponent of public beautification, said art is about making a space where people want to be. “Art is like music. It brings joy. It brings thought. It brings just a vibrancy to your life in ways that would be much less rich without it, and that’s the reason for the pianos downtown and that’s the reason for events and music events by having art in as many places as we can that make people smile,” Spruill said. The students have completed the preparation process for the wall and will have it finished by June 30. Williams said he was thrilled to be painting the wall and was excited to drive past it one day and tell his kids about his role in the project. “No one will be disappointed,” Williams said. “That’s all I have to say.”

Starkville Area Arts Council | Courtesy Photo

The SAAC and MSU students are collaborating on a mural downtown that will depict architecture of MSU and the City of Starkville.

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2-News OPINION

THE REFLECTOR ORIENTATION, SUMMER 2021 @REFLECTORONLINE

There are ways to ease the feelings of freshmen loneliness

The Reflector Editors’ College Tips Managi ng Editor

Daniel Dye Do what you enjoy, not just what looks good on a resume.

EMILY BUTLER

s a freshman majoring in landscape architecture. Contact her at opinion@ reflector.msstate.edu.

It is fine to get to college and be lonely at first. I know firsthand how hard it is to see the people you know having the time of their lives and making many friends so quickly, while you feel like you need to catch a moment. It is hard to make friends at college while undergoing one of the biggest transitions in most of our lives. We should not have the pressure of finding the perfect group right off the bat. It is OK to settle and to test the waters a little bit. The start of college is lonely to begin with, and this is not eased with COVID-19. Scott Keeter from the Pew Research Center said since the start of the coronavirus pandemic, 21% of adults are experiencing psychological distress including high levels of anxiety, depression and loneliness; and these levels are even higher in adults ages 18 to 29. A drastic change in life and having to make new friends can make this struggle even worse. The Wall Street Journal compiled an article giving helpful tips for incoming freshmen and goes deeper into this loneliness, detailing the difficulties of seeing your friends from high school enjoying themselves, while you feel like you are not living up to the expectations you had previously. Despite the

News Editor

Heather Harrison Try to branch out and find new interests. Adam Sullivan | The Reflector

Mississippi State University students gather on the Drill Field. The Drill Field is a central outdoor meeting space for students and faculty to use.

lack of college activities in the age of COVID-19, it is still possible to make new friends and get involved on campus. One of the most effective ways to make friends in college is getting to know the people who live in your dorm hall. The people who live in your hall are usually a diverse group of people. What you need most when coming to college is to experience new things and meet people who differ from those of your hometown or high school. Oftentimes, you will not have much in common with the people who live near you but talking with them is a great way to find people to connect with. Nothing bonds people quite like community bathrooms. Great ways to meet new people also include on-campus or off-campus extracurriculars. Reformed University Fellowship (RUF) has been a great way for me to make friends on campus. On Wednesday

nights, I get the opportunity to talk to people I normally never would have met. Finding an organization like RUF can be extremely beneficial in your search for friends during freshman year, or whenever in your college career. Many majors and areas of study include clubs or organizations for students to further explore their passions. Student organizations and club/ intramural sports can help you connect with people who have similar interests while also allowing you to meet friends who will support and encourage you. Kim Haines writing from ACIU discusses findings from a study of the benefits of college students joining student organizations. It highlights the sense of belonging and friendship it brings to students, as well as skill development and growth. Student organizations are a great opportunity to break out of the same things you

Li fe Editor

have been doing and try something new. Though it might seem pretty obvious, Greek life is another way to meet friends and get involved on campus. Oftentimes, these organizations can plug you into services and other activities where you can meet people of the same affiliation or different. Nicole Glass for USA Today explains in her article about some of the benefits of Greek life, including how participating in it can help to foster important skills students will need once they enter the real world. With these benefits, as well as hundreds of people to depend on, Greek life can be a wonderful asset for new students. Freshman year is only the beginning, and it is not the end of the world if you do not have the perfect group of friends right away. There is something here on campus for everyone, and if you look for it, you will find the perfect fit for you.

Sarah Morgan Johnson Everyone feels lonely sometimes— don’t be afraid to initiate getting to know someone!

Spor ts Ed itor

Tanner Marlar Attend every trivia night you can. Knowledge is power.

Graph ics Editor

Will Pearson Do not be afraid to approach people that are outside of your typical social circle.

A beginner’s guide to campus food options

LUKE COPLEY

s a sophomore majoring in English. Contact him at opinion@reflector. msstate.edu.

I will keep my first point short: it is not going to be great. You, unspecified college freshman and/or transfer student, are going to have a lot going on when you land at your new school, and between all the new classes, new people and new places, you are going to miss meals. You are going to lose whatever current eating schedule you are on. You will eat lunch at times you have never eaten unch before. Have you ever even wondered if maybe a Monte Cristo sandwich is best when eaten at 4 p.m.? You will curse at the dining options for closing before midnight, especially on Friday and Saturday nights, when we often need Monte Cristos the most. You will eat fries days after those fries were made. You will not feel proud of your choice, but you will do it anyway. Yes, eating in college s weird and strangely nconvenient, but the bad news is, you have to do it. According to Christy Brissette with the Washington Post, the “freshmen 15” is a myth which has more to do with

but rather a poignant observation which is true of every all-you-caneat cafeteria in America. Mediocrity just comes with the territory. Now, flex dollars work any time at any on-campus restaurant, but MSU also boasts a program called Meal Equivalency. The Meal Equivalency program single handedly kept me alive freshmen year. Starting at 4 p.m., you can use a block at most chain restaurants on campus at a value of $6.58, but not Starbucks, sorry. The sum of $6.58 is not enough money to get a full meal anywhere other than Steak ‘n Shake, but if your combo total exceeds it, you are always able to use flex to cover the difference. You get a second Meal Equivalency swipe starting at 9 p.m., which can actually Adam Sullivan | The Reflector only be used at Steak ‘n A Marketplace at Perry worker serves chicken parmesan stromboli at one of the 11 buffet-style stations. The Perry is built to look like a cathedral and is located behind McCool. Shake, because everything else closes before then. Blocks are the most at any given time, but the For a full list of chain eating habits than what we tickets. You use a block to are eating. So,w to help get into a cafeteria, and, abundant currency in any food is largely the same restaurant options and equip you for the challenge once there you can eat meal plan, so let us start between the two. The third their hours of operation, of somehow maintaining as much food in the one with cafeterias. There are option is the Templeton, you can find a handy chart a normal eating schedule, sitting as you would like. three cafeterias available which I have never eaten in the Freshman Meal Plan I present to you, here, a You have to swipe again if to you. The Marketplace at, but is called the “student Guide. at Perry is behind McCool athlete” cafeteria. Given list of dining options and you leave the building. When it comes to Flex dollars are like and has an old academia the amount of money the college eating, the meal explanations of how the Monopoly money in the feeling with vaulted athletes bring the school, equivalency whole thing works. program Let us start with the way they mean nothing ceilings and small pane they eat pretty well over reigns supreme. Lines concept of currency. We in the outside world but windows. Looking for there. Anyone is welcome might sometimes get long operate on two completely unlike board games, you bigger windows and better to dine there, not just in the Union but as long fabricated systems of have to pay real money to AC? Check out Fresh Food athletes. as you have your student The food at any ID ready, everyone gets to exchange: the block and get them. They can be used Co., located near Cresswell the flex. Both are kept at any time in any non- Hall. Both Perry and Fresh cafeteria is never going move faster. Lines aside, on your Mississippi State cafeteria location. They locations offer multiple to be better than “pretty the food is fast, warm and University student ID. are the exact same thing hot food options as well good.” It is all going to be a recognizable. When you Most meal plans come with as paying with a debit card as gluten free and vegan little to damp or a little too are a freshman in college, Fresh dry. It is not a reflection of you cannot ask for much a combination of the two. but can only be spent on accommodations. usually has more options our cafeterias specifically, more. Blocks are akin to meal campus. CREATIVE INVESTMENT PROPERTIES

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THE REFLECTOR ORIENTATION, SUMMER 2021 @REFLECTORONLINE

OPINION

How to navigate Mississippi State University as a transfer student

EMMA DOTSON

is a junior majoring in communication. Contact her at opinion@reflector.msstate. edu.

Mississippi State University may be your first college experience, but if you are like me and this is not your first college orientation, you fall into the unique category of transfer student. Maybe you went to a community college or maybe you never planned on leaving your previous college in the first place. Either way, we all relate to one another in the oddity of a two-fold college experience. I have been in this position before and know how it feels coming into a new environment with high hopes. I did not hate my old college, but it did not have the resources to help me with my area of study in the time I would be attending there. You may have hated your old college, but the one thing we all have in common is we are here now. Below are some tips and tricks I have learned which help make the transition into the new environment go as smoothly as possible. Tip one: make sure you get those transfer credits to count. The most tedious issue I have had with transferring was getting

my old college credits to count for my major’s core requirements. Most colleges within the state of Mississippi have set guidelines for which courses count for what when transferring called the “transfer course articulation.” However, the criteria for this process tends to be broad and exceptions can be made if done properly. My recommendation for handling this debacle is to pull both it and your CAPP compliance report up, which shows how MSU is choosing to fulfill your major’s requirements. If something is incorrect or you have a question about something on your report, make sure to locate a copy of the class’s syllabus

from your previous college. Once you have located this, contact your assigned academic adviser from your department and give them as much information as you can about the course’s content along with the syllabus. Your adviser will then take the information and talk with the academic advising coordinator of your department or the academic coordinator of your college. You may have to fill out a request for course substitution form, but this is not always the case. Your adviser will be your best bet for moving through this process as efficiently as possible, so try to get to know them and vice versa. Tip two: look for

scholarship opportunities. If you are transferring from a two-year institution this will not concern you as much since you receive scholarships when transferring, but it is still worth reading. If you are transferring from a fouryear institution MSU does not provide academic excellence scholarships. However, this does not mean you cannot get scholarships while attending MSU. According to Office of Admissions and Scholarships, there is a need-based scholarship by the name of the “Old Main Scholarship” which gives financial aid to both incoming freshman and four-year institution transfers. There are also specific scholarships for

your department and college which can be applied for or awarded for doing well academically at MSU. Lastly, there are opportunities outside the scope of the university which can be applied for. Tip three: download designated MSU smartphone applications. MSU’s campus is around 4,200 acres in size, so it can be daunting to navigate at first. Fortunately, I was able be shown around by my twin brother, but not everyone has this luxury, so here are a few apps for the “directionally-challenged” people like me. The first app which will be your best friend is “Bully Walk.” Not only does Bully Walk provide information about

campus organizations, sports schedules and dining menus, but it also has the capability to guide you to any building on campus for the one-time fee of $1.99. If you do not want to spend your money there, the map systems built into smartphones work about the same. Since the campus is fairly large, MSU has a bus transit system which can be accessed by anyone on campus. The smartphone app “DoubleMap” provides real time updates for the location of campus buses on their routes along with an estimated arrival time. Buses are an easy way to get around campus but if running late, walking sometimes proves to be quicker. The final app recommendation is not for navigation or transport but attending events. The “Hail State Rewards” (HSR) app allows students to gain points for attending athletics or designated HSR events which can then be redeemed for physical prizes. This rewards program also determines the priority rankings MSU students will have when purchasing season tickets and parking passes. Although I cannot cover everything you need to know for your upcoming college experience, my hopes are this information will benefit not only transfer students but help all incoming students at MSU for their bright years to come at MSU. Go Dawgs and hail state!

Find upperclassmen mentors and utilize professors as resources

TAYLAR ANDERSON is a senior majoring in English. Contact her at opinion@reflector.msstate.edu.

Starting college is a fun, new experience which aids teens in their transition into independent young adults. It is your first true taste of freedom and independence. While it is a freeing time which should be enjoyed, it also becomes the foundation for how well, or even how quickly you successfully merge into an adult. As a senior getting ready to take on the world, I want to dedicate my final article with The Reflector to my incoming Bulldogs looking to find their place in the world as I was. While I strongly suggest you explore who you are and have fun, I want to encourage you to not be intimidated by your professors and upperclassmen. Instead, seek them out for mentorships, resources and even just for good friends and moral support. You will build positive relationships which will help you academically, socially and mentally as you both develop your academic career and begin to establish your place in the world. Befriending upperclassmen or using

them as mentors can help you improve your social skills as you learn about and meet different kinds of people. They can offer you great guidance academically and expose you to fun new experiences you have never had before. Mentors can also help introduce you to everything Mississippi State University has to offer as far as organizations, recommended professors and classes and even job or scholarship opportunities. According to author Anna Kudak in an article written by Meredith Melnick for HuffPost, “Friendships with older and younger people help broaden your perspective, which in turn allows you to have compassion and empathy in your day-today life.” This shows why it is also important to utilize professors as mentors because they can offer a broader perspective which can make your social skills even stronger. While upperclassmen tend to be better mentors than most people think, professors are the goto mentor for students. Professors have designated time called office hours set aside for students to come chat about their grades and any other concerns they have about the class. In an article by Elissa Nadworny for NPR, Harvard professor Anthony Jack said, “The students who are least likely to go to office hours are the students

who would benefit from them the most.” Though they can initially be a bit awkward or intimidating, going to your professor’s office hours is one of the best — if not the best — things you can do to improve your grade, better understand your professor and the course material and ultimately get the most out of your college education. Building relationships

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with your professors also builds your career in general, especially in an economy which is often more reliant on who you know rather than what you know. In fact, according to Jacquelyn Bulao from TechJury, “Networking alone is responsible for filling as many as 85% of all jobs.” Professors tend to come from extremely broad and diverse backgrounds and

know a variety of people within various professions. Therefore, sharing your goals and interests with your professor can set you up later to find potential employers both throughout and after college. As a college freshman, it often feels like you have the whole world at your feet and all this interesting new knowledge to learn. You should use this time

to get to know yourself and what you would like to do in the future. Though it is important to begin your adulting journey properly, remember to have fun and cherish the next few years! This is the best time for you to enjoy life, explore the world and even make a few mistakes along the way. This is your time to live and learn, and I hope you make the most of it, just as I did.

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LIFE & ENTERTAINMENT 7 THE REFLECTOR ORIENTATION, SUMMER 2021

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Starkville’s Mexican restaurants compete for the best ranking EMILY BUTLER STAFF WRITER

For those going for Mexican food with a southern twist, or those who want to stick with something

Located down Highway 12, No Way Jose serves fresh Tex-Mex. It stood out to me initially because of its popularity for college students and is well known to be a classic dinner spot for students all over campus. Students often refer to it as “No Ways,” and many have positive things to say about it. From the outside, No Way’s seems quite inviting, and it stands among many of the other restaurants scattered

more authentic, Starkville has many Mexican restaurants to try. As a lover of Mexican food and a seasoned food reviewer, I decided to give my ranking on some of the most popular spots around

town. The rankings depend on several factors and are much deeper than just the food. The out of five reviews are also based on price, atmosphere and wait time/service.

No Way Jose 3/5

down Highway 12. Mary Marshall Waller, a freshman foreign language major, is a huge fan of No Way Jose. When going, she orders the Happy Chicken, which she said is average, and not extraordinary. However, she said that the chips and queso are extraordinary. In her experience, the atmosphere is one of the most important aspects of the restaurant, and the friends she goes with make it an even more

enjoyable experience. “My only complaint is that sometimes the service can be slow, however, I completely understand due to how busy it always is,” Waller said. No Way Jose is an inviting spot for college students. But in regards to food and wait time, it does not stack up to the other places reviewed. Perhaps if the food was a little tastier, then it might be one of the higher places on the list.

Humble Taco 4/5 Humble Taco is a Mexican restaurant with a bit of a southern flair. While customers do not necessarily get authentic Mexican food, Humble Taco provides an interesting twist to the typical Mexican food experience. Opening only this semester, Humble Taco has had people flocking to it for the new experience and the hip, cute location and atmosphere. Out of all the places reviewed, this one takes the cake on

atmosphere. The back patio and adorable inside are perfect for just about any occasion. With the dim glow of the hanging lights and the delicious smells wafting from the kitchen, it is hard to take your food for takeout rather than just staying. The food has many different flavors going at the same time, different from any other place I tried. The main criticism I have is that the portions could be larger for the price it costs. Out of all the places

reviewed, Humble Taco is the most unique and notable. Those wanting a more in-depth food review about what I got can reference my Humble Taco review from February. While I highly recommend Humble Taco as the second best place on the list, I had to dock a point for the small portions and the high price. But if you’re looking for a cute place with flavorful food for a date, Humble Taco is the perfect choice.

Mi Hacienda 2/5 Nestled on the edge of a strip mall, the authentic Mexican cuisine restaurant Mi Hacienda can be easy to miss when riding down Highway 12. Of all the places I tried, Mi Hacienda was my least favorite. The food was just alright and the atmosphere was not anything too special. To be fair, I did not order the most adventurous thing on the menu and kept my order pretty basic, so I am sure I did not get the full Mi Hacienda experience. Despite not being a huge fan of the food, I was definitely a

fan of the short wait time and the relatively cheap prices. On the inside it is pretty normal and nothing sticks out too much. The only notable part of the restaurant was the sticky tables and chairs, which does not create a very appetizing environment. While my meal was pretty bland and not that exciting, I have heard horror stories of steak tacos seeming almost gray when served. Kylie LaBelle is a freshman majoring in wildlife. LaBelle went to

Mi Hacienda and enjoyed it very much. She ordered the Pollo Tampiqueno and the Mi Hacienda Favaritio and said she liked them both. “I’ve always had really good service, and I would go back,” LaBelle said. Maybe Mi Hacienda is just not my cup of tea. After all, they do have a 4.1 / 5 on restaurantji. com. Perhaps I need to try it again to get the full experience. But for now, with a combination of food, service and atmosphere, I have to stick with my rating of 2 / 5.

Casa Bravo 5/5 I saved my favorite out of all of them for last. Located down Highway 12, right next to No Way Jose, Casa Bravo has something to offer everyone. Of the many times my friends and I have frequented Casa Bravo, we have never once been disappointed. The staff are always kind and welcoming, and although the restaurant is usually packed with people, I have never had to wait long for a spot. My favorite order is the carnitas street tacos. For

the two tacos, the price of $6.60 is pretty reasonable. The pork tacos are garnished with onion and cilantro and are some of the most tender and flavor-packed tacos I have ever had. They come with a side of salsa to dip in, and with or without the salsa, the tacos are mouth-watering. It is hard to even come up with anything bad to say about Casa Bravo. My experiences there are always pleasant and I have never found anything that dampened

my experience. It might not be possible to fully explain my love for Casa Bravo, but it will forever be remembered as the spot where I enjoyed delicious food and amazing company. I know that Casa Bravo is not quite as popular with the college students as some of the others on the list, but I highly recommend it if you have not tried it yet. With all the factors of food, atmosphere, service and price, Casa Bravo takes the cake with a 5/5.

Adam Sullivan | The Reflector

Al pastor, chicken and steak street tacos are among the wide variety of traditional dishes served at Casa Bravo Mexican restaurant.

Student leaders give interviewing tips for freshmen looking to get involved SARAH MORGAN JOHNSON LIFE & ENTERTAINMENT EDITOR

For many incoming Mississippi State University freshmen looking to find their place in a sea of over 22,000 students, campus involvement serves as the key to feeling at home here in Starkville, Mississippi. However, with so many other students also looking to get involved, it can seem nearly impossible to distinguish oneself in a short interview in order to break into any organization. From the students who know exactly which organizations they want to join to the students still trying to learn the alma mater, the interview process is intimidating for anyone, especially freshmen. Natalie Fields is a junior culinology major at MSU. She is also involved in several campus organizations, including New Maroon Camp where she serves as the counselor trainer. Fields said involvement has been important to her since high school and she knew from the start she wanted to get involved quickly here at MSU. Fields said she had heard so much about freshmen groups and remembers so many people encouraging her to apply. She said luckily she was able to join one, but thinks it is problematic to only push freshmen involvement in regards to freshman groups. “If you don’t get in freshman groups, I think we should encourage freshmen to know that is not all you can do. We have so many organizations that I think we should try to help freshmen find their fit rather than just push a freshman group on them,” Fields said. She encouraged incoming freshmen to get to know people involved in different campus organizations to see where they think they might fit. For those looking to get involved, Fields advised patience and perseverance. She said in high school it was a lot easier to want to do something and then get that position. “Freshman year there were several things I interviewed for and didn’t get. I realized it wasn’t that I wasn’t great enough for the position, but that there were other great people too,” Fields said. Annie Sieja, a junior majoring in mechanical engineering at MSU, serves as president of

Roadrunners. Similar to Fields, Sieja encouraged freshmen to explore different types of organizations before committing to just one. “Freshman year can be good to dip your toes in a bunch of different things, then in the rest of your college career you can find where you really want to step into an organization,” Sieja said. Deciding what to apply for is only the first step on the road to campus involvement. After submitting an application, students typically sign up for an interview slot. While different organizations conduct their interviews differently, each of them is looking for someone who makes a lasting impression. Dylan McDonald, a senior industrial engineering major at MSU, is the president of Alumni Delegates.

“The best advice I got was to be yourself. The organization looks for people who don’t try to fit in by changing who they are,” Dylan McDonald Alumni Delegates President McDonald shared an important piece of advice he received before interviewing for the organization his sophomore year. “The best advice I got was to be yourself. The organization looks for people who don’t try to fit in by changing who they are. We’re made up of 45 or 50 people who are all unique in their own ways, but all have the common goal of wanting to serve the university,” McDonald said. Sieja echoed this sentiment, explaining how authenticity is one of the main things the Roadrunner selection team looks for in interviews. “You hear that and you’re like, ‘Yeah ok, whatever,’ but I really tried to take that to heart because I knew specifically for Roadrunner we are not looking for a bunch of the same people. Showcasing

your true self really does help in an interview, and they can tell when you’re being authentic,” Sieja said. Many organizations have two rounds of interviews, with the first being a group interview and the second being an individual interview. New Maroon Camp and Roadrunners follow this format, but Alumni Delegates made the switch to only individual interviews last year. Group interviews typically consist of five to eight interviewees and an interviewing panel. Sieja advised students to think through what kinds of questions they might be asked, especially in a group interview. She especially advised students to think through why they want to be part of the organization they are interviewing for. Natalie Fields said two things she and other executive members of New Maroon Camp looked for in group interviews were personality and teamwork skills. She explained that individual interviews are more serious and offer a chance for students to communicate what skills they have and how they would fit in the organization. Sieja urged current students looking to be more involved not to shy away from putting themselves out there. “I would tell current students to reflect on their time at Mississippi State. If they haven’t been super involved that’s not always what we’re looking for. We are looking for people who have experiences that they love at the university, and have a passion for the university,” Sieja said. Ultimately these student leaders agreed that the benefits of involvement far outweigh the discomfort of the interviewing process. Sieja said being involved has helped her develop personal skills which will serve her even after her time at MSU. It has also given her an outlet amidst the stresses of school and COVID-19. McDonald voiced similar gratitude, explaining how campus involvement helped him to find his home at MSU. “I was able to find just what I needed, and I think that’s the greatest thing about Mississippi State, that there is an organization for everyone. You will find people who will become your lifelong friends,” McDonald said.

8 LIFE & ENTERTAINMENT THE REFLECTOR ORIENTATION, SUMMER 2021 @REFLECTORONLINE

Students share how to make a dorm room feel like home MAGGIE PHILLIPS STAFF WRITER

For many students, moving into a dorm room is the first chance they have to totally control the appearance and style of their living environment. From bed placement to wall art, students have the artistic opportunity to turn a small living space into a comfortable and familiar home. As new students are preparing plans and designs for their dorm rooms, current upperclassmen are reminiscing about their experience in the Mississippi State University residence halls and offering advice to those moving into them. Malone McGhee, a sophomore nutrition major, has fond memories of her dorm life experiences and offered advice to rising freshmen. McGhee put emphasis on bringing items which will make the dorm room comfortable and familiar, providing a source of familiarity in a world of newness. “Looking back, I think the most important thing to me was having pictures, especially being so far from home. Both my roommate and I had pictures everywhere of our families to remind us where we came from,” McGhee said. McGhee and her roommate both moved to

Starkville from Virginia, so they found mixing decor featuring school pride as well as hometown familiarity was an important aspect to creating their home on campus. “One thing I really liked was that I brought some frames — just pictures and canvases and things like that — that just felt really familiar,” McGhee said. “I thought it was really cool to remind ourselves of the place where we came from and how we were raised and who has made us who we are today.” Maddie Pipkin, a sophomore majoring in animal and dairy sciences, is a resident advisor (RA) for Ruby Hall. Pipkin plays a significant role in promoting the community atmosphere in the dorm. Another important consideration for students moving into residence halls is deciding what objects they can bring that will benefit their physical and mental health. Pipkin also encouraged students to consider bringing things from home that will provide familiarity and relaxation in the dorm. “Bring items that remind you of home and make you feel comfortable, like pictures of friends and family,” Pipkin said. “Keeping a live plant can be a source of comfort, and it also brings sunlight into the

room, which is important for your mood and health.” According to Pipkin, it is also important to avoid the harsh overhead lights of the dorm room by incorporating soft lights, such as lamps or LED lights. Pipkin also recommended bypassing blackout curtains over the windows, as the loss of sunlight can have several detrimental effects on the residents. Anna Chaney, an instructor in the interior design program for MSU, offered several suggestions and considerations for rising freshmen moving into residence halls. “A lot of people don’t realize that there is a lot of psychology and a lot of research that goes behind interior design and what makes you comfortable in a space,” Chaney said. “Interior design encompasses the human experiences in the built environment— the built environment being the physical space that is surrounding you.” Mental and physical health should be significant focuses when outlining the design and decor of a dorm room, Chaney said. This includes considering a safe setup which includes objects that promote comfort and happiness. Deciding what to bring and what not to bring can be a challenge for incoming residents. Moving from a

spacious home into a limited capacity dorm requires discernment between what is a necessary and unnecessary item. Chaney recommends considering the usefulness, requirement and benefit of each object a student may regard. “Ask yourself what makes you feel at home and what do you use on a daily basis that you cannot live without,” Chaney said. “We know those dorm rooms are small, so consider ways that you can maximize space and storage, as well as surround yourself with things that make you happy, so you aren’t so stressed during the schoolwork.” Chaney also emphasized the importance of getting to know and communicate with a roommate before moving to campus. She recommends being mindful that both the student and roommate are leaving home and venturing into a new, unfamiliar and potentially scary place. Therefore, it is important to keep in mind that each person’s style and preference is different. “Try to keep an open mind and remember that the space is not only about one person,” Chaney said. “Organization is key. When moving into a dorm room, for your safety, (it is important) to make sure that everything is organized and to keep peace with your roommate.”

Malone McGhee|Courtesy Photo

MSU sophomores Halley Roy and Malone McGhee added their own flair to their dorm room.

Adam Sullivan|The Reflector

MSU dormitories, like this show room at Deavenport Hall, are home to many students.

Mississippi Today : A history of artistic tradition KERRIGAN CLARK STAFF WRITER

Art has been a vital form of expression dating back to prehistoric times. People have used it to express their emotions, record the events occurring during their time and articulate anything else that inspired them. Art comes in many different shapes and forms, and this is especially true in Mississippi. Some of Mississippi’s most notable artists include the playwright, Tennessee Williams, from Columbus, Mississippi. Williams is most widely known for his plays “A Streetcar Named Desire” and “Cat on a Hot Tin Roof.” Eudora Welty is another widely recognized Mississippi writer. Welty is a short story writer, novelist and photographer from Jackson, Mississippi. Some of her most famous works include A Worn Path and her collection of short stories A Curtain of Green. These artists have inspired new waves of creativity in the modernday, and new artists have blossomed in their footprints. From writers to sculptors to photographers, Mississippi’s past has fostered a welcoming and creative community for new artists to create and prosper for generations to come. Michael Farris Smith is an award-winning author from McComb, Mississippi, who has written and published six books. Smith graduated from Mississippi State University in 1994 with a degree in communications. A key aspect of a writer’s job is to connect readers to whatever story the author is trying to convey. This engages the reader with their art and creates a more memorable experience. Farris discussed this aspect of his profession. “Whenever I get a random email or message from someone out there, it reminds me of how art can reach from one person to the next,” Farris said in an email. “I also think it has been, and always will be, a way of trying to engage with the world. Trying to make sense out of the strangeness of it all” Having written seven

Antoinette Badenhorst|Courtesy Photo

Antoinette Badenhorst began her career as a porcelain artist in South Africa. Since moving to Mississippi, Badenhorst has seen the effects her geographical location has on her work.

books, it is hard for Farris to pick a favorite. He explained this is because of the unique experience he had writing each of them. “You love them all for different reasons. Each novel is a different experience, written at a different time in your life. It’s like your children, you love them all equally, but you love their different characteristics and traits,” Farris said. Pottery, just like writing, is also another form of expression and story telling. Porcelain artist, Antoinette Badenhorst, uses her pieces to convey ideas about nature and the things around her. Badenhorst was born in South Africa and began her pottery career there in 1981 after walking past an art gallery where she saw clay work. She inquired about the artwork, enrolled in classes a few months later and the rest is history.

Artists have to be aware of how their surroundings influence and shape their work. Being in a different region of the world, a different climate and a different culture impacts what they incorporate into their work and how they portray themselves through their art. After moving to Mississippi, Badenhorst began taking note of the geography of Mississippi and how it would shape her work, especially the abundance of water. “There was a time period that I used the abundance of water a lot. Coming from South Africa, it is very dry land. Especially in some areas where I used to live, it sometimes only rained once in 7 years. And then when we came to Mississippi there’s so much water that you wish it would go away once in a while and I think that comes out in my work,” Badenhorst said.

While in Mississippi, her personal artwork flourished as did her career as an instructor. Badenhorst built her reputation as a porcelain instructor, where she now teaches online and in-person porcelain and pottery classes to students in 41 different counties. However, creating art and teaching multiple classes is not as glamorous as it may seem to the outsider. This field of work requires equal parts hard work and dedication. “Many people think to be an artist is a romantic situation. It’s not. I always tell my children, it is 90% hard work with 10% talent. I think anybody can be an artist if they want to be one. And that is across the board,” Badenhorst said. “There are times when I get burned out. I pay so much attention to certain things that it’s difficult to walk away from certain things and before you find

yourself you’re completely burned out.” Similar to pottery and writing, photography has shaped the world and changed how people view art on a daily basis. With so many different techniques for cameras, lighting and set up, photography is certainly an intricate art form. Imani Khayyam knows all about the complexity and dedication needed to be a photographer. Khayyam grew up in Jackson, Mississippi, and attended Tougaloo College where he graduated in 2013 with a degree in art. He currently works for the communications department in the mayor’s office in Jackson, MS. There he covers many major issues pertaining to the mayor and the city of Jackson. But his passion is portrait photography which he has been pursuing since he graduated from college.

“My inspiration is really my love for people so I just started there. I love portraits. When I first started shooting, I thought I wanted to be a fashion photographer because I love clothes and styling,” Khayyam said. “But as I continued to work it developed into more of a deeper sense. I wanted to do more documentary things that meant something. I basically turned that into more conceptual work that still included style and portraits and also tried to tell stories through the photos.” His love for portraits and styling helped to prepare and shape him for a previous job he had working for the Jackson Free Press, where some of his favorite things to shoot were long-form pieces. “We had a section called Jacksonian, and it was more of a portrait thing. I had to shoot for long stories which were my favorite because those pictures added to the story,” Khayyam said. “I always like to go with the writer when we used to do those stories because you had to be involved to understand what was going on and how to be able to best tell the stories through the photos. They had to marry one another.” Khayyam has grown his portfolio and become a trusted and acclaimed photographer through interning with another photographer, working with the Jackson Free Press and learning on his own. He discussed what other aspiring photographers should do based on his experience. “I would say study. Search. Seek. Find. Be very intentional about just trying to find people that you can be inspired by. And even in those most uncomfortable parts, when you’re about to shift into something else. You have to push through that and find some deeper inspiration to get the juices flowing and keep those wheels going,” Khayyam said. From writers, to potters, to photographers and everything in between, Mississippi’s rich history of artistic tradition is continuing to shape the future of the Magnolia State.

SPORTS

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Marlar: MSU hoops is poised for a tournament run

TANNER MARLAR SPORTS EDITOR

Coming fresh off of a National Invitational Tournament (NIT) run, the Mississippi State University men’s basketball team and all involved with it felt as though they were in a solid position going into this coming season. Head Coach Ben Howland and his staff, however, were not satisfied, so they set out to the transfer portal in search of some fresh faces to add to the MSU hoops roster, and boy did they find some. Firstly, MSU was in a favorable position after their loss to Memphis in the NIT. The Bulldogs stood to lose bench contributor and NCAA journeyman Jalen Johnson to graduation, as he had used up all of his years of eligibility along with longtime starter and defensive anchor Abdul Ado, also to graduation. After the tournament, however, backup point guard and former 4-star recruit Deivon Smith announced he would be entering the transfer portal. It was later announced that he plans to return to his home state of Georgia

to play for the Georgia Tech Yellowjackets. His departure left MSU’s roster short-staffed in terms of backcourt production, but MSU would fix this issue on signing day. Before any transfers were announced, MSU picked up two solid young high school seniors via recruitment. Alden Applewhite, a 6-foot-7 forward from Memphis, Tennessee, inked his letter of intent with very high praise from Coach Howland. “He’s a very good shooter. The thing I was most excited about ... is his ability to space the floor and shoot threes,” Howland said. Applewhite looks to add some shooting skill to a team already shooting at a solid 33.5% (per SEC stats) clip from behind the arc last season, which was good enough for eighth in the SEC. Howland and staff did not wait long at all to find a replacement for Smith, either, as later on in the week the Bulldogs picked up another freshman recruit in Cam Carter, a Donaldsonville, Louisiana, native and product of the highly decorated Oak Hill Academy, where he played underneath Steve Smith. Carter’s former coach had much praise for the young star. “What I love most about Cam is that he is a tremendous teammate and is very coachable. He just wants to win,” Steve Smith said.

This should be music swing in them, though, as The highly skilled builds. Typically, a team to any MSU fan’s ears, former top-60 high school forward gave MSU all that makes it all the way as Smith has coached player, four star recruit they could handle when to the NIT Championship numerous NBA all stars, and Memphis Tiger D. J. the two teams met in the makes the NCAA and even an NBA MVP in Jeffries announced via his NIT tournament, totaling tournament the very next his time at Oak Hill. Instagram he, too, would 15 points, 5 rebounds and year, which would be While the addition of be donning the maroon 5 blocks on his way to huge for Howland and his the two talented freshmen and white next season the NIT Championship. staff, for obvious reasons. was already significant to play for coach Ben Thankfully, though, he The talent is there, and for MSU, Howland and Howland in Starkville. will not be a headache for the team appears more staff had no intentions of D. J. kept it short Bulldog fans anymore. ready than ever. All this slowing down. and to the point in his As the time winds goes to show this winter, The son of MSU announcement. down and these new Humphrey Coliseum is assistant coach Greg “Let’s rock and roll,” players make it to campus, shaping up to be the place Brooks, Garrison Brooks, he said. the hype around this team everyone wants it to be. played his first four years for Coach Roy Williams at the esteemed basketball program at the University of North Carolina. Brooks comes in with a laundry list of accolades to his name, including a top-five conference scoring average in 20192020, which earned him All-ACC Second Team honors. On April 19, Garrison made it official that he would play his final season of college basketball in maroon and white. Assuming he will be the starter come this winter, that would add up to an average of 15.5 rebounds between him and the SEC’s leading rebounder and returning junior Bulldog Tolu Smith. MSU might have lost their low-post anchor in Ado, but with the addition of Brooks and another year of development for Smith, it is safe to say the paint in Humphrey Coliseum is looking to be in good hands. Coach Howland and Adam Sullivan | The Reflector staff would have at least Mississippi State University shooting guard D.J. Stewart averaged 15.8 ppg last year, enough for 10th best in the SEC. one more home run

Bulldog football showcases quarterback depth in spring game JACKSON WADDELL CONTRIBUTING WRITER

The Mississippi State University football team was eager to get back on to the field after their late December Armed Forces Bowl win over Tulsa. Prior to that, MSU had a disappointing season. After beating 6th-ranked LSU in Baton Rouge to open the 2020 season, the Bulldogs finished the regular season 4-7. However, MSU had several bright spots along the 2020 campaign, with key freshman stepping up to contribute after the Bulldogs had several opt outs and transfers midseason. Among those key freshman stars, few shined brighter than wide receiver Jaden Walley. The now sophomore from D’Iberville, Mississippi, racked up 718 yards and two touchdowns on 52 catches, including 100 yards receiving in four straight games. Walley has

high expectations for his second year in the offense. However, the Walley hype train may need a slight tune-up going into fall ball, as he left the spring game after an apparent leg injury. Mike Leach would not comment on Walley’s status after the game but did not appear concerned. MSU’s secondary had a freshman star of its own in the 2020 season in Grenada, Mississippi, native Emmanuel Forbes. The star cornerback picked off five passes in his 2020 campaign, returning three of them for touchdowns. In the second quarter of the spring game, Forbes picked up right where he left off in 2020 when he picked off a deflected pass and got a nice return off of it. Speaking of the secondary’s play, MSU had two other stellar performers in Saturday’s Maroon & White game in Jalen Green and Martin Emerson. Emerson, the Pensacola, Florida, native, had a stellar sophomore

year in 2020, earning second-team All SEC from Pro Football Focus. Emerson did not miss a beat during play, breaking up two passes, including a touchdown pass in the second quarter. Green, the Houston, Texas, native, is a transfer from the University of Texas. Green played three years for the Longhorns but did not contribute a ton for Texas’ defense. Green, who played for the White team this scrimmage, picked up a fumble in the second quarter and took it all the way to the house. He also announced his presence for the MSU defense with a jarring hit in the backfield in that same quarter. MSU junior safety Collin Duncan spoke on what Green adds to the defense. “He’s added another dimension to our secondary. With him out there, we really have a certified corner playing safety, especially in our man-to-man coverages,” Duncan said.

MSU saw several quarterbacks man the offense, with two standing out in Will Rogers and Jack Abraham. The Maroon team was led by Rogers, the sophomore from Brandon, Mississippi, who took over the starting job from KJ Costello in 2020 and played admirably in his short time manning the air raid offense. Although he had a few completions early on, Rogers had a slow start to the game. The White team’s defense capitalized on Rogers’s mistakes early on, including taking Rogers’ fumble to the end zone for a touchdown. However, Rogers played much better later in the second quarter. He led a solid drive finishing off the second half with a 33-yard touchdown pass to Makai Polk, a wide receiver who transferred in from the University of California. Rogers finished his day completing 25 passes on 41 attempts for 255 yards. The White team’s

starting QB was Oxford, Mississippi, native Jack Abraham. The Graduate transfer from Southern Mississippi started off slightly rusty as well but picked up his play in the second quarter. Abraham threw two touchdowns in the second quarter: one to Geor’quarius Spivey, a junior receiver and tight end from Monroe, Louisiana, and one to Malik Heath, the star senior receiver from Jackson, Mississippi. Both quarterbacks showed flashes of incredible talent, and some receivers that did not make an impact last year stepped up in this game. The Maroon and White game ended in the White team’s favor by a score of 30-22. However, the score of the scrimmage was not the main takeaway. The real lesson learned on Super Bulldog Weekend was that MSU displayed much more depth on both sides of the ball compared to last year, and the ceiling of this team can be very

high if the players work in sync on both sides of the ball. Coach Leach spoke about the intensity of play in the scrimmage and places where improvements can be made. “I didn’t think we had particularly good energy. I thought that we didn’t execute enough on offense, so the defense wasn’t challenged much,” Leach said. Austin Williams, a senior wide receiver from Ocean Springs, Mississippi, echoed Mike Leach’s sentiments. “We didn’t execute as well as we wanted to. We got in the red zone a couple of times and couldn’t finish,” Williams said. MSU is slated to start their 2021 season on Sept. 4, where they will take on the Bulldogs of Louisiana Tech University in Starkville. The last time these teams met, MSU took a convincing win via a score of 45-3.

Adam Sullivan | The Reflector

Graduate quarterback Jack Abraham finished his spring game action with an impressive 23-for-34, 162 yards and 2 TD passes.

MSU sophomore quarterback Will Rogers finished the Maroon and White game 25-for-41 with 255 yards and 1 TD pass.

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Boogity Boogity Boogity! Let’s go formula racing TANNER MARLAR

car to keep it on the ground via the large back wing and front air splitters. At 30 mph, At Mississippi State the car has about 120 lbs of University, there are countless downforce, and at 65 mph, clubs and organizations that the car has an astonishing any student can partake 340 lbs of downforce. The in. One of these clubs team looks forward to the is the Bulldog Racing future, in which they plan Formula Car team, which to change powertrains competes in the Society completely in order to best of Automotive Engineers the competition. The Bulldog Racing (SAE) International Championship. Comprised Team competes with this of students from across car in multiple events. Team the school of engineering, captain and senior aerospace engineering these Bulldogs major Tommy work together Brunson on a car they This would explained the take all across competitions. the country be huge for “There are to use in the club, as we competitions would prove that three events at each race. against other universities we can compete The first two are simple, an from around with the larger acceleration the world, the run and a likes of which colleges with include the those deep For- skid pad. The acceleration University of run tests Munich and mula 1 ties.” the power other colleges Samuel Bates weight with deep Bulldog Racing to how Formula 1 Business Lead ratio, fast the car ties. There are accelerates and three races held in North America and the stopping power. The second competition tests 17 across the world. MSU’s team is no the handling and drivability stranger to challenges, of the car,” Brunson said. Sierra Thornton | Courtesy Photo “Along with the driver, however, and they have The Bulldog Racing Formula Car team stands behind their creation after a round of public, on-campus road testing this past year, prior to winter break. proven to be up to the task. might I add,” joked Jonah This year, the event spoke on the goals of the there is of course life after Their car is outfitted with Albert, a junior mechanical to keep the slide stable and college, but that does not will take place at Las Vegas team. a Honda CBR500r engine, engineering major and driver controllable. The third and final International Speedway, “With a top 25 finish, mean they all plan on leaving which produces about 47- of the car. Brunson said during the event is the most trying. where numerous other we should be able to secure motorsports. Brunson has 50 horsepower. The engine, coupled with a car with a dry skid pad test, the goal is to It is an endurance race, in colleges from all over the enough sponsorship, prize applied for and hopes to weight of 450 lbs., should, in keep the car in a sustained which all of the competitors country will be vying for and grant money to be able be able to work on some theory, result in a 150 mph drift as long as possible. The must see how many laps sponsorship dollars, prize to attend the other two races form of rally racing team top speed. As in any type pad is soaked with water they can complete without purses and most of all, in North America. This upon graduation as a lead of formula racing, however, and the drivers must see their cars failing. This is bragging rights. This team would be huge for the club, engineer in the World Rally cornering must be taken into how long they can hold a the be all end all of the of Bulldogs does not want as we would prove that we Championship. All of this goes to show can compete with the larger account. The Bulldog team power slide. This requires competition, as it is the true to stop there, though. Samuel Bates, senior colleges with those deep how these MSU students tackles this with an immense a key balance of footwork test of the engineering and production of downforce, and feel for the car, as craftsmanship all of these mechanical engineering and Formula 1 ties and win,” are truly going places, and fast. They just hope their which is how hard the air the driver must apply the teams have put into their political science major and Bates said. business lead for the team, These students realize wheels can go faster. presses down on top of the perfect amount of throttle vehicles.

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