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ORIENTATION ISSUE
SUMMER 2018 vv
THE STUDENT NEWSPAPER OF MISSISSIPPI STATE UNIVERSITY SINCE 1884
IT’S YOUR TURN TO MAKE HISTORY, BULLDOGS Reader’s Guide:
Words of Welcome News Opinion
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Policy: Any person may pick up a single copy of The Reflector for free. Additional copies may be obtained from the Henry Meyer Student Media Center for 25 cents per copy.
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words of welcome
THE REFLECTOR ORIENTATION 2018
SA President Mayah Emerson offers advice to new students On behalf of each and every Mississippi State student, I could not be more excited to welcome you to your new home! What an exciting time it is for you right now! I am sure that someone has told you that your time in college will be the absolute best four years of your life, and I must say that I partly agree. Whether your time in college is the best four years or not depends on two decisions that you make: the first being where you decide to spend undergraduate career. Fortunately, you are off to an incredible start. You could not have chosen a better place to call home. You are embarking on a journey at an institution that has deep roots, a rich history and a tradition of excellence. The second decision that determines the quality of your time in college is whether or not you decide to jump directly into this experience. Your time Mayah Emerson here is about to fly by, and no experience will match the one that you are about to have if you take advantage of all of the students, faculty, staff and alumni who are not just willing to help you, but excited to help you reach your every goal. My advice to you is to take advantage of the opportunities to meet people who you otherwise would have never met. Take advantage of the many opportunities to step out of your comfort zone and grow both inside and outside of the classroom. We are blessed with nationally-recognized faculty conducting life-changing research, both in our community and throughout the world. On the other hand, this place has over 400 student organizations, ranging from honor societies, spiritual groups and niche groups. You will find your place. Bulldog, I have been where you are right now. Beginning your career at MSU can be daunting, but know you have a family of over 22,000 supporters with you every step of the way, including me. If you ever need advice, a friend or just someone to listen, stop by my office on the third floor of the union, suite 314. My door is always open. I am confident you will be nothing less than successful in your first year. Welcome to the Bulldog Family. In Maroon and White, Mayah Emerson Student Association President
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Greetings from President Mark Keenum
Dear New Students, Welcome to Mississippi State! This is the start of an especially exciting time in your life, and I want you to know that you’re 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. Faculty, staff and students 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 about 80 different countries around the world. You will gain by living and learning alongside those whose traditions and experiences are different from your own, and you will find that the university’s reputation for friendliness 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 Mark Keenum you to be. I will do everything in my power to make Mississippi State the university you deserve and expect it to be, and I hope you will make the same commitment to give your best — in the classroom, on the playing field or in upholding our tradition as a welcoming and caring campus. We’re glad you’re here, and look forward to getting to know you better. Hail State! Mark E. Keenum President
A warm welcome from the Editor-in-Chief
Hello, New Bulldogs, I am thrilled to welcome you to Mississippi State University. These next years will grow you as a student, person and leader. You will meet new friends, find new passions and, ultimately, leave here a more well-rounded student and individual. However, there will be seasons of difficulty but learn to treasure these times because they will shape you into a stronger individual. Never be afraid to pursue goals outside of your comfort zone and new challenges because the most growth is caused by trying and experiencing new things. I will begin my senior year this fall. I cannot believe this is already my last year! Your years here will fly by and you will be a senior before you know it. I hope you guys enjoy and learn much from your time here at MSU! Hold on to every memory, experience and learning you can. The Reflector is the voice of the students, documenting the history of the university and its students, which now Emmalyne Kwasny includes you! I have been on The Reflector staff since my freshman year. This organization has grown and shaped me in all areas and many different ways. I love working alongside dedicated students to produce something we are proud of. I hope that you all choose to become involved with an organization you can be passionate about. There are many to choose from here at MSU! If The Reflector is the place for you, please reach out to me! I hope you guys feel welcomed into the family we have here at MSU. We are so glad to have you! I wish you all the best, Emmalyne Kwasny Editor-in-Chief
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NEWS
THE REFLECTOR ORIENTATION 2018
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Parking garage construction to begin this summer EMMA MOFFETT LIFE AND ENTERTAINMENT EDITOR
An approximately $8 million project to build a four-story, 500-space parking garage at Mississippi State University is in the process of being finalized, with prospects of construction starting this summer and being completed by the start of the 2019 fall semester. This parking garage will be built into the hill on Bailey Howell Drive, near Davenport Hall and Dogwood Hall. The zone for the new parking garage has yet to be determined, but it is envisioned to be a mixed-use facility similar to the parking garage at the Old Main Academic Center. Jerimiah Dumas, director of Parking and Transit Services, said keeping prices for parking permits reasonable is a high priority for him. Dumas said they hope to make slight increases in parking permits, rather than have a dramatic price increase. “We are currently in the process of increasing the prices of parking tags, but that is necessary for us to do as an auxiliary since we have to generate the cost of the project,” Dumas said. In 2015, Dumas said a parking demand and occupancy study was implemented, and they evaluated every parking lot on campus multiple times
Parking and Transit Services | Courtesy Photo
The new parking garage will be built into the hill on Bailey Howell Drive near Davenport Hall and Dogwood Hall. It is the first of three parking garages Parking and Transit Services hopes to build in the upcoming years.
throughout the semester. The results revealed the campus had some parking availability, but most of those parking spots were not the most convenient to access. However, when analyzing the projections of student, faculty and staff growth moving forward, Dumas said they realized in the year 2019 or 2020, they would not have any available parking if MSU did not add a decent amount of parking spaces. Dumas said location was vital when preparing the plans for this parking
garage. They wanted to put the parking garage in an area where traffic could properly flow, rather than creating congestion in traffic during the school week and especially during sporting events. Due to its current location, the parking garage will be used not only for student parking, but also for parking needs at the Sanderson Center and sporting events at Dudy Nobel, Davis Wade Stadium and Humphrey Coliseum. While the construction documents are currently
Quick Facts What: An $8 million, 500-space parking garage. It is envisioned to be a mixed-use facility similar to the one in the Old Main Academic Center. Where: The hill on Bailey Howell Drive near Davenport Hall and Dogwood Hall.
being finished, this parking garage is the first of three possible parking garages Parking and Transit Services hope to build in the coming years. The MSU Office of Sustainability has been heavily involved in this project, with the intention of making this new parking garage the first net-zero energy building on campus.
since the start, and as the previous director of MSU’s Department of Sustainability, Dumas made sure to think about sustainability first. “From the beginning, this building was designed to be very energy efficient, using LED lights among other things,” Dumas said. “By nature, it does not require a lot of power
“In my humble opinion, all buildings built on a university campus should be budgeted by legislators to meet net-zero guidelines.” -Michael Berk, School of Architecture director This will be accomplished by means of industrial solar power panels installed on the roof of the garage. Dumas said the garage being energy efficient was in the building process
use, so it was not hard to design a solar power system to power the building. We are hopeful that the budget will allow them to make the building net zero.” While the parking
garage will have a minimum energy output, Tim Muzzi, director of Planning, Design and Construction Administration, said he hopes this parking garage’s impact will lead to future initiative on campus surrounding energy use. However, due to a tight budget and escalation of construction cost in recent months, Muzzi is unsure whether or not this addition to the parking garage will be included in the final plans. “We have designed into the overall project the possible use of solar to obtain as near net zero energy consumption as practical. However, it is contingent on the budget as to whether it will be included or not in the building,” Muzzi said. “It is our hope that we are able to include this into the project, if not now, in the near future.” PARKING, A4
When: Construction is scheduled to begin this summer and should be completed by the start of the 2019 fall semester. Why: By analyzing projections of student, falculty and staff growth, Parking and Transit Services realized there would be no available parking in 2019 or 2020 if new parking options were not added. Rosalind Hutton
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Sauna fitness studio comes to Starkville
Something hot is arriving this summer besides the weather ELLIE BURSON CONTRIBUTING WRITER
HOTWORX, an infrared sauna studio which offers complete convenience and comfort, will open its newest location on University Drive later this summer. HOTWORX is a fitness center for any schedule or workout preference, and it offers three free visits for all first-timers. It will be open 24/7, and will offer private 9-by-7 dry saunas with a maximum of three occupants. Compared to other gyms and fitness studios, HOTWORX offers short, high-intensity workouts with maximum results. “Some of the benefits of this is that it burns a lot of calories, sweats out toxins, improves sleep, lowers blood pressure and improves complexion,” said Rob Thornton, co-owner of Starkville HOTWORX. Thornton said monthly memberships go on sale in June, starting at $29 a month and will increase gradually until reaching the normal rate of $59 a month.
Once a person becomes a member, scheduling classes will be available through the HOTWORX app. There is a three-person limit per workout space, which allows complete comfort and focus. Members can choose to schedule classes with friends upon request through the app. Shelby Buitt, a Starkville native and former HOTWORX member, said
I would go to the studio whenever we had time, and we found it beneficial in all aspects.” Buitt also praised the app. “It’s really easy to use. When I was ready to go, I just scheduled the session and the sauna was ready for me when I got there,” Buitt said. MSU student Sydney Botler said she has heard
“I tried HOTWORX in Oxford and really enjoyed it. It was a vigorous workout guided by a videoed instructor that helped me know what to do.” — Shelby Buitt of Starkville she enjoyed going to the fitness center. “I tried HOTWORX in Oxford, and really enjoyed it,” Buitt said. “It was a vigorous workout guided by a videoed instructor that helped me know what to do. One of the things I found really great about HOTWORX was the privacy. My friend and
of HOTWORX, and looks forward to its opening in Starkville. “I’m looking forward to trying it,” Botler said. “I’ve seen it on Instagram, and want to know what it’s about.” For more information about HOTWORX, visit its Instagram and Facebook page.
HOTWORX, an infared sauna studio, is scheduled to open in Starkville at the end of the summer and its new location is at 310 University Drive.
plans based on what is cheapest. “As the director of the School of Architecture and founding member of the MSU Sustainability Committee, I am extremely proud to know that the university is considering the design and construction of a net-zero building,”
Berk said. “This is groundbreaking news. Knowing that this new building will not be a drain on the existing energy grid is a major step towards meeting the University’s mission to demonstrate best practices to our students and to the rest of the state of Mississippi.”
Berk said he is hopeful this process will go into the final plans of the parking garage, and believes it will change the face of construction and energy on campus in years to come. “In my humble opinion, all buildings built on a university campus should be budgeted by
Lindsay Pace | The Reflector
PARKING Michael Berk, director for the School of Architecture, said he thinks making this parking garage solar powered is important to the future growth of the university, since it sets a precedent MSU values sustainability and looks to make a positive long-term impact, rather than making
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legislators to meet net-zero guidelines,” Berk said. Dumas said regardless of whether or not the parking garage is able to be net-zero energy, it will make a positive impact on parking on campus, and will help reduce frustration around parking on campus in years to come.
“Our goal is help the campus in the most efficient and effective way possible,” Dumas said. “We are making every effort to apply that philosophy to the construction of this parking garage, as well as other construction projects in the future.”
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OPINION
THE REFLECTOR ORIENTATION 2018
Change in college affects everyone and it is worth embracing
STEVEN WEIRICH is a senior majoring in economics. Contact him at opinion@reflector.msstate.edu.
It is not difficult to find some TED talk or inspirational article online talking about the positive benefits of change. We all know change is an important part of life, but I want to talk about how college is, inevitably, going to change who you are. There has been quite a bit of attention in the media in the past few years about how universities across America are “indoctrinating” students into certain schools of thought. In fact, there are entire organizations which have been formed to combat this perceived issue. According to the website for one such organization,
Turning Point USA, they attempt to address what they think is a pervasive liberal bias on college campuses. They have gone so far as to create a “Professor Watch List,” which is aimed at allowing college students to check if any of their professors have been found to “advance a radical agenda in lecture halls.” While I take organizations and projects such as this one with a large grain of salt, I know there are parents and perhaps some students who feel as if this is a major problem. I say all this to call attention to one type of change which is going to occur while you are in college: some of your political stances you hold now may not be the same at the end of your time here. To be clear, this is not a bad thing. I for one can say the way I see the world quite differently from how I viewed it four years ago. I can also adamantly say while I have disagreed with the thoughts of several of
Change Ahead
Rosalind Hutton
my professors here, I have never once felt pressured to conform to their ways of thinking. In fact, most
of your professors here will just be ecstatic you did the readings for class, much less adapt your whole worldview
to theirs. I wanted to discuss how your political beliefs may change while you are here simply because there are a lot of misconceptions about it, but there are many other ways in which you may find yourself changing. Obviously, you will be meeting new people in college, and you are going to be forced to *gasp* make new friends, and not just hang out with the people you knew from high school. According to a NPR article by Anya Kamenetz, academic research at Dartmouth has shown strong friend groups can actually play a key role in a student’s academic success. All of these new people coming into your life might even end up being much closer to you than your high school friends did. Being at the end of my four years here, my recommendation is to embrace all the changes which are going to be coming your way. Whether it is a new friend
group, taking a class you never thought you would enroll in or maybe joining a campus group you are not very familiar with, all of it will be invaluable to you. Even if these attempts end up going south on you, there are still ways to learn from them and to move forward. Sometimes, classes or work experience will not go the way you want, and sometimes a friend will unexpectedly walk out of your life. Nevertheless, whether or not your plans for college work out perfectly or if you find yourself on a completely different path after a couple of years, never let a fear of change hold you back. Almost no one has their life perfectly mapped out at 18, and if they think they do, they are most likely fooling themselves. Whether it is your politics, your major or your friends, embrace all the changes you have waiting in front of you. You will be much better off for doing so.
Your involvement on There is more to Starkville than drunken the campus is crucial debauchery and watching college sports
DYLAN BUFKIN
is a freshman majoring in English. Contact him at opinion@reflector.msstate.edu.
The most significant decision I made in high school was to join my school’s theater group. Prior to high school, I had never participated in a school club or organization, because I felt I was not welcome anywhere. Unbeknownst to me, I was the one making myself unwelcome. After joining theater, I became a new person. I had found something I could pour myself into and strive to become great. I loved and still love acting, but it was the social experience of working with a like-minded group of friends toward a common goal, and putting myself in uncomfortable situations which molded the freshman who set foot on Mississippi State University’s campus for the first semester. With the ethos building out of the way, I can safely tell you the most important and beneficial thing you can do once you come to college is to get involved with whatever you are interested in. Do not hesitate to try an activity or go to an event you are pondering over attending. There are constant opportunities on campus, but many more are gone in a flash. Service Dawgs and The Big Event, MSU’s two biggest volunteering events, were two of the best times I have experienced in college, and working at The Reflector has given me a steady flow of engaging and fulfilling work. However, I do not mean for this to be a sales pitch for any group or activity. People should follow their own paths in college, and this means following their own interests. Volunteering and writing may not be your strong suit, but student government, club sports, theater, activism or video games might be right up your alley. However, getting involved
in and around campus is not just for fun. Purdue University found student organization officers have higher GPAs than student organization members, and student organization members have higher GPAs than uninvolved students. Similarly, a study at Anderson University found a positive correlation between student involvement, which they define as participation in campus activities, and overall student satisfaction. Getting involved in the city of Starkville is also extremely important. For those who plan to stay in Starkville for a while, it is not a bad idea
“College is meant to be enjoyable. There is hardship and
stress, but there is
also euphoria and accomplishment.”
to register to vote. With the current contention of the previous mayoral election, it is the perfect time to see how every voice matters in local elections. The Dispatch’s Alex Holloway reported only a six-vote difference in the currently contested election, so saying one vote does not matter is simply untrue. If you want to call Starkville home, you will want to be able to affect its course. College is meant to be enjoyable. There is hardship and stress, but there is also euphoria and accomplishment. To be clear, I am not advocating anyone take on too much at once. Gradually increase your workload and responsibilities when you feel comfortable, and do not ever feel the need to let extracurriculars compromise your academics. With this being said, freshman year is exciting and terrifying all at once, but the best counterbalance is having a group of people who care about you and your wellbeing, all while pushing you to be your best self.
Noxubee Wildlife Refuge
CHRIS LOWE
is a junior majoring in business information systems. Contact him at opinion@reflector.msstate.edu.
Starkville is generally known for two things: booze and sports. For this reason, I feel some new students who are not interested in things like this, may have apprehensions toward the prospect of having fun while attending MSU. While in fact, Mississippi State University’s community offers things to align with the desires of the prototypical college student, it offers much more as well. Some of these activities fly under the radar, but they do exist, and I believe it to be a responsibility of older students to educate incoming freshman on the lesser-known hotspots. While Rick’s, Cowbells and the like pull much weight in the defining of Starkville’s nightlife, the array of unique eateries in town define its very identity. To me, the various burger joints lead the way: Bulldog Burger, Christy’s and the crown jewel of Starkville food, Mugshots, all feature delicious, inexpensive hamburgers, each bringing with it a unique atmosphere. Lost Pizza and Stromboli’s give residents a break from the monotony of delivered pizza for, once again, affordable prices. For the most Southern eating experience, one could try out Moe’s or The Little Dooey, which both provide excellent bar-bque. In fact, while driving through town, the smell of bar-b-que is frequently in the air, so all you need to do is follow your nose. The opportunities are
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Rosalind Hutton continuously coming as well. Several restaurants have opened or remodeled since I have been at MSU, and in 2015, Neilson rated Starkville as the 5th best market for restaurant growth in the entire U.S. It is only going to get better, and this is a very exciting concept. Some may prefer the hustle and bustle of a weekend at Davis Wade or Dudy Noble, but others would prefer to stay away from the crowds altogether. It just so happens that going to college in a small town has its perks for these people, as Starkville has plenty of backroads to explore and scenic locations to visit. The most famous is the Noxubee County Refuge, only a short drive away from campus. If you love to hunt, fish, hike or simply lay back and enjoy the beauty of nature,
the Refuge is the place to be. The best part about the Refuge to me is its bodies of water. The Doyle Arm reservoir in particular is stunning and exemplifies the best part about living in a “boring” place like Starkville: the untamed majesty of the wild. Jereme Phillips, manager of the Gulf Coast National Wildlife Refuge Complex, describes the Refuge as a “time capsule, where you’re seeing what the entire Mississippi Gulf Coast would have looked like a hundred, two hundred, a thousand years ago.” Of course, it is a fantastic place to take a significant other, too. Nature and food are not the only alternatives to sports and alcohol, but they are the most prominent in Starkville. I have heard so many people describe the town
as boring, but those people just have not experienced the small-town charm in full. College is not always about partying and school spirit, and I feel as if many students attending MSU lose sight of this. If you are going to a land-grant institution in the deep South, acclimate yourself to what the types of towns they exist in do best. There is little sense in treating Starkville as if it is New York City or Los Angeles. This sentiment seems to be lost on many, however, new students venturing to our fine university should seek to immerse themselves in the culture. I am just as big a fan of our Bulldogs as anyone else, and bars have their place, too, but the atmosphere Starkville provides simply needs to be appreciated much more than it is.
LETTERS TO THE EDITOR Letters to the editor should be sent to the Meyer Student Media Center or mailed to The Reflector, PO Box 5407, Mississippi State, MS. Letters may also be emailed to editor@reflector. msstate.edu. Letters must include name and telephone number for verification purposes. The editor reserves the right to edit or refuse to publish a letter.
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The Reflector is the official student newspaper of Mississippi State University. Content is determined solely by the student editorial staff. The contents of The Reflector have not been approved by Mississippi State University.
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The Reflector staff strives to maintain the integrity of this paper through accurate and honest reporting. If we publish an error we will correct it. To report an error, call 325-7905.
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OPINION
THE REFLECTOR ORIENTATION 2018
Mississippi State University is a home away from home for all students CHOTEAU KAMMEL
Rosalind Hutton
CONTRIBUTING WRITER
Endless fields? Near Canada, right? Corn? Is that a state? Questions like these are just a sample of those posed to me in my first days here as a Nebraskan studying at Mississippi State University. With warmer weather, delicious bar-b-que, adorable accents and my father’s own collegiate experience as a Bulldog, MSU was an inevitable lock for my university choice as I approached high school graduation in May of 2017. The presence of strong academic programs, dedicated mentors and being located a healthy 13 hours away from my parents in Omaha also weighed heavily in favor toward continuing my education at MSU. As with nearly all life choices, especially ones of great magnitude, I did have my reservations. How would I fit in in an entirely different region of the country? Will people like me? Would I be just a “Yankee” down there? Looking back now as my first year has come to a close, however, I can say beyond the slightest shadow of a doubt that Mississippi State University was the absolute best choice I made, and within days of arrival on campus, any and all of your reservations will be torn asunder by the shear warmth and kindness of the people and atmosphere of this institution. In fact, being a student from a different state is actually a great blessing in disguise, and one which can prove a foundation for many meaningful
HOM
relationships. If you are coming to MSU as an out-of-state student, especially if it is a state from a different region of the country, you will quickly find learning and talking about the variation between other students’ homes is one of the best ice-breakers for meeting new people and forming friendships. Coming from Nebraska, I found myself soon immersed in the regional bickering which occurs here in the South, with Mississippi and Alabama sharing a rivalry and states like Tennessee and Arkansas trying to get their jabs in as well. Students from all of these states and many more, like California and New York, introduced me to their cultural backgrounds and regional perspectives, and I reciprocated in turn
with wondrous tales of Nebraska, “the promised land.” One of the most interesting things I learned throughout this exchange was literally no one is actually from Jackson, but rather nearly all are from suburbs surrounding the capital in its periphery. Being an out-of-state student, you become very much aware of how both different and similar we all are. Mississippi and Alabama feud just as Nebraska and Iowa do, people here say soda or coke, while I use the more correct version, “pop.” I have learned there is a variation within the venerable Southern drawl and to some, although I speak what is generally accepted as the least distinctive and reflected variant of English, I too have a funny accent.
Each and every one of these interesting tidbits of knowledge and background has been the result of simply interacting with new people and sharing information. Through this, barriers are broken, tension is eased and friendships are made. In fact, at MSU, there is a strong chance a random roommate may be from a state other than Mississippi. According to College Factual, over a third of students at MSU are from beyond the state lines. Although being a Nebraskan at MSU has certainly benefitted my experience here, as I shall never tire of being asked if I own a corn farm or what it is like living in fields, MSU and its people are what truly have made the experience already unforgettable and the right choice for me.
Perhaps it is simply because “Southern hospitality” is foreign to me, however, to say so undersells the great kindness and human goodness which is manifested in this place. Students love and respect one another, even if they think your state is lame or does not exist. Every freshman knows the name of the university president and has seen him in person at least once. Even for students such as myself who know little to nothing about sports, just being present at a football game creates a familial feeling with the entire crowd. What further amplifies this unity is it extends into the classroom as well. From residence halls, common areas and the library, students study and work together.
E
They solve problems, build fuel-efficient cars, manage finances and conduct research, as both individuals and as a maroon and white family, representing 38 states and 42 countries, according to College Factual. All in all, MSU is doubtlessly a place where all are welcome, including Midwesterners such as myself. It offers people, classes and experiences for students of all dispositions. From classrooms to game days, students generally treat each other with respect and dignity, and the formation of friendships is evident from the very first day on campus. Ultimately, although we may not all be Nebraskans, (in fact I have only met three others), here at MSU we are still all truly Bulldogs.
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OPINION
THE REFLECTOR ORIENTATION 2018
Your annoying elective classes may be blessings in disguise
Composition 1 MSU Reader
ZACHERY ABUNEMEH
is a junior majoring in political science. Contact him at opinion@reflector. msstate.edu.
At the beginning of your college career, four years seems like a lifetime. When you walk across the stage to accept your diploma, your college career will seemed to have just started only the day before. Between the hustle and bustle of college life, extracurricular activities and social engagements, time in college seems to move faster than anywhere else. Time can fly by without anyone noticing, so it is no wonder why many students focus solely on classes within their major. It is an understandable mistake, but a mistake nonetheless. Depending on your major and department, there are different numbers of required elective courses required to graduate. For example, my major, political science, falls within the College of Arts and Sciences here at Mississippi
College Algebra
Psychology Rosalind Hutton
State University. I must take 36 hours of political science courses, and 124 hours overall. Therefore, I must take 88 hours, or about 30 classes, of non-political sciences courses. Considering the many elective hours required, you will have classes which are too hard, too boring, too
frustrating or just not worth the effort in the end. With the sizable quota to be met, you will have failures. That being said, it is nearly certain you will have success along the way as well. Each elective course you choose is a risk, and with all risks, some turn out to be busts. However, all you need
is for just one of those 30 classes to be great in order to change your life forever. College should be the most life-changing four years of your life. For most of us, it is our first time living on our own, managing our own daily routines and truly planning out our lives. College should not just be a stepping stone to
getting more money later down the line, you should view it as the best time of your life to experiment, take risks and discover yourself. Each elective course is a tiny experiment with little risk and major rewards. As Katie Glasner, the co-chair of the Barnard College Dance Department states in Teen Vogue, “In order to be brilliant at anything, you’ve got to live life.” There are even more practical uses for elective courses most students fail to incorporate within their college careers. While some electives can be lifechanging, not all must be life-changing in order to leave an impact. According to USA Today College, elective classes can help to broaden horizons. “Some (electives) teach useful life skills that everyone should know, but don’t always get a chance to learn,” USA Today College explains. Classes like finance, computer science, communication and philosophy all teach vital life lessons to enrich your knowledge of the world, or equip you with better skills for your future. Those new skills could
also look very appealing on a job application or during an interview.
“College should not
just be a stepping stone to getting more money later down the line,
you should view it as the best time of your life to experiment,
take risks and discover yourself.”
Every college student should take multiple elective courses during their time here at Mississippi State University, because those classes can only serve to benefit you. For every boring and seemingly pointless dud of a class, there are several more interesting classes ready to be explored. It only takes one interesting class to change your life for the better. One minor, double major or changed major can set yourself apart from others, but it can also birth the true you.
Trivia Time! 1. Where did the bricks used for The Chapel of Memories come from? 2. What was the original name of MSU? 3. Which came first: Lee or Swalm? 4. How did the Drill Field get its name ?
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Answer:1. Remains of original Old Main 2. Mississippi A&M 3. Lee 4. It was used for military drills
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OPINION
THE REFLECTOR ORIENTATION 2018
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Do not settle for an unchallenging college experience and dull people ree
Deg
MIA RODRIGUEZ is a sophmore majoring in English. Contact her at opinion@reflector.msstate. edu
Although college can seem like a four-year money-pit for some, the possibility for intellectual stimulation and personal growth is priceless. College is a four-year episode of your life based on trial and error, whether it be by discovering the major you have dreamed your whole life was not for you, or experiencing a similar feeling with a friend or significant other. It feels like I should still be a freshman trying to navigate campus and meeting new people, but those days are long behind me. In the blink of an eye, senior year will be upon me. Then, instead of worrying about getting into the classes I want, I will be throwing myself into graduate and law school applications, attempting to make a great impression on people I have never met and may never meet. Although it may be cliché, live each day of college fully, because the time will slip through your fingers before you know it. So while you are here, take some challenging courses. I know it may seem easy to choose a professor you have heard will give you a fantastic grade for subpar work, but challenge yourself. If you need a grade
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nds Frie
Rosalind Hutton
booster, go for the easy A; if you are doing fine academically, then take a class which will cause you to exert your gray matter. I can honestly say the most fulfilling and entertaining classes I have taken here have been some
of the hardest. There is nothing more academically gratifying than making a great grade on something you can be truly proud of. In addition, according to Vicki Nelson of College Parent Central, getting a subpar grade in a harder
class can help humble you, and even help you deal with failing. As terrible as it sounds, life takes no prisoners and everyone needs to realize it at some point. I had to realize very quickly how teachers in
college, at least the harder ones, do not give out extra credit. I came from a high school which doled out extra credit if you brought in canned goods or other various items for different service drives, but college is
a very different story. Furthermore, challenge yourself to find people who push you to be a better person. According to Bizzy Emerson from The Huffington Post, one of the easiest ways to make friends in college is to be “accessible.” Talk to everyone you meet, whether in your dorm or in your classes, and find someone you mesh with. Do not spend your four years with people who are only concerned with themselves, or with people who only enjoy weekends they cannot even remember. Find people who you can talk to about shared interests, whether it be books, video games, art or your favorite 90s sitcom. Find people who are concerned about things outside of their personal realm, real issues affecting people on a national or global scale. Find people who love you for you, and who will be there for you at the roughest moments in your life. College will be far more enjoyable surrounded by people who encourage you to do your best in all aspects of your life. There will be moments in college when you feel like there is no hope, or are down on yourself, but worthy friends will lift you up. All in all, college has the potential to be the best four years of your life, you just have to make each moment count. So, get out there, find your niche and your friend support group, and make the best out of your newfound independence.
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Mississippi State University freshmen FAQ What is the difference between dorm rooms?
EMMA KING STAFF WRITER
The first year of a freshman’s new life is beginning right here at Mississippi State University. This student probably has some questions, and is quickly learning the Wi-Fi is not going anywhere fast. Here is a list of common questions freshmen have, and the answers (good and bad) I have to give.
How do I find my way around this huge campus?
Some people will insist this campus is not too big, but as a student from a town with less people than MSU’s roster, I disagree. First thing is first: accept the fact that getting lost is part of the process. I spent my first two days here wandering around not unable to get back to my dorm room. The best thing you can do is find people to get lost with. Most importantly, try to find your classes, food and a dorm. I am not saying it has to be your own dorm, but you will probably be unable to get in others.
I found the building, now where is my classroom?
Classroom numbers always start with the floor it is located on. If a student’s Biology I class is listed in Harned 102, the classroom will be on the first floor, somewhere. In this case, Harned 102 is located right in front of the entrance, but it hardly ever works out this way. Pro-tip: most of this campus follows some sort of number system, even classes themselves. A class number beginning with a 1 is a freshman course, 2 for sophomores, 3 for juniors, and so on.
Some dorms are gender-exclusive, like Critz and Sessums, while others like Griffis and Nunnelee are only accessible to honors students. Certain halls house LivingLearning Communities (LLCs) for groups like engineering students and Day-One Leadership participants. While these specifications do not apply to everyone, here is something everyone can be interested in: new construction vs. traditional dorms. Traditional halls feature community bathrooms with only a sink and mirror to call your own, whereas new construction has private bathrooms all around. The cost difference between the two is just over $1,000, something else to think about.
Where can I eat, and how do I pay?
How often should I go home?
This is another aspect of the college transition varying for each freshman. Before I moved out, I was given the advice to spend at least the first weekend in Starkville, and I pass on this advice now. At this point in time, everyone is out scouting for friends, and it is a much easier time to approach people and to be approached. Plus, a lot is going on at MSU, especially at the start of the semester! Going home often is not feasible for every student. However, it is important to trust your gut—and schedule.
Am I required to live on campus freshman year?
Yes, yes and yes. Look on the bright side, though, if a student leaves their room once in a while, it really is Freshman are also required to have meal plans. Meal not too hard to make friends who may want to split an plans are composed of block meals and Flex dollars apartment in the future. It gets better! And if this does which can be used across campus restaurants. Chains like not happen, a sophomore can live in one of the upperChick-fil-a and Pizza Hut accept Flex dollars at all times, classmen dorms or in a single room. In this case, better and block meals after 4 p.m. each day. Cafeterias like the luck next year. Perry and Fresh Foods take block meals, but not Flex. This is the sort of concept which takes time to get the hang of, but it will soon be second nature.
How do I get my grades up—and keep them there?
How can I make the transition easier?
This process is different for every freshman or transfer student. Most people join clubs, get jobs or focus on full-time studying to ease into college life. This may be cliché advice, but be sure to get involved! MSU offers something to everyone, and a quick search through MSU has loads of resources for freshmen and OrgSync is sure to reveal a future passion—or at least a upperclassmen to use. The Writing Center will read time-taking hobby. essays, the library will help research and Supplemental Here is another cliché tip: have fun. Be open to new Instruction (SI) sessions are available for many classes. experiences, new people and a new place to call home. Real talk, though, do not let the first few weeks of class No matter how often a freshman visits home, campus catch a freshman off-guard. Needing over a 100 on the is still where they will spend the most time. More than final to pass a class is not an enjoyable task. anything else, college is about change—embrace it!
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Mississippi State’s student organizations appeal to everyone EMMA BRASWELL STAFF WRITER
Since there are a range of clubs available to join at Mississippi State University, incoming students have many clubs to consider and to niche. Clubs on campus range from being all-inclusive to specifically targeting technical majors. However, there are options available for any student looking to get involved and find their new MSU family. Some interesting clubs which are free to join and open to anyone are the Psychology Club, the German Club, the American Society of Medical Engineers (ASME) and the Human Powered Vehicle Challenge Team, to list a few. Destiny Burns, president of the psychology club, encourages students to participate in the club since there are a range of activities appealing to everyone, and there are no particular major requirements. “Psychology Club welcomes individuals with interest in the subject,”
Burns said. “Once a member, individuals are able to become informed of open discussions, movie nights, field trips, and informative talks. Members are invited to become involved in all that they can, while interacting with others who share the same interests, and teachers in multiple departments.” Because there are no specific time requirements for this club, Burns said this is the perfect club if one is worried about being crunched on time. Students are welcome to simply show up to the events they are available to attend. Burns also suggests all incoming freshmen, if interested, participate. “Every semester, we have a general interest meeting in which we talk about ideas we have and take suggestions, plus we always have free food,” Burns said. “This is a great opportunity to meet various individuals and become part of a fun organization.” Similarly, MSU’s German Club is inclusive of all students, and membership is not restricted by major. Ella Schalski, president
of the German Club, said the club is entirely interest-based, and members just need to have an interest in German. “Anybody is invited,” Schalski said. “It’s not exclusive to students who are currently in or have taken German classes. German Club has something for everybody.” Schalski said the club has expanded over recent years, and plans to continue their involvement on campus to highlight the German language and culture. “I love how German Club is branching out, especially with our involvement in the community,” Schalski said. “I love showing others how amazing I think the German culture and language is.” Two clubs which are targeted toward engineering majors are the American Society of Medical Engineers and the Human Powered Vehicle Challenge. Nick Hopkins, president of the ASME, as well as team leader for the HPVC, said he recommends both ASME and Human Powered Vehicle Challenge Team for freshmen specifically.
As an engineering student, Hopkins said the ASME not only provides hands-on experience in his industry, but has also helped him develop life-long friendships. “You seriously put your hands-on projects and work with the existing members,” Hopkins said. “It only takes a little bit of time, but you will find a lot of experience, help and lifelong friends in both of these groups.” Hopkins said the Human Powered Vehicle Challenge is also a unique opportunity for students to have fun while learning about the processes which goes into basic engineering. “This is an amazing opportunity to get hands-on with real engineering without even needing to have taken one class,” Hopkins said. While members of the American Society of Medical Engineers tend to be medical engineers, anyone who is a technical major is encouraged to join HPVC. Overall, MSU has over 50 student organizations for students to experience unique opportunities, learn more and develop new friendships.
Other clubs include: Gamers’ Guild – A club for students who want to get together and play video games. Membership for the club is easy to obtain, as there are no requirements. The weekly meetings students can attend revolve around gaming, and there are additional tournaments as well. Mickey’s Movie Club – A club for students who enjoy Disney movies and trivia to get together and relax with a film on. SCUBA Dawgs –A club for students interested in scuba diving recreationally. Memberships cost $20, and the scuba diving takes place in the Sanderson Pool. Members can also opt to go on scuba diving trips offered throughout the year. Tennis Club – An organization looking to accommodate any tennis players who wish to continue on recreationally. A $5 membership fee is required every semester to be involved, but students are allowed to participate simply by signing up. This is perfect for students who want to spend four hours a week practicing and beginning or continuing an entertaining hobby. Terpsichore Dance Theatre Company This dance company is something on campus students can audition for if they would like to work hard and improve their dance skills. The club meets three times a week, and auditions for fall semester are toward the end of August. If students are committed to dancing, they might thoroughly enjoy this opportunity. Rosalind Hutton
Two Brothers Smoked Meats wants to reach a wider clientele
GRACE GILMAN
CONTRIBUTING WRITER
Two Brothers Smoked Meats, a local restaurant on Rue Du Grande Formage in the Cotton District, will begin construction soon for a new location in the Cotton District across the street from Bin 612. The restaurant recently got approval to tear down an old house in the Cotton District, and will design a new building for the restaurant in its place. Barton Dinkins, owner of Two Brothers Smoked Meats, wants to continue their untraditional bar-b-que restau-
rant atmosphere at their new location, and hope to include more families in their customer demographic. Dinkins, a Mississippi State University business school graduate, opened up Two Brothers Smoked Meats in August of 2014, and hopes the new location will be ready by January 2019. Dinkins said the new location will allow the restaurant to expand their current menu, serving more customers. “The kitchen will be much larger in the new location and, therefore, we can make more up-scale items that go along the smoked-meats theme like
smoked ribs, beef and brisket,” Dinkins said. Sims Koerber, kitchen manager at Two Brothers Smoked Meats, said he hopes the new location will expand their customer demographic from mainly college students, to college students and families. “We hope to target young, local professionals for the lunchtime crowd, and then have the more college student crowd at night,” Koerber said. The new location layout will help facilitate this new customer demographic. The first floor will be the family-friendly main restaurant
area, and the second floor will be the bar area which will attract mostly college students. “Depending on the day, our main customers are mainly college students that come into the bar in the evenings. But we want the new location to give us a space where both families and college students can feel comfortable and can have a great time,” Koerber said. Koerber has been the manager of the kitchen at Two Brothers Smoked Meats for two years, and said he has had a very positive experience working at the local restaurant because it provides him op-
portunities to experiment and be creative. “I enjoy the freedom of not being tied down because we are not a traditional bar-bque restaurant,” Koerber said. “We can experiment with different cuisine.” Blake Graves has been in Starkville for seven years, and graduated from MSU as a landscape contracting and management major. Graves said he thinks Two Brothers Smoked Meats is one of the best bars in Starkville, and is looking forward to their new location. “I’ve been in Starkville for seven years, and Two Broth-
ers is one of my favorite bars and one of my favorite restaurants in the area,” Graves said. “Hearing about them expanding is exciting and perfect for their place because of how much they’ve grown since they’ve opened.” This new, bigger location will also give visiting families a local, a more up-scale place to eat. “My family and I try to come into town whenever there is a major sporting event or festival going on. It will be nice to have another local restaurant and bar to go to when we are all in town together,” Graves said.
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LGBTQ students find a home away from home at MSU WILL WELLS STAFF WRITER
Each summer thousands of students pack their bags and prepare to start college at Mississippi State University. Many students worry about finding friends and a place where they will feel welcome. For members of the LGBTQ community, these fears are amplified by concerns about prejudice and discrimination. When Nathan Chin came to Starkville in 2016, he began looking into the LBGTQ community on campus. “As an LGBTQ person, when you come to the South there are certain fears and awareness you want to get out of the way,” Chin said. “So I tried to find any clubs or LGBTQ resources I could find on campus, and the two I found were the LGBT+ Union and MSU Spectrum.” Chin believes organizations like MSU Spectrum make it easier for LGBTQ students to succeed on campus. Chin said a strong support group, which is important for all students, can be even more crucial for LGBTQ students. “It is so much more than just the club itself,” Chin said. “Social connections to me are very important because it helps support a person, especially through the college experience, since college is a very stressful time and can be a very lonely time.” MSU Spectrum advisor Melissa Grimes said for many students, college is the first time they can explore who they are. “Often these kids come from ultra-conservative, religious households in the South, and often by the time they get to college they realize they are LGBTQ, but they have no way to talk to
Rosalind Hutton
someone about that in a positive way,” Grimes said. “Their only interactions have been people telling them they are going to hell, or really negative things like that.” Grimes said MSU Spectrum provides LBGTQ students with a supportive social structure to encourage their growth during a stressful period in their lives. “Spectrum gives the kids a safe place to go to, a place to make friends who are also in the LGBTQ community,” Grimes said. “We do some events and some activismrelated stuff when they want to, but it is primarily meant to be a social organization.” Although Grimes has only been the MSU Spectrum adviser for two years, she has been involved with the group since her time as a student. “Spectrum was really special for me when I was a student because it gave me a place when I didn’t have
anywhere else to go, at least not anywhere else where I could openly be myself,” Grimes said. MSU Spectrum holds one general meeting and one council meeting each week, with activities at the general meeting varying from week to week. “Some weeks we have brought in Health Promotion and Wellness to give a safe sex talk, other weeks we are just playing board games,” Grimes said. “It varies from week to week, and whatever the kids want to do is what we do.” Starkville native Joe Evans said while he has seen major strides made for the LGBTQ community in Starkville over the years, but there is still a lot of work to be done. “I think the Pride Parade was very exciting,” Evans said. “I think we may, in some ways, be hopefully turning
a corner, and getting a little more acceptance and a little more incorporation into the culture around here.” Evans believes the LGBTQ community is underserved in a variety of areas, including religious institutions. “The church I attend, University Baptist Church, is one of the few churches in town that is welcoming and affirming of the LGBT community,” Evans said. “We were talking in church having this discussion just a few weeks ago about how many larger parts of the church alienate the LGBT community, and I think that is a tragedy.” Evans recently asked some MSU students who attend University Baptist Church if there was a Christian LGBTQ organization on campus. When they said there were none, they suggested Evans
should start it. “So, I said, ‘OK,’” Evans said. Evans said he has met with some other campus organizations and faculty members to discuss plans for the organization, and believes the group will start in the upcoming fall semester. “I met with Spectrum, which is one of the two organizations on campus I know about,” Evans said. “And I just basically pitched the idea, and I had a few takers I think, and so like I said, it is in the infancy stages right now and so we are just trying to get something going, get something off the ground.” Evans said it was important for him to make it as clear as possible what his intentions with the organization are. “I want it to be a place where people in the LGBT
community can gather and feel safe and feel accepted into the body of Christ,” Evans said. “I want to be very clear, this is not some sort of trap I am setting to get people to come and ‘pray the gay away,’ and this is not any sort of ‘love the sinner, hate the sin’ situation. I don’t buy into that at all.” While Evans believes the group will eventually exist as a separate organization on campus, he said the group might be part of MSU Spectrum for the time being. Evans was not sure how the wider LGBTQ community would initially react to the idea of a Christian LGBTQ group on campus, but he has been pleased with the reaction so far. “By and large, the church does alienate the LGBT community, and I know there is a lot of resentment in that community against organized religion in a lot of cases, and often justifiably so,” Evans said. “And I was pleasantly surprised by the opportunity that was offered, and the enthusiasm with which the idea was met.” Bert Montgomery, the pastor of University Baptist Church and instructor of sociology and religion at MSU, believes the creation of a Christian group on campus focusing on the LGBTQ community is an important step in ensuring LGBTQ students are comfortable being themselves at college. “The perception in the culture, especially in the Bible belt, is that you cannot be gay and Christian at the same time, and of course, that is simply not true,” Montgomery said. “Even in churches that preach that kind of thing, there will be people in the closet.” LGBTQ, B5
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Starkville coffee shops are wonderful locations to study
MIA RODRIGUEZ OPINION EDITOR
I love coffee. Whether it be boiling hot or served over ice, it makes for both the perfect early morning pick me up and the cure to exhaustion during a late night of studying for the finals that are steadily approaching. The first step in studying for finals is to find a coffee shop with not only a great brew, but also with a great off-campus study spot. There are many great coffee shops in Starkville, but three favorites are Strange Brew, Nine Twenty-Nine and SAGE Coffee & Books. Strange Brew’s coffee
is incredible and offers a variety of coffees that can be served both hot, over ice and frozen. My favorite drinks at Strange Brew are their signature drinks, the Albino Squirrel and the Maroon and White, both frozen and with whipped cream. In addition to having a fantastic coffee selection, Strange Brew offers a large studying area extending to an upstairs area equipped with couches and tables and chairs. I have frequented Strange Brew many times to study and it offers a great study alternative to the library. If you need to study late, Strange Brew is open until midnight. Strange Brew also sells
bags of their coffee you can make in the comfort of your dorm or apartment. One problem with Strange Brew, however, is that during times such as exam week it can get a little crowded, especially later in the day as many stay until closing to get their coffee and studying fill. Adding fuel to the fire that is my love of Strange Brew is Churn & Spoon, which is located next door and can satisfy late night ice cream cravings. Nine Twenty-Nine is also a fantastic coffee shop in the Starkville area. They offer a variety of coffee options served hot and over ice. However, if you are looking for sweeter coffee
and are wanting something like a frappuccino, Nine Twenty-Nine may not be for you. Their coffee is simpler in ingredients and has more natural, bitter coffee flavor than sweet, but the coffee quality is incredible, and I absolutely love their chai tea latte and cappuccino. Like Strange Brew, Nine Twenty-Nine has a great area for studying extending into their basement which often fills up the later it becomes in the day. If you can find a parking spot downtown and are able to find a spot to study inside, it is easy to spend all day in the coffee shop. The shop itself has a calming and
aesthetic atmosphere drawing in students who need to work on assignments or study major exams. Nine Twenty-Nine also hosts bands from time to time providing an opportunity to unwind after a long week of classes and studying. Finally, SAGE Coffee & Books provides a great cup of coffee and study spot for students. SAGE Coffee and Books is a charming little coffee shop full of used books, vinyl records and local art. SAGE has a special place in my heart due to two of my favorite things being inhouse: coffee and vinyl. Lara Hammond, the owner, has a lovely selection
of records customers can peruse while she makes coffee. She also prides herself on her organic products and eco-friendly coffee cups. The coffee shop is also extremely affordable, which is a blessing for students on a budget. For $5, I was able to buy a cup of coffee and a John Grisham novel I have been dying to read. In addition, there is also an adorable little sunroom with some seating creating the perfect little study spot. No matter where you go, Starkville has an excellent variety of coffee shops off campus delivering both amazing coffee and atmosphere for studying or doing homework.
LGBT+ Union. “It was grown through consistent events and making sure we were putting information out there,” McDaniel said. While it was not an easy process to rebuild the organization, McDaniel said she believed it was important someone did so, because she believes the organization serves an important role on campus. “I had heard a lot about the progress Spectrum had made, and I realized the Union was an important, visual aspect to that, and I didn’t want that to go away,” McDaniel said. “I wanted that to be something that would sustain after I was gone, so for me, it was personal because I am part of the community, but also because I knew there were kids that needed to see it, because I needed the group.” The LGBT+ Union hosts regular events called brown bag panels, named such because attendees are encouraged to bring their own lunch to the mid-day educational panels. Previous topics covered at brown bag panels have included panels about queer people of color, intimate partner violence within same-sex relationships and Title IX in relation to LGBTQ people.
“While there may not be 75 people at each one, there are always one or two who really needed to be there to get that information. So, for me, that has been one of the most impactful things we have been able to do because we are reaching that one person, and that matters,” McDaniel said. The LGBT+ Union hosted their first lavender graduation, an event recognizing the accomplishments of graduating LGBTQ students. McDaniel said she expects the lavender graduation to become an annual event. “It is basically a way to say, ‘This is a safe space, we know you may not have been safe for the last four plus years you have been here, but this is to recognize you and all of your accomplishments, and thank you for the contribution you have made to Mississippi State,’” McDaniel said. The organization also hosted their second annual second chance prom this year. “It is this huge party we have and throw on campus for students, especially for LGBTQ students and allies, to come and bring the date they want to bring,” McDaniel said. “It is the second chance to have the prom everyone wishes they could have had, because a lot of people have pretty terrible experiences
with that.” As the LGBT+ Union president, McDaniel sits on the Safe Zone Advisory Board, a campus program which promotes a welcoming and safe community for LGBTQ students, staff and faculty members. McDaniel said she believes the inclusion of a student on the Safe Zone Advisory Board has helped make the Safe Zone Advisory Board more adaptive to student’s needs. The Safe Zone Advisory Board hosts training sessions on campus to increase awareness of LGBTQ issues, and to prepare attendees to help with issues which might arise. At least one training session a semester is open to the public, while others are either faculty and staff, or student specific. The training sessions include the members of the Safe Zone Advisory Board talking to the audience, panel discussions of LGBTQ faculty, staff and students talking about some of their experiences, answering questions and break-down exercises where attendees can talk and apply what they have learned. While previously attendees officially became allies through the Safe Zone
Advisory Board and receive stickers they could display after attending one training session, attendees will now be required to attend two additional shorter training sessions before they will be given the sticker to display. When Mike Breazeale returned to MSU to become an assistant professor in 2014 after having previously completed a doctoral program here in 2010, he noticed the LGBTQ community had become much more visible on campus. “I really thought for the longest time, and I knew it wasn’t true, but I thought I was the only gay person on campus,” Breazeale said. At the two universities where Breazeale worked before returning to MSU, the University of Nebraska at Omaha and Indiana University Southeast, Breazeale had been involved in the creation of those universities’ Safe Zone Advisory Board. So it was only natural for Breazeale to become involved with the Safe Zone Advisory Board at MSU, which was already in existence. “Here in the deep South, there seems to be more of a need for Safe Zone than in other places, but it is always important,” Breazeale said. “So much of what we
do is about trying to shed prejudices from people, and that is certainly a lot of what we do here.” Breazeale said he believes the organization has been successful at MSU because of the talent and dedication of those involved. “I would say the group here, the Safe Zone Board here, is really cohesive and really great to work with, so that makes it nice and very dedicated to regular training to train allies and recruit people to our cause or mission,” Breazeale said. While each LGBTQ organization on campus serves a different, specific need, all of the organizations together create a support system allowing LGBTQ students to succeed at MSU. “You are away from home learning how to live by yourself, and you go through issues because you are finally at that, what people like to refer to as their ‘freedom,’ away from their parents and their parents’ way of thinking, and they can make their own decisions,” Chin said. “I believe when they come, they need a support system that is going to be there regardless of whatever. With no fear of rejection from family when coming out, and always having support.”
LGBTQ While MSU Spectrum provides a comfortable and welcoming environment for LGBTQ students to socialize, LGBT+ Union promotes the LGBTQ community through activism. When Bailey McDaniel became the president of the LGBT+ Union in January 2015, the group was on the brink of disappearing from campus. As the group’s only active member, she focused on bringing the organization back to prominence. “I talked to the Holmes Cultural Diversity Center, and we worked it out to where the organization would be housed under HCDC,” McDaniel said. “From there, it was just a bunch of networking for about a year and a half, and then, in the summer of 2016, we started seeing an increase in membership.” McDaniel said she believes 2016’s presidential election had a big impact on student interest in activism. “I think people realized how pertinent it was to stay involved in local issues,” McDaniel said. The group now has about 140 members, with at least 30 members attending each event. McDaniel remains the president of the organization, but a seven-member executive board now helps her run the
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for Friday’s paper is 3 p.m. Tuesday. MSU student organizations may place free announcements in Club Info. Information may be submitted by email to club info reflector. msstate.edu with the subject heading “CLUB INFO,” or a form may be
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BAD DAWGS Wednesday, July 26, 2017 2:00 a.m. Employee was issued a referral for drinking, and passed out at facilities management. Saturday, August 20, 2017 3:42 a.m. Student hit water sprinkler, causing water damages at Sigma Chi fraternity house. Tuesday, Sept. 26, 2017 6:43 p.m. Student was bitten on the lip by a puppy at the Delta Chi fraternity house. Subject was taken to OCH by personal vehicle. Sunday, Oct. 29, 2017 1:09 p.m. Students were issued referrals for being in the attic of Oak Hall. Tuesday, Dec. 5, 2017 MSU citation issued for driving on sidewalk on Old Main. Thursday, Jan. 11, 2018 Employee reported a cowbell stolen from Cullis Wade Depot clock museum by an unknown male.
Wednesday, March 21, 2018 11:52 p.m. Employee reported a student left the Old Main parking garage without paying on two dates, March 8 and 20. Tuesday, March 27, 2018 11:49 p.m. Report of a dumpster fire behind Howell Hall. Friday, April 13, 2018 1:50 p.m. Resident of City/ County reported an unknown person stole money from his Coca-Cola truck while parked behind Perry Cafeteria The 2017-2018 school year: Total reported marijuana/ paraphernalia-related arrests and/or citations: 41 Total reported alcohol-related arrests and/or citations give: 18 Total reported DUI arrests made and/or citations given: 20 Total reported harassment and assaults: 36
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THE REFLECTOR ORIENTATION 2018
A guide to Mississippi State University football traditions, history DAVIS WADE STADIUM AT SCOTT FIELD HUNTER CLOUD SPORTS EDITOR
Hunter Cloud | The Reflector
A view of Davis Wade at Scott Field through the fence by the south east corner of the stadium.
Davis Wade Stadium at Scott Field is the name for the football stadium which holds 61,337 fans at max capacity. The name, Davis Wade, comes from Floyd Davis Wade Sr., a long-time supporter of MSU football who donated a lot of money to the renovation of the stadium. The stadium has one of the biggest jumbotrons in the country, ranking in at seventh; and is the second oldest FBS
stadium in college football, one year behind Georgia Tech’s Bobby Dodd stadium. The field has seen a lot of history. It has been through two world wars in its 104-year history. Named after Olympian Don Magruder Scott, who was a football star at the university from 1915-1916, Scott Field has a natural Bermuda grass surface and has been voted by the sports turf management association as the best college football field in 2015.
OUR BELOVED BULLDOG “BULLY XXI” Mississippi State University’s mascot is the bulldog, and one of the common symbols the university has of the beloved English Bulldog are the many statues surrounding campus. The first bulldog took over in 1935, and after being struck by a bus in 1939, the students held a funeral which was covered by Life Magazine. Bully I was buried at the 50yard line of Scott Field. Many
other Bullys have been hit by busses or kidnapped by Ole Miss students due to the fact they used to roam freely on campus, until being moved into the care of the vet school. The current Bully’s name is Jak, named after former voice of the Bulldogs Jack Cristil. He is the 21st live mascot the university has had since the Ptolemies brothers (first unofficial mascot) and Bully I in 1935.
Alayna Stevens | The Reflector
Two MSU fans play catch in the Junction, the area behind the south end zone of the Stadium where thousands of fans tailgate and attend the Dawg Walk before each game.
JUNCTION, TAILGATING, DAWG WALK
Alayna Stevens | The Reflector
Jak takes in the fall cowbell yell at Davis Wade, the cowbell yell is held each year before the first home football game to give new students a small taste of MSU game-days.
The center of game days is the Junction, located at the spot where train tracks used to run behind the stadium as it went through the Depot. Later when rail travel became obsolete with the wide spread use of cars, the place was nicknamed Malfunction Junction for the many roads which crossed there.
On any home football fall Saturday, fans cook food, drink refreshing cold beverages and hang out until three hours before game time when the Dawg Walk begins. The Dawg Walk is when the players walk through the junction on the way to the stadium before their game, as thousands of fans welcome them to the stadium.
WE CONTINUE TO RING COWBELLS, SING, BELIEVE IN TEAM Bells are ringing in the air as the tradition of using cowbells to cheer on MSU lives on. The tradition stems from a cow wandering onto the field in the middle of an Egg Bowl game. MSU came back to win the game, and students started bringing the cow to games until they realized it was easier to just bring the bell. In the 1960’s, professors Earl W. Terrel and Ralph L. Reeves started welding on bike handles to the cowbells, so students could ring them with proper aggression.
Although banned from the stadium in 1974 until 2010, the cowbells have made a comeback and are a must-have. However, you have to receive your first cowbell as a gift, if you buy it you will bring bad luck upon yourself. Also, please ring responsibly at football games. Meaning: when the center is over the ball, stop ringing and just yell. MSU’s following of this rule has allowed the fans to continue ringing them at football games. You can also add the game day stickers of Beat
TSUN, Beat LSU or Beat Bama to your cowbell to commemorate the game the cowbell was rung at. When Dan Mullen came to MSU, he brought with him the tradition of in-between the third and fourth quarters, the song “Don’t Stop Believing” by Journey is played. Fans use their phone’s flashlight, sing along and attempt to ring to the rhythm of the song with their cowbells. This is one of the most iconic images from game days in Starkville. It is a very magical moment to take part in.
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Fans join in on singing “Don’t Stop Believing” by Journey at the MSU vs Kentucky football game Oct. 22, 2017. Bulldogs won 45-7.
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SPORTS
Q&A with John Cohen TAYLOR RAYBURN STAFF WRITER
What should incoming freshmen expect out of MSU athletics? We are really proud of our athletic department, not only for what happens on the field, but off the field. Our entire athletic department, our student body within the athletic department had over a 3.0 cumulative grade point average last semester. Our kids do a ton of work in the community, and we are so proud of what they off the field, but on the field as well. You know we play in the best league in America, the Southeastern Conference, and we feel like in basketball, baseball and football, we have among the very best atmospheres in college athletics, and our student body is a huge part of that. The interesting thing about MSU is that women’s basketball has risen to prominence where it is as popular as the men’s team, if not more. Can you talk about the atmosphere they have and the general exposure they have brought the school? Once again I am going to start with academics. Our women’s basketball team had a 3.4 team GPA last semester. Our women’s basketball team is so involved in our community, and the University community, and that Starkville community. We have an incredible atmosphere at their games. In Humphrey Coliseum alone last year, we went 37-2 at home. We won more home games, men’s and women’s combined, than any other division-one basketball programs. There are a lot really neat things that happen in Humphrey Coliseum. I believe the men’s team has really turned the corner. They have really played well in the NIT (National Invitational Tournament) last year. I really believe they are an NCAA team next year. Not just the men’s team but a lot of sports, like soccer, tennis among others, across MSU’s campus are doing well. Can you talk about the overall success top to bottom? I think tennis is one of those sports that is so underrated at Mississippi State. I see more and more of our student body coming to those games. I mean, you are talking about worldclass players at Mississippi State. Nuno Borgers was, in the fall, the best player in America in division-one tennis. He is also a 4.0 student. Our two tennis teams, they are really good. Our women in a one-week span beat the No. 2 team in the country, No. 14 in the country and No. 3 in the country in three straight matches. They are a ton of different ways, if you want to go see world-class athletes. It does not matter what venue you go to. Softball, Mia Davidson might end up being the best freshman in the Southeastern Conference this year. You have a top 25 tennis teams, you have a top 25 softball team. You have a football team that will probably start out ranked somewhere in the top 15 or 20 in the country. You have a men’s basketball team that I think is going to start out ranked in the top 25 in the country. You have a women’s basketball team coming off two national championship game appearances. You have a volleyball team under new leadership, Julie Darty, who is going to do a great job. Our soccer team had their best season in 16 years. I really think this is a great time to be a student at Mississippi State.
You mentioned the football team, that team is under new leadership in Joe Moorhead. What type of person is MSU’s new head coach? First of all, Joe is a great person. He is an intellectual person, and he was considered the best assistant coach in college football. He is getting a lot of credit for the turn around at Penn State University. He has head coaching experience. We think he is going to do an incredible job with a surging football program. Of course, when you play in the SEC West, every weekend is an incredible environment and an incredible game. This league is just so much fun as a student to follow because everybody is good. You talk about the environment and the rich tradition the university has, what are some of those traditions and environments that students can expect to see? The cowbell is so important. It is in the fabric of who we are. If a freshman coming in reading this, we will have our first cowbell yell: it is important to know when to ring your cowbell. It is important to know when not to ring your cowbell, to make as much noise with your mouth as you can. It is important to understand you can’t go out and buy your own first cowbell. All these rules are passed down from generation to generation, and we absolutely embrace traditions because they are important to Mississippi State. This will be the first freshman class that only sees the brand new baseball stadium, which is set for completion in time for next season. What should they expect? This freshman class next year will experience the full deal. It is half done, it will be completely done then. We have accommodated our students in a really special area. The Left Field Lounge, the berm areas and we believe there will be really great opportunities for our students to have a good time at baseball, and that is a time-honored tradition as well. When you talk to former players and people who leave. Their biggest takeaway from MSU is that it is a family atmosphere. Can you talk about what created this atmosphere where everyone feels welcome? It is a family. A lot of people boast that moniker, they talk about the word family but I can tell it truly is from my experience. The first time I ever drove to McArthur dorm, which is now an administration building, and I was moving into the dorm, total strangers came up and said “how can we help you?” and that is the story of Mississippi State. Nobody is a stranger, nobody is an enemy. Everybody is working with you to become the best you can be. Another cool thing about MSU is on the sideline of games you see former players come back. Whether is be the starting quarterback for the Dallas Cowboys (Dak Prescott) or the starting pitcher for the Oakland Athletics (Kendall Graveman), they come back and watch these games. It is because they are part of a really deep family. Dak Prescott had an incredible quote this weekend (Super Bulldog Weekend at the Spring Game). He said, ‘I had the same feeling now about Mississippi State as I did the day I first walked on campus.’ It is family, it is really hard to experience it, and that is
John Cohen
one of the neat things about bring people all over this campus. The most common thing I hear, “I had no idea that this place was that special.” I take that as a real compliment, because this place is that special. Athletics are a huge part of the student experience. What are some of the things the Athletic Department does to enhance that experience? Our marketing department has so many different awards nationally because they want to make the experience of the student at Mississippi State the best it can be. We are just about to initiate a program for concessions for all our games. We are about to initiate new season ticket opportunities for students. We are about to initiate a lot of different opportunities for students to get more out of their experience than they ever have before. Final question, you were a student here and played baseball. You also became the head baseball coach later before becoming athletic director. What would you tell incoming freshman John Cohen as he walks onto campus for the first time? It is funny you mention this because I do a lot of speaking engagements on campus, and I always say the same thing. Even when I was a student at Mississippi State, the opportunities were much less than they are now, but I never took advantage of all the opportunities that this great campus has to offer. I mean my goodness, everything from rock climbing to yoga in the morning at the Sanderson Center, to sporting events, to clubs and service organizations, to going and listening to speaking engagements at Lee Hall. So many famous people are speaking on our campus who are delivering incredible messages. So many incredible courses that you can take. There are so many different ways to improve yourself. My advice to myself would be: take advantage of those opportunities, because there are so many of them on this campus.
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THE REFLECTOR ORIENTATION 2018
Column: How far we have come, a new MSU sports culture
FORREST BUCK Forrest is a graduate student in the kinesology department. Contact him at sports@reflector.msstate.edu.
From a sports fan perspective, there has never been a better time to be a freshman at Mississippi State University than this upcoming 2018/2019 school year. My freshman year was the 2009-2010 school year, and the sports outlook was not very bright based on the year before I arrived. The football team was coming off a 4-8 season, and the first year of the Dan Mullen era was about to begin. The men’s basketball team had talent, but had underachieved losing in the first round of the NCAA tournament. You may know the women’s basketball team as a perennial powerhouse now, but back then, they were just a decent SEC team. My freshman year, the Lady Bulldogs were coming off a second round 16 point blow-out loss in the NCAA tournament. The baseball team was a laughing stock, finishing 23-33 and 9-21 in the conference. The soccer team was 5-15, and volleyball was 6-25. The highlight of the women’s sports was the softball team, who finished 41-23. To sum it up: MSU athletics was mediocre at best in the national grand scheme during the 20082009 school year. My classmates and I, however, were fortunate enough to witness a
rejuvenation in MSU athletics during our time at the university. After graduating in 2014, I was pleased when I returned a few years later in 2017 as a graduate student, and found MSU athletics continuing to make strides. Here is the landscape of MSU athletics for this year’s freshman class. The football team is coming off a 9-4 season where the team overachieved, and like me, you too get to start as freshman during the beginning of a new coaching era as former Penn State offensive coordinator Joe Moorhead is taking over as head coach. Based on early top 25 rankings by ESPN and Athlon Sports, the Bulldogs have a good chance to open as a preseason top 25 team, as both websites have the Bulldogs in their top 20. Also, the Bulldogs have three legitimate NFL prospects in defensive tackle: Jeffery Simmons, outside linebacker/ defensive end; Montez Sweat, and center/guard; Darryl Williams. Quarterback Nick Fitzgerald will be a dark horse Heisman candidate, and like Dak Prescott before him, who was not on draft boards coming off a monster junior year, Fitz can play his way onto draft boards with improved accuracy and more consistency from the pocket. The football team is not the only sport with a bright future. Both basketball teams should be locks to make the NCAA tournament. The men’s team dominated in the NIT tournament, making it to the championship game.
Rosalind Hutton
Coming into the 2018-2019 season, the Bulldogs should be a top 25 team as they are returning all starters, and have 3 potential NBA prospects in Lamar Peters, Nick Weatherspoon and Quinndary Weatherspoon. Those three will also be joined by Reggie Perry, the no. 27 ranked 4-star recruit from Georgia, who should come in and have an immediate impact at power forward. Lead by head coach Ben Howland, who once coached the UCLA to a final four trip, the men’s team should be primed for a deep tournament run this upcoming season. The women’s team will be coming off back-toback national title game appearances. Although the lady dogs are losing four good seniors, Teaira McCowan is back for her
senior year to lead a new group. She is currently expected to be a top five pick in next year’s WNBA draft. Head coach Vic Schaefer has recruited extremely well and has proven himself to be an excellent coach, so expectations are still high for next season, despite losing four starters. Expect Jazzmun Holmes, Jordan Danberry and Chloe Bibby to all play key roles in replacing the production lost from last season’s great team. As for the other major team sports on campus, most of them are in a period of transition. Most likely by the time next year’s baseball season starts, there will be a new head coach. The baseball team is coming off a down year, but do not forget just
a five years ago in 2013, MSU was playing in the College World Series. Dudy Noble is freshly renovated and is better than ever, and I expect a quick turnaround from the baseball program. The softball team struggled some during conference play, but did spend time ranked in the top 25 last season and showed flashes of great play. With most of the best hitters on the team returning, the softball team should be strong in 2019. The soccer teams appears to be headed in the right direction after first year head coach Tom Anagnost lead the Bulldogs to a record of 9-5-4, which was MSU’s first season over .500 since 2009. The volleyball team is under new leadership with new head coach Julie Darty
looking to turn things around. One of the programs still improving is the men’s tennis team who won an SEC championship this season, and a strong women’s tennis team should also be contenders next season. With all the nationallyranked teams, pro prospects in multiple sports and quality coaches now in Starkville, one thing is for sure: the 2018-2019 freshman class definitely has it better than many past freshman classes when it comes to sports at MSU. So, get yourself a cowbell, be grateful and look forward to an allaround very good sports year from our many different sports teams. Welcome to Starkville, kids, and enjoy your first year as a Bulldog! HAILSTATE!
Contact Blake Schneider for more information about treatment options: Collegiate Recovery Community bschneider@saffairs.msstate.edu 662-325-3192. Together, we can end the opioid crisis.
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