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Love-filled Locks Donate your hair to a child in need

Summer Sun and Musical Moments How to survive a summer music festival

What Type of Flower are You? Take our quiz and find out!

GREEKS GIVING BACK AUGUST 2014

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APRIL/MAY 2016

GIVING BACK

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FEATURES

IN THIS ISSUE

18. MIGHTY UKE DAY

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WRITing

10. LISTENing

27. QUIZZing

20. LOCKS OF LOVE

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18. FEATURing

28. PHOTOGRAPHing

22. POETRY MONTH

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24. DISCOVERing

29. HAPPENing

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26. DRINKing

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WRITing

Spring’s Promise A Letter from the editor

BY EMILY MURRAY

It’s that distinct, fresh smell in the air, the sight of new flowers budding, the whistle of birds chirping and the subtle vibration of bees buzzing.

Springtime is here, and it introduces so many sensations that is has become a season so sweet you can almost taste it. Spring is also known as a time of renewal. As the snow melts it seems to wash all the winter blues away with it, leaving us with the promise of new beginnings, opportunities for growth and possibilities waiting to be explored. So, what do you say – how about kicking back with this April/May issue of ing Magazine and taking time to stop and smell the flowers this season? Because with the blooming scenery and rejuvenating vibes surrounding us, making time to truly enjoy yourself is what spring is all about!

Nature’s revival is certainly inspiring. Use its motivation to make a difference in the world around you and give back this spring. There is nothing quite as satisfying as being a positive influence in the lives of others. Learn more about philanthropies on campus and “Greeks Giving Back” this season. On the other hand, you could “Lend Some Love and Locks This Summer.” Not only is that an opportunity to help someone in need, but also a chance to try a new ’do. Short hair because you care is always on-trend.

Continue celebrating the revitalization of spring and make some time for yourself. An important note when stopping to smell the flowers is knowing what flowers best suit your fancy. Take ing Magazine’s “What’s Your Flower Personality?” quiz to find out what type of flower goes well with your personality.

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Expand your knowledge on the atypical sounds of the ukulele by attending “Mighty Uke Day in Old Town” to find out what that unique instrument is all about.

Once you take a little time for yourself and explore the growing possibilities that surround you, make room for a bit of adventure. The possibilities are endless at “The Curious Bookshop,” because getting lost in a fantastic read has great potential to completely enrich your life. You may also take this time to look forward to all the promise the upcoming months of summer bring. Music festivals are a great way to fully embrace possibility, but the question often lies in “How To Survive Music Festivals”? Well, don’t let your worries interfere with reaching life’s potential because we’ve got the answer.

Treat yourself this spring! Hold your pinky up and sip on some tasty “Spring Spritzers,” stop and smell all the flowers you love and don’t let spring pass without enjoying all the sights, sounds, feeling, opportunities and possibilities the season promises.

Emily Murray is a senior majoring in professional writing and minoring in public relations. She loves fashion, especially writing about it, and enjoys working with VIM Magazine, CollegeFashionista and keeping up with her own blog, From Me to Hue. Emily is also a member of the MSU Dance Club.

READing

Curious Book Shop

BY BEN LIN

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rand River is full of curiosities, but none more curious than the shop that owns it in its name: Curious Book Shop. Since it opened its doors in 1969, the bookstore has become a recognized part of the community. When you first step in, you are greeted with the owner, Ray Walsh’s wide, welcoming smile. The warm atmosphere, along with the large and diverse selection of books to choose from, are just part of what make Curious Book Shop so special.

Currently, there is a noticeable lack of bookstores in East Lansing and Walsh is disheartened by this fact.

He strongly believes that reading books is a valuable pastime that needs to be kept alive and he hopes that Curious Book Shop will help fill the void.

“There’s certainly a lot of different ways for people to spend their spare time,” Walsh said. “We hope that people continue to use reading as one of them and don’t just read off the computer screen.”

With a growing dependence on laptops and phones, our fast-paced digital lifestyle has often unfairly labeled books as archaic or slow, and with finals approaching and project due dates on the horizon, many believe they don’t have the time to crack open a book. After all, books are an investment. A movie can be started and finished in two hours, but books require a bit more patience. Walsh acknowledges that with hectic schedules, it can be difficult to find time for reading, but he thinks it can be done with a little effort.

“You just have to take the time to read and enjoy things,” Walsh said.

It’s a simple solution. At some point everyone has to step back and relax, and what better way to do that than curled up on a couch with a good book?

Whether that means having to take a break from work or cutting back on TV time, there’s simply no substitute for reading.

It can be intimidating at first. Powering through a new book is definitely a daunting prospect for those who haven’t read recreationally in a while, but Hanna Kim, a sophomore studying education, who also frequents Curious Book Shop, had some words of advice.

“Just start reading,” she said. “Usually, people just don’t start, so that’s why they don’t like reading. But once you get going, you’re going to be automatically into it.”

The Curious Book Shop has something for everyone to enjoy, so getting back into reading is easy.

Whether it’s sports magazines, comic books or classic literature, the bookstore has an abundance of books to complement each person’s taste in literature. While the store itself is narrow, its three floors offer an expansive library of books from a wide variety of genres. Just ask Walsh; he’s more than happy to show customers around and make some recommendations.

Ben Lin is a sophomore studying professional writing and looking to pursue education. In addition to writing for ing, he is also part of the writing teams for MSU Telecaster’s TURN and SideShow. He really likes flannel.

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Matilda

BY EMILY MURRAY | PHOTOS BY WHARTON CENTER

R OA LD DAHL’S FAMOUS CHI LD RE N’ S NOV E L , M AT I LDA I S HI T T I NG TH E STAG E I N A DAZZL I NG PERF ORM A NCE AT T HE WHA RTON CE NT E R.

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atilda, the spunky little girl who captured our hearts on page and screen, is hitting the Wharton stage in the exciting production of Matilda The Musical. The production has won 50 international awards, including four Tony Awards and seven Olivier Awards; a record-breaking number. Adapted from the classic children’s novel

by Roald Dahl, Matilda The Musical is directed by Tony Award winner Matthew Warchus. Warchus is assisted by Tony Award winning playwright, Dennis Kelly and Australian comedian, musician and composer Tim Minchin for music and lyrics. Other Tony Award winners involved in the production include Rob Howell on costumes and Peter Darling on choreography.

Jennifer Blood, starring as Matilda’s kind-hearted schoolteacher Miss Honey, was not familiar with the children’s book or movie prior to being cast for Matilda The Musical. However, she has always been a fan of Roald Dahl’s work and immediately became inspired by this brilliant story.

“Matilda is definitely my favorite character,” said Blood.

“I think even the real Miss Honey would say that.”

Blood is similar to Miss Honey in various ways. She loves kids and being able to make a difference.

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“My favorite parts about playing Miss Honey are acting alongside the kids and being able to help Matilda,” she explained. “I really enjoy working with the kids because they are so focused and hardworking. It is inspiring.”

Blood confessed that she can often be hard on herself, much like her character, Miss Honey. Blood acknowledged that it can be difficult to stand up for yourself, and that there are a lot of people who don’t speak up for what is right because they are afraid.

She hopes that a message people take away from this show is knowing when and how to speak up for yourself and to do the right thing.

Matilda The Musical is an accurate adaptation of the book, bringing the pages to life. The show is somewhat dark, while staying exciting and upbeat at the same time.

“Matilda loves to read, and the show uses that to turn Matilda into a captivating storyteller,” said Blood.

“My favorite scene to act is the scene where Matilda and Miss Honey are in Miss Honey’s house,” Blood said. “Although, my favorite scene to watch is the school song scene where all the kids are on the playground. There is great singing and

incredible dancing. The stage looks magical with all the placements and movements of different props, and there will be several times where the audience will think to themselves, ‘Wow! How did they do that?’”

Matilda The Musical will play at the Wharton Center’s Cobb Great Hall Tuesday, April 19 through Sunday, April 24 as part of a national tour.

Tickets are on sale now and can be purchased at whartoncenter.com, Auto-Owners Insurance Ticket Office or over the phone at 1-800-WHARTON.

Emily Murray is a senior majoring in professional writing and minoring in public relations. She loves fashion, especially writing about it, and enjoys working with VIM Magazine, CollegeFashionista and keeping up with her own blog, From Me to Hue. Emily is also a member of the MSU Dance Club.

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COVERing

Greeks Giving Back

BY NATALIE GOTKO AND SYDNEY HICKENBOTTOM

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ince 1872, Michigan State University’s Greek Life has helped create an atmosphere on campus that encourages extracurricular activities. With more than 60 organizations founded thus far and more colonizing each year, the Greeks are receiving attention, but not always for the best things. Binge drinking, sexual assault and ignorant social beliefs are often associated with sororities and fraternities not only here at MSU, but across the nation. Despite the stereotypes that surround Greek Life, it is important to note that these groups also contribute positively to the community, specifically in their volunteering and service throughout the year.

Each fraternity and sorority on campus has a philanthropy that they raise money for all year. For example, Gamma Phi Beta (GPhi) raises money for an organization called Building Strong Girls. GPhi holds two major events to raise money for their philanthropy: a GPhi-Joe event in the fall and a Confidence Classic 5K in the spring.

However, according to their philanthropy chair Renee Hoekstra, Building Strong Girls is not just confined to those two events.

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“Building Strong Girls can be done every single day,” she said. “This can be done through giving someone a compliment when you see them walking down the street, building each other up, celebrating in the success of others, introducing yourself to a child, volunteering somewhere where children are, or even using social media to inspire other women.”

Another major charity represented by Greek organizations on MSU’s campus is Autism Speaks, the current philanthropy for both Alpha Xi Delta and Theta Delta Chi (TDX).

“Autism Speaks is important to our chapter because we all have family or know someone who has been affected by autism. The organization helps bring awareness to a disorder that is becoming more prevalent across the globe,” said Ryan Wolok, a senior packaging major and TDX brother.

Next year the TDX chapter at MSU plans to expand their philanthropy by incorporating a new project in which each brother is paired with a child who has autism. With help from Bros UniteD, a nonprofit organization started by an alumnus of TDX, the brother and child will attend various events together.

In addition, this spring TDX is hosting two major events in April to celebrate Autism Awareness Month and to raise money for Autism Speaks. These events include a Capture the Flag Tournament on April 10 and a Light it Up Blue Baseball Game on April 22 in partnership with Alpha Xi Delta. Alpha Xi Delta has a 5K scheduled for April 24 to raise money for Autism Speaks.

Although raising money for national philanthropies is an important goal of Greek organizations, so is developing a better local community. Many Greek organizations participate in additional volunteer and service opportunities. Alpha Xi Delta participates in a service nearly every week, including visiting local animal shelters and writing letters to the troops.

“Our chapter, on average, does an additional 200 hours per semester of volunteering and community

service,” said Audrey Gotko, junior packaging and supply chain major and president of Alpha Xi Delta.

Not only does service help build the community, but it also adds to the overall Greek life experience.

“Philanthropy is a huge part of our chapter; we pride ourselves on giving back to the community. We encourage all our brothers to get involved because it can only benefit you as a man later in life,” said Brennan Kerr, chairman of Sigma Chi Derby Days and advertising junior.

Sigma Chi runs one of the most participated in philanthropy events each spring called “Derby Days” in which sororities and hundreds of Greeks compete in field events and a scavenger hunt to earn the most points. All of the proceeds go to the Huntsman Cancer Institute, which last year totaled $20,000.

The Greek community also participates in a campuswide fundraiser each year called Greek Week, in which sororities and fraternities team up to raise money and compete for the Greek Week trophy. In the past, Greek Week has partnered with Relay for Life, and last year raised over $250,000 for cancer research. However, this year Greek Week is focusing more on local East Lansing organizations rather than on a national cause.

In addition, volunteer and service hours are being used to award points to teams for the competition, encouraging Greeks to not only donate money, but also their time. Some organizations being sponsored in this year’s Greek Week are Ele’s Place, MSU Safe Place, C.S. Mott’s Children’s Hospital, and more.

“Changing to local philanthropies is a positive change because we really get to give back to the East Lansing community. Greek Week is so important for building relationships with other houses and giving the community a positive image of Greek Life,” said Alex Sekulovski, former Alpha Xi Delta president and senior education major. This year, Sekulovski leads the sorority in their Greek Week efforts, as the Greek Week chair. She thinks that Greek Week is key to keeping the Greek culture alive and maintaining a positive view of Greek life on MSU’s campus.

“So often in the media we are portrayed as shallow, ‘partiers’, and destructive. [During Greek Week], each house raises thousands of dollars, volunteers give hundreds of hours, and while focusing on their core values but that doesn’t make headlines. Greek Week strengthens our bonds as Michigan State Greeks, and with 4,000+ we are able to make real, quantifiable gains in the community that help to destigmatize Greek life and help others which is the true reason for being Greek,” Sekulovski says.

Although the Greek life at MSU is often referred to as a partying and socializing scene, and the Greek culture worldwide has struggled with controversial publicity, it’s important to realize the positive impact that they can bring to a community, specifically, their philanthropic influence. Greeks don’t just party; Greeks give back.

“Philanthropy and service is an opportunity to make a difference, and who knows? Maybe it will change someone’s life. Because what good are we doing if we don’t at least try to make the lives of others a little easier, and a little brighter,” said Hoekstra.

Sydney Hickenbottom is a junior professional writing major specializing in editing and publishing. She hopes to one day be the acquiring editor for a large publishing house in New York City. She is an avid foodie, travel enthusiast, and Australian shepherd lover.

Natalie Gotko is a sophomore double majoring in marketing and professional writing. She loves to travel, journal, and attend Spartan football games. She’s currently an Event Director for the University Activities Board and the publicity chair for her women’s fraternity Alpha Xi Delta.

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LISTENing

How to Survive Music Festivals

BY TAYLOR DOWNS

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s much as we all love spring and the warmer weather approaching, it’s hard not to get a little excited for the summer months to arrive. While most of us are simply looking forward to a break from school and spending the majority of the week at the beach, hundreds of thousands of people are anxiously awaiting something much bigger: music festivals. Bonnaroo, Lollapalooza, Summerfest and Electric Forest are just some of the major summer festivals happening every year. It’s important to be ready for your big event, so here are some tips on how to survive music festivals:

WATER BOTTLES Dehydration is real, and it’s important to stay hydrated on hot summer days, especially at music festivals. Nearly all music festivals have water bottlefilling stations, where workers will refill water bottles as often as needed. Not only are the water filling stations convenient, but they’re free, too. Most festivals will charge around $5 for a bottle of water, so packing an unopened or empty water bottle saves money and ensures hydration, which is crucial when wandering around outside in the sun all day.

SUNGLASSES Although music only requires listening, it’s still pretty exciting to be able to see a lot of talented bands on stage. Plus, let’s face it: the sun is not always willing to cooperate. Having a pair of good quality sunglasses will not only protect eyes from being burned by the UV rays, but it will give just enough eye coverage to see the musicians performing.

SUNSCREEN While many people think that getting a nice tan is a priority for warmer weather, it’s more important to avoid getting skin cancer. Almost every music festival is outside, and UVB radiation plays a major role in developing skin cancer, so the higher the SPF in the sunscreen, the better. Keep in mind that many festivals do not let people bring sunscreen into the parks/locations, but most of the first aid tents usually have sunscreen in case it is needed. Make sure to effectively apply sunblock beforehand or make a stop at the first aid tent as many times as necessary.

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LAYERS Everything is great when the sun is out, but what about when it goes down and things get a little chilly?

Opt for a convenient layer before heading to your event! Tying a flannel around the waist, packing a sweater, or even carrying a small blanket around are all highly recommended options while enjoying the festival. An extra layer can also transform into a nice seating cushion for you.

WATCH Constantly checking a phone to see what time it is will only drain the battery life. Wearing a watch, or simply carrying one in a bag, will help save battery life and will decrease the chances of being distracted by a phone.

KNOW WHERE TO GO Knowing where to go at a music festival will save time, effort and a whole lot of unnecessary humiliation. Almost every festival supplies a map of the entire event location upon arrival, and it’s highly recommended to use it in order to get to the right stage and be on time for the performance.

All in all, music festivals are great adventures and create lasting memories, so don’t get caught without a basic understanding of how to survive one. Be sure to follow these guidelines and have a summer that won’t soon be forgotten.

Taylor Downs is a junior professional writing major from Kalamazoo, Mich. You will almost always find her with coffee in hand or spending far too much time on her phone texting or listening to music. She loves going out to eat, indulging in TV reruns, and spending time with her family and friends.

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Mighty Uke Day in Old Town

BY JESSICA GIBBONS PHOTOS BY JON BENALLACK

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or the past five years, ukulele lovers from across the country have gathered in Old Town Lansing for a festival called Mighty Uke Day.

It began in 2009 when a documentary about the ukulele entitled Mighty Uke: The Amazing Comeback of a Musical Underdog was created by Tony Coleman, Margaret Meagher and Ron Mann. They were looking for places to have showings when Ben Hassenger, the founder and organizer of Mighty Uke Day reached out to them.

“We showed the movie in one of the art galleries here in Old Town, and then we had a strum and we had an open mic where some people got up and did some songs, really low key, no budget no nothing,” said Hassenger.

The next year, the event grew larger. What started out as Mighty Uke Day has morphed into Mighty Uke Weekend. This year, Mighty Uke Day will be larger than any of the previous years. There will be more activities, more concerts, and more people than ever before. “[T]he way I do Mighty Uke Day is a la carte,” said Hassenger. “Everything is separate, so the workshops are separate, the concerts are separate, so you can really pay nothing, or if you went to all the workshops and all the concerts you could spend a bunch of money, but we probably will get 400 to 500 people over the course of that long weekend.”

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There are so many activities planned that there is sure to be something for everyone to enjoy. Some of those activities are an open mic, a group strum, various workshops, a featured performer stage, children’s activities, a raffle, a silent auction, headliner concerts, and much more.

The Friday and Saturday night concerts will be held in Dart Auditorium on the Lansing Community College campus. Some of the performers who are scheduled to appear include: Kalei Gamiao, Bryan Tolentino, Hoaloah Polynesian Dance Group, Victor & Penny, Megan Dooley, Ryan Rodriguez and The Ukulele Kings.

The festival will be held May 13-15 at various locations in Old Town Lansing, including Elderly Instruments, Sir Pizza Grand Cafe, Red Cedar Friends Meeting House, Old Town General Store, Preuss Pets, Absolute Gallery and MICA Gallery.

Jessica Gibbons is a junior double majoring in humanities pre-law and professional writing. Her dream is to become a lawyer specializing in family law. She enjoys reading, playing with her cat and watching entirely too much Netflix.

FEATURing

Giving Back

BY ALEXIS HOWELL

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iving back can be incredibly beneficial for students – it gives them a chance to learn something new about themselves, and it can be done a number of ways. For example, donating food to a local food pantry, serving the homeless and giving clothes to the Salvation Army are all very rewarding ways that Spartans can give back to their communities.

There are also many student organizations that students can participate in, including F.A.M.I.L.Y., Women of Distinction, On the Rise and more.

“I believe it is very important to give back to the community because it allows volunteers the opportunity to see life through the eyes of people who are different from them,” said Reverna Moore, senior Pre-PA Spanish major with a cognate in chemistry and health promotions.

Students at Michigan State University (MSU) describe their volunteering experiences differently, but they all have the same end goal: to give back to their community.

“I have many reasons as to why I give back to the community, but the most important one to me is because I enjoy making an impact on people’s lives.

Whether that be physically or simply making someone smile,” said senior journalism major, Amber Howard.

Both of these students and many more want to make an impact on people in their community. They see the importance of giving back and know that a simple gesture can change the way somebody else looks at the world. Although being a college student keeps them busy, they both try hard to volunteer as much as possible.

Moore said over the past two years, she has had the opportunity to log more than 200 hours of community service. She spends every other weekend volunteering and helps at after school programs during the week when she can. She is also a tennis instructor. Her favorite thing about giving back is seeing the growth within the people that she is helping.

“The most rewarding thing is when I’m working with a child who was initially very shy or uncooperative

and finally seeing that they have started to trust me and come out of their shell or are not acting out as much,” Moore said. “I love to build connections with the children who have been given up on by the school system, their teachers and sometimes their parents.

Being able to change the lives of those kids is what motivates me to stay active in my community.”

Moore’s favorite way to give back is by working as a tennis instructor and mentor for the Todd Martin Youth Leadership Program in Lansing, Mich. Her passion is helping children. As a tennis instructor she is able to work with children to provide them an outlet to gain the confidence and discipline necessary to become the best version of themselves.

Howard tries to work around her schedule and give back as often as 10 to 15 hours a month. her favorite charitable activity is feeding the less fortunate through mobile food pantries, because she gets to experience first hand a connection with people who have so much gratitude for things others take for granted everyday.

“My favorite thing about giving back is always learning something new about myself and those around me,” Howard said. “That could include a passion I didn’t know I had or an experience someone else has gone through that has forced me to think differently about my life.”

Both of these Michigan State women freely give up their time away from family, friends and work to give back to those around them in need, which a lesson that be learned by all.

Alexis Howell, a senior at Michigan State University, is an aspiring news reporter with experience in broadcast and print journalism. Originally from Chicago, IL, she came to Michigan State to pursue her dream of becoming a news reporter. She is currently working toward her dream as a reporting intern at HOMTV. MYingMAG.COM

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Lend Some Love and Locks This Summer

BY HANNAH HOLLIDAY

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ummer is the perfect time for you to let your hair down and have fun. It’s also the perfect time to embrace change and to use all of that newfound free time to make a difference in the world.

Some of the medical diagnoses that young people are experiencing, such as alopecia areata, have no known cure. When a child receives a hairpiece, they also receive a boost of self-confidence.

Hair is a big deal to many people, whether they want to admit it or not. It helps people feel beautiful, handsome and good-looking. It makes many women feel feminine, and hair is linked to a feeling of masculinity and attractiveness in men. We spend countless moments each day tugging and pulling at it with straighteners, curlers, sprays and creams to get it to look just right; after all it is a major aspect of our identity and appearance.

Carly Fusco, a freshman at Michigan State University has donated her hair to Locks of Love three times.

“Whenever my hair would get really long I would donate it, I never cared what my hair looked like after I donated, I always just remembered that there were others who needed it more,” Fusco said.

What if one day it wasn’t there anymore?

This is a reality for children all over the world, including here at home. According to the American Hair Loss Association, “children’s hair loss is responsible for approximately 3 percent of all pediatric office visits in this country.”

With proper diagnosis, children experiencing a medical condition that results in hair loss can be treated, but this is not always the case. One way to help these children is by donating hair.

Great Clips Michigan State University, located on M. A. C. Avenue requires that donors have at least 10 inches of healthy hair to donate. Hair is required to be in a ponytail or braid prior to being cut. They accept all hair colors except bleached hair, because it dissolves during the manufacturing process. Hair must be clean and completely dry before the salon sends it to the public and nonprofit organization, Locks of Love.

Locks of Love will then make your hair into a hairpiece for someone who is financially disadvantaged and lives in the United States or Canada. The hairpiece is given to someone under the age of 21 who is experiencing hair loss from a medical diagnosis.

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New Style, another popular hair salon in the area and located on Trowbridge Road, also takes care of the donation process for their clients. They require that donors have at least 11 inches of hair to donate, but their nonprofit organization of choice is Wigs For Kids.

For more than 30 years, Wigs for Kids has provided hair replacement systems for children who have experienced hair loss due to their battles with cancer. Hair loss results from chemotherapy, radiation therapy and illnesses such as Alopecia and Trichotillomania. They also send these hair replacements to burn victims or children experiencing other medical issues. These hair replacement systems or wigs can cost around $1,800, since they are custom made and hand tied from human hair. Wigs For Kids is always looking for people to donate hair as well as funds. With generous funding, Wigs For Kids is able to send families who have a child suffering from hair loss a wig for no cost.

Students across MSU’s Campus enjoy giving back and helping those in need.

“I donated because people always compliment my hair and if I have extra of it that I can give to someone who needs a compliment then I will, every time,” said freshman, Elizabeth Pollack.

Reasons for donating hair vary; some people who donate have a close personal family member or friend who has been diagnosed with cancer, and donating is a great way to give back and show their support.

No matter what nonprofit donors decide to send their lovely locks to this summer, it will be a positive change in someone’s life. Once the hot summer air blows in and days begin to last longer, remember how easy it can be to make a substantial difference in someone else’s life just by doing one simple act of kindness.

Hannah Holliday is a freshman studying Journalism. She enjoys writing for The Odyssey and for HerCampus.com.

She is an active member in her sorority and a die-hard sports fan. She loves food, ’90s rock music and meditating.

It’s not too late to support this year’s Mid-Michigan Race for the Cure®!

We know that when breast cancer is found early, before it leaves the breast, the survival rate is 99%.

But, with roughly 30% of breast cancer diagnoses in Michigan considered “late stage,” there’s still work to be done!

Join in the fight against breast cancer by registering as a participant, volunteering your time or making a tax-deductible donation today!

For more information on how you can get involved, visit our website or call (517) 886-4901.

Sunday, April 24, 2016 • Adado Riverfront Park • Lansing, MI • www.KomenMichigan.org/MMRace16

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FEATURing

National Poetry Month: Interview with Lindsay Tigue

BY TAYLOR DOWNS

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pril is an exciting time; the weather starts to get warmer, flowers are beginning to pop up everywhere, the stressful school year is coming to an end, and the entire month is dedicated to poetry. I spoke with MSU alum, Lindsay Tigue, about her experience as a poetry writer and her upcoming visit to the Spring Poetry Festival, being held at the RCAH auditorium in Snyder-Phillips Hall on April 20th.

Since graduating from MSU, what have you been up to regarding your poetry writing? Any projects, contributions, etc.?

When I graduated from MSU, I didn’t know I would actively pursue publishing my poetry. I had lined up a publishing internship and working in publishing was my career focus for a while. After my internship, I spent a school year teaching English in France and then I worked for three years at a literary publishing and educational nonprofit in Chicago called the Great Books Foundation. While working at Great Books, I began taking creative writing classes at night and got back into the writing I had done during my undergrad years. As an undergraduate, I took classes in all genres, but I began focusing on fiction.

My teacher in Chicago encouraged me to apply to MFA programs and I did. In fiction. It wasn’t until I began my MFA at Iowa State and took a poetry class again that I started more seriously pursuing writing and publishing poems.

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I still write fiction, but I decided to write a poetry collection for my MFA thesis. This thesis became my book System of Ghosts, which won the 2015 Iowa Poetry Prize and was just published by the University of Iowa Press (in April 2016).

The process of submitting a poetry collection to contests and presses can be long and disheartening and in the meantime, I also submitted poems to literary journals and had some published in places like the Hayden’s Ferry Review, Prairie Schooner, and Passages North. This was important to me because it was encouraging and helped give me the confidence to keep submitting my manuscript.

After I finished my MFA, I decided I wanted to continue my writing education and, applying with poetry, I gained admission as a PhD student in creative writing at the University of Georgia.

What has been the hardest part about transitioning from college to the “real world” in regards to your career field? What has been the most rewarding?

I think the hardest part about career paths in the arts and humanities is that these paths can look so different. That can also be very exciting. I had no idea I would find myself living in Ames, Iowa or Athens, Georgia or that I would spend time feeding goats at a writing residency in Tennessee (where I went last

summer). All of these experiences are a part of my career path in the literary arts and education, but I could not have predicted them at all.

Lastly, is there anything you wish people knew about the poetry world/what is your best advice to an aspiring poetry writer?

Pertaining to poetry, what do you love most about the genre? What do you struggle with?

My advice to aspiring poets is to read lots and lots of poetry and write as much as you can. Set deadlines for yourself or join a writers’ group. Or just make plans to exchange writing with a friend. Once you’ve revised and worked on your poems, submit them!

And submit them again! Be so, so persistent. Be more persistent than you might imagine.

I love poetry’s ability to play with the space of the page. I love its capacity to surprise the reader--with language, syntax or with a turn the poem makes.

I think I struggle with letting go of poems that aren’t working. I have friends who can toss out their unsuccessful drafts seemingly without a backwards glance, but I tend to keep mine around and return to them after some time has passed. I like to see if I can’t rescue the poem or re-enter it somehow.

Sometimes this works, sometimes it doesn’t.

To learn more about Lindsay and her upcoming April 20th visit at MSU, visit the event page for it on Facebook by searching “Spring Poetry Festival: Lindsay Tigue”.

Who are some of your favorite poets and why?

I knew this question was coming and I love it! But it’s so difficult because for every person I name, I am forgetting five others that I absolutely want to recommend to anyone and everyone. Here are some living, working poets whose work I currently love: Oliver Bendorf, Aimee Nezhukumatathil, Nick Lantz, Ada Limón, Corey Van Landingham, Gale Marie Thompson, Tarfia Faizullah (who I see is also visiting MSU!), Traci Brimhall, Jennifer Chang, Shane McCrae. Without going into the “why” for each poet individually, I’ll just say that each of these poets (and others I love) really surprise me.

These poets move toward places or thoughts I didn’t expect, but always knew (but didn’t know I knew).

For your April 20 visit for the Spring Poetry Festival, what are you hoping/planning to share with the audience? What do you hope they get out of it?

I am going to read from System of Ghosts as well as read some new poems I’ve been working on more recently. I am also going to be hosting a talk and discussion about incorporating facts and research into poetry writing. A lot of poetry I love seems to spring from a place of curiosity and I am going to talk about how that curiosity can be explored on the page.

Taylor Downs is a junior professional writing major from Kalamazoo, MI. You will almost always find her with coffee in hand or spending far too much time on her phone texting or listening to music. She loves going out to eat, indulging in TV reruns, and spending time with her family and friends.

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DISCOVERing

The “Where’s” for Warm Weather: Favorite Outside Spaces on Campus

BY NATALIE GOTKO AND SYDNEY HICKENBOTTOM

W

ith the increasing temperatures, Spartans are looking for more places on campus to enjoy the outdoors. Whether you like spending your time in the sun playing, studying, exploring or relaxing, there are outdoor spaces right here on MSU’s campus for you to enjoy.

PLAYING

RELAXING

Located on the MSU map in blue, campus has a variety of different outdoor fields that students can use to throw footballs, kick soccer balls or toss a Frisbee around with friends. One of the top recommendations is Adams Field, located just south of West Circle across from the IM Circle building. This space is separated into different sections by sidewalks, allowing for different groups to share the grassy space. Football lines are sprayed into the grass that the MSU band uses to practice with, which act as natural benchmarks for any flag football or other types of pickup games.

Located a short three minute walk away from Dem Field, behind Spartan Statue, Adams Field gives students access to enough open space to suit any need.

Just south of the MSU Library, marked in green on the MSU map, is a stretch of the Red Cedar River perfect for relaxing in the sun. With the sound of the current in the background, the environment invites readers, hammock lovers, and nappers to enjoy their favorite activities. When the weather gets warmer, students love to bring a blanket to sit on and dangle their feet in the water. Behind the Hannah Administration Building there is also a dam, creating a natural flow in the current and the perfect spot for duck watchers. However, this is a high traffic area so if you’re looking for a more unexposed area of the Red Cedar we recommend the stretch just east of the MSU Rock.

STUDYING

EXPLORING

Looking for a place to study outside while enjoying your favorite springtime Starbucks drink? Look no further than Wells Hall, shown on the MSU map in purple. The courtyard patio is the best place to study in Wells Hall; located directly behind the B-Wing of the building. There are multiple tables where students can hang out or get their study on. There are even umbrellas attached to the tables, helping block the unwanted glare on your laptop screen. However, if you’re working on a project or paper that needs some more focus, we recommend heading to a quieter environment like the MSU Library.

Feeling the need for a change of scenery or just want to soak in all that MSU’s campus has to offer? Then head down to the Baker Woodlot located south of campus and represented in orange on the MSU map.

Surrounded by a fence, the Baker Woodlot is exactly what it sounds like: woods. There are trails to walk with friends or a four-legged companion, while the amount of trees help to block out the sun and allow for solitude, if that’s what you’re looking for.

We recommend leaving your flip-flops behind and lacing up your sneakers if you’re going to explore this popular location.

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Sydney Hickenbottom is a junior professional writing major specializing in editing and publishing. She hopes to one day be the acquiring editor for a large publishing house in New York City. She is an avid foodie, travel enthusiast, and Australian shepherd lover.

Natalie Gotko is a sophomore double majoring in marketing and professional writing. She loves to travel, journal and attend Spartan football games. She’s currently an Event Director for the University Activities Board and the publicity chair for her women’s fraternity Alpha Xi Delta.

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DRINKing

Spring Spritzers

BY SYDNEY HICKENBOTTOM

A

s the snow starts to thaw and the flowers begin to bloom, MSU students will be shedding their parkas and mittens for lighter jackets and flip-flops. But what about their beloved winter drinks? Fortunately, the hot chocolates and chai tea lattes will undergo their own transformation, giving way to iced macchiatos and Arnold Palmers. These drinks are perfect for any spring occasion.

QUICK & EASY LEMONADE

PINEAPPLE CAIPIRINHA

Ingredients:

Ingredients:

• • • •

1 (12 oz.) can frozen lemonade 1 (12 oz.) can frozen limeade 4 cups cold water 1 liter Sprite

Directions: 1.

2.

3.

Mix together lemonade and limeade in a large pitcher.

Add water. Refrigerate.

When ready to serve, add ice to glasses, fill each glass ⅔ full of lemonade and add Sprite to the top.

Garnish with lemon or lime and enjoy!

• • • • • •

2 oz. Cachaça ¼ cup chopped pineapple Handful mint leaves 1-3 tsps. cane sugar (to taste) Seltzer Ice

Directions: 1.

2.

Mix the pineapple, mint and sugar in a cocktail shaker.

Add the Cachaça and ice, shake and pour into a glass.

3.

Top with seltzer and garnish with more mint.

BLACKBERRY LEMON MOCKTAIL

MOSCATO STRAWBERRY LEMONADE

Ingredients:

Ingredients:

• • • • • • • •

½ cup fresh blackberries ¼ cup sugar 1 cup water ½ cup premade lemonade Juice of 1 lemon Lemon slices Seltzer or club soda Mint

Directions: 1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

6.

7.

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Add the blackberries to a small saucepan and mash them with a fork or potato masher until broken down into small bits.

Add the sugar, water and lemonade and bring to a simmer.

Simmer over low-medium heat for 10 minutes.

Strain the mixture into a bowl to remove the bits of blackberry, add the juice from the lemon and refrigerate until cooled.

Once cooled, pour the liquid evenly among glasses filled with ice cubes.

Add seltzer until glass is full.

Garnish with lemon slices, mint, and extra blackberries.

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• • • • •

1 bottle Pink Moscato 6 cups lemonade ¼ cup strawberry vodka Strawberry Slices Lemon Slices

Directions: 1.

2.

3.

Mix the lemonade and strawberry vodka in a large pitcher. Add in Pink Moscato. Refrigerate.

When ready to serve, slice strawberry and lemon. Add slices into the pitcher and mix until well incorporated.

Add ice to glasses, fill with lemonade and enjoy!

Sydney Hickenbottom is a junior professional writing major specializing in editing and publishing.

She hopes to one day be the acquiring editor for a large publishing house in New York City. She is an avid foodie, travel enthusiast, and Australian shepherd lover.

QUIZZing

What Type of Flower are You?

BY EMILY MURRAY

T

urns out the grass really is greener on the other side — well, at least when it comes to stepping out of winter and into spring. The sun is shining, the birds are chirping and fresh flowers are budding everywhere. With so many vibrant colors and unique shapes, have you ever wondered what type of flower you might be? Take this quiz to find out what flower best fits your personality!

1. What’s your TV guilty pleasure? a. Downton Abbey b. Breaking Bad c. The Bachelor d. Supernatural

6.

What’s your ideal Friday night? a. Movie night with your friends b. Drinks at the bar c. Date night with your significant other d. A concert

2.

What’s your favorite dessert? a. Apple pie b. Crème Brûlée c. Chocolate cheesecake d. Banana split

7. What’s your drink of choice? a. Coca Cola b. Martini c. Wine d. Margarita

3.

What’s your idea of a perfect vacation? a. Weekend trip to a bed and breakfast b. Tropical beach vacation c. Rustic cabin getaway d. Backpacking across Europe

8.

____ is the song that always gets you singing along. a. “Classic” by MKTO b. “Drink You Away” by Justin Timberlake c. “Love Yourself ” by Justin Bieber d. “Life is a Highway” by Rascal Flatts

4.

If you won the lottery what’s the first thing you would do? a. Donate half to your favorite charity b. Buy a home on a tropical island c. Share a portion with your loved ones d. Pay off your student loans and throw a party

9.

What’s your favorite color? a. Unmellow yellow b. Blizzard blue c. Razzle dazzle rose d. Electric lime

5.

If you had a superpower, what would it be? a. Talking to animals b. Being able to fly c. Predicting the future d. Time travel

10.

If your life was a movie, which one would it be? a. Breakfast at Tiffany’s b. No Strings Attached c. The Notebook d. The Avengers

RESULTS Mostly A’s: You’re a daisy! The word “daisy” comes from Old English, meaning “day’s eye.” You are the smile that brightens the day and a kind soul that makes the world a beautiful place.

Daisies represent purity and innocence and have been known to attract bees because they are as sweet as honey — just like you!

Mostly C’s: You are a rose! Love is the signature meaning behind a rose, and like the flower, you are hopelessly devoted to those you love the most. They say all you need in life is love; so who needs a dozen roses when they have someone as romantic as you?

Mostly B’s: You’re a tulip! Your spunky and flirtatious personality is a reflection of the vibrant colors and flawless shape we see in tulips.

Tulips have been cultivated in every color except classic blue, and no matter which way they have to twist, they always grow toward the sun. You are lively yet coy at times — a tulip in human form.

Mostly D’s: You are a sundrop! Sundrops are bold, golden flowers that radiate confidence. You are independent and have a strong desire for adventure, like a sundrop that will effortlessly multiply and take over an entire garden. You have a wild side and wholeheartedly believe in taking the scenic route in life.

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PHOTOGRAPHing

Humans of East Lansing ELAINE What is your favorite study spot?

Law library, because it’s really quiet and you can charge your laptop.

What is the worst summer job you’ve ever had?

Working at a pharmacy. It was really busy. Really stressful.

CHRISTIAN What is your favorite study spot?

That lawn in front of the music building. Because you can hear people tuning their instruments and it’s really cool. Not during the winter, though!

What’s your best advice for surviving April showers?

Zyrtec. Claritin-D.

SARAH Childhood guilty pleasure?

Teletubbies.

What is the worst summer job you’ve ever had?

I just had one. It was at a Christian bookstore, which was fine, but some of the people who came in were…interesting.

AMELIA What is your favorite study spot?

I’m an acting student, so over in the auditorium, in the little lobby area for the arena theater.

What is the worst summer job you’ve ever had?

Probably a summer camp counselor. I love working with kids, but we did a lot of outside, outdoors-y activities, and it was super, super hot that summer.

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HAPPENing

APRIL/MAY 2016 EVENTS SPECIAL EVENTS APRIL 12-17 — MSU SCIENCE FESTIVAL (WOOPEE)

Multi-day series of events that highlight science, technology, engineering, arts, and math. Special events are held across the state with a concentration of activities in the East Lansing and Detroit areas. Talks, demonstrations, tours, open houses, guest speakers, and hands-on activities -- there is something for everyone. Lifelong learners of all ages are welcome!

APRIL 17 — RACE FOR THE PLACE

The Race for the Place is the largest annual fundraiser for MSU Safe Place and allows our program to continue to provide vital services to members of the MSU and greater Lansing communities who experience relationship violence and stalking. The Race for the Place 5K course takes place on the beautiful campus of Michigan State University. Race for the Place is a fun-filled family event, with events for kids of all ages, MSU varsity athlete participation and a visit from Sparty!

SEMINARS/CONFERENCES APRIL 1 — ACADEMIC WORK-LIFE COMPATIBILITY: THE NEW UNIVERSITY WORKLIFE OFFICE (8AM-1PM)

Managing work and personal lives is increasingly important as demands on employees escalate. Dr. Brad Harrington of Boston College will offer a keynote address on work-life, followed by a panel discussion moderated by Dr. Ann Austin, NSF and an analysis of the costs flexible policies by Dr. Sandy Gahn. Lunch with be accompanied by an update on MSU’s WorkLife Office.

APRIL 5 — FIVE DIFFERENT PAINTINGS-FIVE DIFFERENT OUTCOMES: THE DETROIT INSTITUTE OF ARTS AND HOLOCAUST CLAIMS (7PM)

Graham W. J. Beal, Visiting Hannah Distinguished Lecturer - The Detroit Institute of Arts (DIA) was the first US museum to return a work of art stolen during the Holocaust to a Jewish family in 1950 and has subsequently dealt successfully with several other claims. One of these claims, however, set a precedent for other museums that has not been well received by the Holocaust community and, despite clarifications, continues to cause bad publicity for the DIA. Co-sponsored by the Museum Studies Department, James Madison College, and the Department of Art, Art History, and Design.

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