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Opinion
Featured blog Parents should support their children, no matter what
opinion column
The rock on farm lane is what students make it
“The world can be a harsh place, especially for children whose decisions stray from what is traditionally viewed as the norm.” — Casey Holland, State News reporter
F
With past uses of sharing art, activism, inspi- tioned in the heart ollowing the summertime exodus of students from East Lansing, penta- ration and information, the Rock represents the of campus. It catchpulse of student activity on campus, es the eye of most REPORTER grams, meaningless stateand the pulse is flatlining. who pass by. And as it ments and crude illustraThe potential of the Rock was show- stands, most who walk cased during its use as a memorial for through campus by the tions of penises and weed summarize Lacey Holsworth. It was a place for Rock are left to wonder if the overlapping confusion that now students to organize and bring mean- this is the same boulder that, is the Rock on Farm Lane. ing out of grief. more than a month ago, MSU But rather than a place of organiza- students converged upon to mourn Within a month, the communal billtion and expression, during the sum- the loss of someone who inspired them. board has degenerated. What was for mer the use of the Rock has devolved But they didn’t just mourn. They created a time a memorial to a diseased eightyear-old child has become a stage for MICHAEL KRANSZ into mindless vulgarity better suited something together. Together they expressed mkransz@statenews.com for a highway overpass. their sympathy and support through a collecambitious bathroom-stall vandals. The effort of thought put into tive act, writing their names, wishes and conBut that’s the beauty of the Rock — it’s not some sacred ground or sanctioned recent writings on the Rock has led many to dolences on that rallying boulder. In doing so, they added another layer of paint space. Its purpose is shaped by the actions of believe it to be the work of the Canadian geese that roam the nearby grounds and expel simi- and history to the Rock. organized students. One of the more recent attempts at revitalEven though technically, it’s no more than a lar sentiments onto the pavement. Just as the Lacey memorial exemplifies how izing some sort of organized message at the boulder plopped in the middle of campus, the Rock can be a focal point for student interaction the Rock can be appropriated as a uniting force, Rock during the summer came in the form of “God hates Ohio.” if guided by a concentrated, organized effort the current situat ion showc a se s “With past uses of sharing art, activism, And currently, the among students. front face of the One day it’s an impromptu rallying place and what an eyesore inspiration and information, the Rock Rock is tagged the next it’s a soapbox for student organizations. the Rock is withwith pseudo gang It is the initiative of students who make this out concentrated represents the pulse of student activity graffiti. boulder the Rock, which is a powerful platform student effort. on campus, and the pulse is flatlining.” The Rock is posiT he current that many other campuses lack.
Comments from readers
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state of the Rock doesn’t mar tradition, however. It only reflects the current lack of effort among students. If utilized by the student body, it’s a tool for addressing issues, disseminating information and organizing under common interest. If neglected by the student body, it’s an open canvas for hooligans to impress their friends by writing dirty words in public for cheap laughs. The current state of the Rock isn’t a call to arms to apprehend the hooligans responsible, it’s an invitation for students to motivate each other, organize and share their passions in a meaningful way. Michael Kransz is a State News reporter. Reach him at mkransz@statenews.com.
thursday’s poll results
nn
“Men need to respect women’s right to share their experiences with sexual violence”
JUST SO YOU KNOW No 30%
Do you agree with Samantha Griggs’ six to 15 year sentence?
One 23%
17% 10
20
30 40 PERCENT
Today’s state news poll Do you think it is OK for students to graffiti the Rock?
23%
0
I agree with everything you are saying EXCEPT “it has been reported that he was on the autism spectrum”. To my knowledge, none of his psychologists or social workers have come through with an official diagnosis of autism for Elliot Rodger. The only reports (again, to my knowledge) of autism have come from speculating journalists. Professional psychological assessments take a long time and individuals who administer them must undergo a great deal of training... reading several online articles or Elliot’s manifesto and then labeling him as autistic is an inaccurate portrayal of his mental state, and is irresponsible journalism.
None 60%74%
50
60
To vote, visit statenews.com.
Yes No I don’t care Total votes: 47 as of 5 p.m. Sunday
(comment continued at statenews.com) Editorial cartoonist
Rebecca, May 29
You gloss over his mental problems too easily. Crazy will find something to hate. Crazy doesn’t care. Rodger found women, but it could have been something else. Brandon Hankins bhankins@statenews.com
You say “[Mental illness] does not make a person murder six people.” Well neither does not being able to get laid. In fact, in my opinion, having a mental illness is a far better indicator of the potential for violence than being a sexually frustrated college-aged male. Please by all means let’s have a conversation about misogyny. But don’t ignore the mental health issues in this situation. meh, May 29
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opinion column
Ask questions when exploring your major
I
’ve been more than a little indescisive when it comes to my education.
I have a long-standing passion for environmental conservation, so of course I wanted my major and future career to reflect that. When I enrolled freshman year, I was going into the College of Natural Resources as an Environmental Studies and Agroscience major. Sophomore year, I changed to the College of Engineering as an environmental engineer. Halfway through the year, I was studying chemical engineering and had my credits lined up for a transfer to that school down the street in Ann Arbor. The engineering program and career resources there were very enticing, but I ended up backing out last minute to stay with the friends I made at MSU. At the beginning of summer I had proudly declared my newfound concentration in biofuels on my Facebook wall, but last week I ended up turning it down. My sister advised that I focus on opening my summers for internships and job experience, rather than clutter it with summer classes for my concen-
tration. After much thought, I decid- great deal with building my resume ed to turn down the concentration and kept me proactive in my career and opened up summer up for any job search. Many of my friends have switched their majors as well, so they opportunities I might find. Going into college, I definitely did offered great advice on how they were not foresee the turmoil choosing a managing their schedules and setmajor would be. I had heard about stu- tling in with their chosen paths. They were also very supportive dents switching majors more than once but I never real- guest columnist of my decisions and wanted the best for me, which ly thought it would apply was exactly what I needed to me. Knowing that I’m an during times of doubt. Last incoming junior who still but not least, I’m very grateis unsure about his career ful for my college advisors. definitely concerns me, but I None of my current schedulcouldn’t have gotten through ing would have worked out the decisions I have made if if it wasn’t for their constant it weren’t for the advice of henry pan foresight on my ever-changmy family, friends, and my panhenry@msu.edu ing situation. helpful college advisers. Having never expected any Asking questions from a variety of sources helped me gain a of these decisions coming into college, better perspective of what options I I definitely recommend to students out had. I was the youngest in my fam- there to keep on asking questions about ily, so those older than me gave me their majors. This is a huge life decision that every great advice based on their own perstudent has to make, so there should sonal experiences. My sister was especially helpful in be no reason to shy away from asking telling me what paths she and her for advice. A lot of students need to friends took and what came from explore and dabble in different areas their decisions. She also helped me a before choosing what they will do
for the rest of their lives. Family and friends will give you valuable insight from their experiences that may help cement your decision, and college advisors are there to guide you along the way. Having worked with many students to streamline their schedule and inform them of their options, they are probably the best, yet most underused resource on campus.
“This is a huge life decision that every student has to kame, so there should be no reason to shy away from asking for advice.” While you continue to enjoy summer, be sure to spend just a little time researching your major and make sure it’s the one for you. That way, you’ll get to enjoy the rest of your college summers instead of taking summer classes to make up for a change in direction. Henry Pan is a chemical engineering sophomore. Reach him at panhenry@ msu.edu.