ING August and September 2017

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HOCKEY! THE MUSICAL HOW TO OVERCOME HOMESICKNESS

A musical from Mitch Albom comes to Wharton Center

ADVOCATING FOR

SURVIVORS Laura Carlson, peer educator for Sexual Assault Relationship Violence.

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WRITing

PUSHING

THE LIMITS A letter from the editor

614 Seymour Avenue, Lansing, MI 48933 Phone: 517.203.0123 • Fax: 517.203.3334 PUBLISHER Tiffany Dowling SALES MANAGER Jennifer Hodges

By the time this magazine is in your hands, most of its authors will have graduated. The rest of us will be seniors, trying to soak in each wonderful moment of our final few semesters here at MSU. Freshmen, beware; the time passes quicker than you expect it to. That’s why, in the pages of this first issue of the 2017/2018 school year, we hope you find something that encourages you to push the limits.

ACCOUNT MANAGERS Austin Ashley Megan Fleming Manny Garcia

As cheesy as it sounds, college is all about taking chances. You’re finally living on your own, which is both scary and exhilarating. As an undergrad, you start pointing your life in a particular direction, and usually, regardless of whether or not you feel lost (at some point, you likely will), you’re doing the right thing. College is the perfect time to experiment with your own identity and escape your comfort zones.

ART DIRECTOR Mark Warner

Pushing the limits can be as simple as supporting underrated sports on campus or decorating your room entirely with DIY projects. Maybe, it’s as complicated as choosing a major that interests you, but confuses your friends and family (take it from me, convincing your pals that you can get a job with an English degree is harder than you think).

Whatever it is, doing the things that frighten and challenge you are vital to personal growth, and what better time to grow than now, when you’re immersed in knowledge and independence?

The best part about trying new things in college is the wide range of resources. Now, you have all kinds of people in your life that you may not have had before: roommates, RAs, professors and classmates, all from different cultures, communities and backgrounds. You have a campus and surrounding cities that host events where you can branch out, and clubs with members who have uncertainties, just like you.

Of course, each new experience comes with its own hardships and burdens. You will doubtlessly feel homesick, fight with your roommate or encounter problems bigger than youself. When faced with disaster, it’s easy to give up, but committing to pushing your own limits alongside the people struggling with similar problems can give you the strength you need. And really, that’s the whole point of college.

Lastly, in this issue we take a step away from our theme to address an important topic that often goes undiscussed: sexual assault. While conversations are increasing and starting to change, it can never be said enough: it is never the victim’s fault. Sexual assault is hard to talk about; we want our student body to know that your voice can be used to keep the conversation going in the right direction.

We at ing Magazine hope you take this school year to try new things, and use your voice for the greater good. We will too!

Danielle Schwartz is a senior studying English and professional writing. When she’s not writing or taking pictures of her dog, you can usually find her eating a veggie burger or drinking her daily English Breakfast tea. See her dog pics on Instagram at @danielleeilleen.

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MEDIA SPECIALIST Jill Bailey EDITOR Kelly Mazurkiewicz

COMMUNICATIONS MANAGER Ami Iceman PUBLICATION DESIGNER Nikki Nicolaou WEB MANAGER Skylar Kohagen DIGITAL CONTENT EDITOR Jessica Gibbons WRITING Cynthia Bezinque Hannah Bullion Sam Fegan Veronica Finniss Reyna Hurand Nitish Pahwa Danielle Schwartz Jonathan Shead EDITING Leah Boelkins Chloe Becker Holly Bronson Jessica Gibbons Amanda Kimmen Em McCullough Diana Nicoletti Emily Reyst Hannah Shaneberger Allie Wilson SOCIAL MEDIA Leah Boelkins Reyna Hurand Danielle Schwartz DIGITAL CONTENT MANAGERS Hannah Bullion / Jessica Gibbons

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ADVERTISING INFORMATION Call 517.203.0123 Interested in hosting a distribution location?

Give us a call at 517.203.0123 or email at ami@m3group.biz. ing Magazine is published monthly by M3 Group, Lansing, MI. All rights reserved. © 2014 M3 Group No part of this magazine may be reproduced whole or in part without the express written consent of the publisher.

C

CONTENTS august/september

ON THE COVER 22 ADVOCATING FOR SURVIVORS 31 HOW TO OVERCOME HOMESICKNESS 36 HOCKEY! THE MUSICAL

FEATURing 4 EXPANDING STUDENTS' WORLDVIEW 6 OH, THE MAJORS YOU'LL KNOW! 8 ROSH HASHANAH

IN THIS ISSUE 10 COOKing 12 HAPPENing 13 HAPPENing 14 LIVing 26 ENGAGing 28 ARRANGing 30 READing 32 SPORTing 34 QUIZing

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FEATURing

EXPANDING STUDENTS’

WORLDVIEW

How Eunah Snyder taught students more than just English

BY CYNTHIA BEZINQUE

From differences in language, customs, political beliefs, educational backgrounds and so much more, international educators bring a wealth of knowledge to students in the classroom. Here at MSU, our professors aren’t lacking in experience abroad either. We at ing Magazine sat down with Eunah Snyder to learn more about how her international background shaped her students’ experience.

“Seeing me, who sometimes doesn’t speak perfect English and has an accent, and not having perfect uses for articles or prepositions — I can still publish and teach and work with students,” Snyder said. “I can encourage students; I can encourage the minority students in my classes.”

“For my teaching style, I tried to make it as interactive and inclusive as much as I could since we often dealt with controversial and sensitive topics in class,” Snyder said. “I tried to be friendly: walked around and spoke to students, often to the students who sat in the very back of the classroom. I always brought in-class writings and I would ask questions about texts, either literature or films. They would also give me questions, which I would answer in the next lecture.”

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Eunah Snyder, English 130: Film and Society, From Narrative and Affect in Contemporary Global Cinema professor.

“I sometimes would talk about myself in order to give a perspective about how America can be seen from outside,” Snyder said. “I would make comparisons about a lot of social issues in America in comparison to Asian cultures, especially South Korea.”

Photo by Cynthia Bezinque

Originally from South Korea, Eunah Snyder taught English 130: Film and Society, From Narrative and Affect in Contemporary Global Cinema. While earning her Ph.D. in English at MSU, Snyder saw the large school as an opportunity to grow her understanding and appreciation of distinct cultures.

With specific examples of those comparisons including differences in media reporting, gender or racial issues, the educational system and the drinking culture, to name a few.

Snyder always made a point to highlight the real differences U.S. citizens experience compared to others who were born or raised elsewhere. For example, Americans have the ability for both men and women to study at colleges, start their own businesses, practice different religions and vote for public officials.

“Often times students don’t realize how much the structure of America is different to other countries,” Snyder said. “The level of privilege is different. What we can do, they don’t always realize it. I tried to show the differences in cultures from different countries for them to compare their lives here, in relation.”

One of the biggest differences between South Korea and America, according to Snyder, is the educational system.

“It is true that a lot of Korean colleges adopt American school systems,” Snyder said. “In South Korea, it’s a very small country, and it’s centered around Seoul. All the universities are in Seoul and everyone just wants to go to Seoul for college or their job. We don’t have

this concept of ‘state’ or ‘small towns’ in states. We just want to go to Seoul.

She also reflected on learning about the U.S. from watching shows such as “Sex and the City”, and believing that the scope of America was the city life, not rural towns.

“In Seoul, during college, everything is for students to get a job,” Snyder said. “It’s the same way here, in different ways, however the pressure is different from America. The pressure is on getting the grade here, but there are a lot of discussion classes and critical thinking and creative writing courses at MSU. It’s more limited in Seoul, it’s more about getting better grades and getting better scores on exams.”

But while Snyder saw differences, she also saw similarities in how international students are welcomed into MSU as they are in colleges in Seoul.

“It creates a kind of positive energy to have different cultures at MSU.” Cynthia Bezinque graduated with a degree in professional writing and a minor in documentary production. When she isn’t working on video production she loves to sew, create stained glass pieces and read. Check out her latest projects at: cbezinque.weebly.com

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FEATURing

OH, THE MAJORS

YOU’LL KNOW!

How to navigate your way through a sea of possibilities

BY SAM FEGAN

Coming into college your freshman year, you’re bombarded by unfamiliar faces, novel places and a plethora of classes and majors to choose from. While most students know about majors like English, international relations, chemistry and business, MSU offers a few lesser-known areas of study that just might interest you. Here’s a list of a few that might grab your attention.

APPAREL & TEXTILE DESIGN The Department of Art, Art History and Design offers an apparel and textile design program that aims to mix several aspects of design, fine art, history and culture into a major that creates artists who are aware of global issues, cultures and their dress. The major emphasizes aesthetics and creativity, presenting this knowledge

through their annual Apparel and Textile Design Fashion Show — giving individuals the chance to display a wide range of sustainable fashion in front of guest judges. The program works to foster individuals that have a passion for creating not only original works, but also sustainable designs.

SUSTAINABLE PARKS,RECREATION & TOURISM Sustainable parks, recreation and tourism is a major offered through the College of Agriculture and Natural Resources. While the College works to integrate social science with humanities and natural sciences, this program focuses on “the study of natural, social, management and behavioral sciences.” Students in this 6

AUG. / SEPT, 2017

major will be able to harness their professional and program knowledge to effectively communicate and engage within their community. Many graduates pursue careers in park and land management, environment law enforcement, nonprofits and tourism systems at local, state and federal levels.

EXPERIENCE ARCHITECTURE Experience architecture, or XA, is a major where students work to design — or architect — experiences that users have with digital or physical spaces, focusing heavily on the role that empathy plays when it comes to design.

writing and digital rhetoric,” according to the program’s own content.

“My favorite thing about XA is its focus on people and empathy,” sophomore Erin Campbell said. “I could never solely be a designer or create technology … but XA thinks about people first, and that’s really important to me.”

Students in this major often pursue careers in fields such as content management, information architecture, user experience and application development. While Campbell still has another two years before she graduates, she did have some advice for students interested in majoring in XA.

XA “gives students exposure to aspects of maneuvering and creating websites or apps such as designing, coding,

“Do it,” she said. “The world needs more people who care about other people first.”

LANDSCAPE ARCHITECTURE Landscape architecture is a major offered through the School of Planning, Design and Construction.

According to the program website, the major works to “merge ideology, design, technology and ecology toward creating a sustainable world.” Sophomore Amanda Wakefield, originally a finance major, switched to landscape architecture after a summer working as a gardener.

“Whenever I talk about my major, I explain what I love about it, because frankly, I do love my work,” Wakefield said. “This major combines my love of gardening with my love of creating and makes me feel fulfilled.”

More than 90 percent of the major’s graduates are placed in the job market within seven months after graduation,

and while the major is quite small, Wakefield describes that as being one of its greatest assets.

“My class is a family, a support group and a team all rolled up into one,” she said.

Whether one of these majors is the perfect fit for you, you’ve managed to wade your way into the sea full of majors. If you ever need to take a fun elective, consider looking at some lesser-known areas of study and remember — keep swimming, you might be surprised by what you find.

Samantha Fegan is a sophomore majoring in professional writing with additional majors in French and linguistics. When she’s not devouring a new book, she can be found out on a run, listening to music or planning her next adventure.

MYINGMAG.COM

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FEATURing

Rosh Hashanah, also called the Jewish New Year, is a holiday commemorating the creation of the world.

ROSH HASHANAH

The Jewish New Year is a time for reflection and introspection

BY REYNA HURAND

Rabbi Israel Baal Shem Tov once told a parable about a king who had an only son. In order for his son to acquire a great deal of knowledge and experience diverse cultures, the king sent him to a faraway land.

Provided with a substantial amount of gold and silver, the son foolishly wasted his wealth, eventually becoming impoverished. Alone and desperate, the son returned to his father; however, when he arrived, he found that he had forgotten his native language. He struggled to identify himself to the guards and began to cry out. Recognizing his son’s voice, the king brought him into the house, kissing and embracing him.

Often times, rabbis will include ethical narratives such as the one above during Rosh Hashanah services. In this story between a king and his son, the king represents 8

AUG. / SEPT, 2017

God and the prince represents the Jewish people. Rabbi Eli Friedman of Chabad of Calabasas explains how the king (God) “sends a soul down to fulfill the Torah and mitzvot.” When that soul (the prince) becomes distant, letting out a cry of remorse, this symbolizes the blowing of the shofar (a ram’s horn, similar to a trumpet).

However, the cry is not only one of remorse, but also perseverance to improve his future. Ultimately, God forgives the soul.

Parables are used to emphasize the meaning and values of Rosh Hashanah, also called the Jewish New Year, a holiday commemorating the creation of the world. It is a time for celebration, but also for introspection and prayer. The ideas is to take time to reflect on the mistakes of the previous year and ask God for forgiveness. Rosh

Hashanah provides an opportunity for improvement; it is a period to start anew for the year ahead.

sounding of the shofar (ram’s horn) takes place. Another common observance is to eat a variety of symbolic foods.

There are two High Holy Days in the Jewish religion: Rosh Hashanah, observed for two days, and Yom Kippur, which comes ten days after.

“It is a tradition in the Jewish religion to dip apples in honey to bring in a ‘sweet’ new year,” said Carly Rosen, a former MSU student.

“Rosh Hashanah is the first day of the Hebrew month of Tishrei and Yom Kippur is the tenth day of the month of Tishrei,” said Rabbi Amy Bigman of Congregation Shaarey Zedek.

“The theme of making amends or repenting for our Rabbi Jordy with misdeeds begins with the Torah mantles. the month prior to these holy days and culminates on Yom Kippur, the Day of Atonement.”

Rabbi Bigman then went on to explain how the holy days are biblically-based.

“The Jewish Bible sets the date and the basic customs for each holy day,” she said. “All of the ritual and liturgical practices that we have today are based on the Biblical references, which were then further developed in the Talmud.”

Speaking of customs and practices, Rosh Hashanah has many. One of the more significant traditions includes attending synagogue services for prayer, where the

Rosen also shared how important Rosh Hashanah is for her.

She sees it as a time to look back on her life during the past year.

“It reminds me of all the things that I take for granted: family, friends, health, happiness. And it makes me thankful that I am fortunate Photo courtesy of Temple Beth El Flint enough to have all of those things,” she said. “It is also a big time for family. No matter what is going on in everyone’s life, we all come together and celebrate the new year. It truly warms my heart.”

Rosh Hashanah begins at sundown on Wednesday, Sept.

20 and ends the evening of Friday, Sept. 22. L’shanah tovah: to a good year!

Reyna Hurand is a junior studying professional writing. You can usually find her curled up with a good book, her two adorable dogs and a hot cup of coffee. To learn more, you can follow her on Twitter and Instagram @reynasblogxo.

TWO AMAZING PARTNERS, TWO WAYS TO FIGHT BREAST CANCER Spartans for the Cure

Cristo Rey Community Center

MSU students! Get involved and learn about how to fight breast cancer at our club kickoff.

Thanks to the CRCC, Komen Michigan now has a new Lansing office!

Together, we make a difference.

Sparticipation Cherry Lane Field Tuesday, August 29 | 5-8pm

1717 North High St. Lansing, MI 48906 Move in: August 14

www.komenmichigan.org

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COOKing

Watermelon Pizza A fresh twist on a summertime favorite

BY EM MCCULLOUGH

With Labor Day right around the corner, it’s inevitable that you’ll be invited to potluck after potluck.

Coming up with the right dish that everyone at the party will enjoy is always a struggle, but we here at ing Magazine have your back! Instead of slaving over a hot stove to make some mediocre chip dip, why not try something new? A juicy, sweet, fresh watermelon pizza might be the perfect dish for you. Topped with light Cool Whip “sauce” and fresh fruit toppings, this pizza will be a hit anywhere you take it!

STEP 2: Spread an even layer of Cool Whip onto the watermelon, about ¾ of an inch thick, to serve as the “sauce” for the pizza.

STEP 3: Top with desired fruit toppings.

Sprinkle with white chocolate shavings and drizzle with honey.

STEP 4: Slice into sixths or eighths, depending on desired slice size.

STEP 5: Serve and enjoy! For storing leftovers, be sure to refrigerate.

YOU’LL NEED: • 1 Medium Watermelon • 12 oz. Container Cool Whip • Fruit Toppings of Choice • White Chocolate Shavings (for taste) • Honey (optional)

If you’re looking to decorate your pizza for a specific event, blackberries and raspberries make a great red, white and blue theme. If you’re feeling tropical, you could try pineapple, mango and coconut shavings.

Whatever you chose to decorate your pizza with, be sure to share it with us on Twitter or Facebook @ingmagazine.

For a vegan option, replace the Cool Whip with whipped coconut cream, the white chocolate shavings with raw cacao nibs and do without the honey.

To find our other recipes, visit our page at myingmag.com.

STEP 1: Place watermelon on side and carefully cut into two inch flat and circular sections. Depending on the size of the watermelon, this should leave you with three to four slices. Do not remove the rinds! These will serve as the pizza “crusts.”

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Em McCullough is a senior studying professional writing and environmental studies and sustainability. She’s a member of the MSU Women’s Water Polo team and works for the Journal for the Study of Radicalism. On a normal day, you can find her with a book in hand, cat on her lap, drinking a cup of tea. You can follow her cat on Instagram @bennetthecat.

ADVERTIRSMENT

TYLER OAKLEY

MICHIGAN STATE UNIVERSITY

HOMECOMING Uniquely Spartan is a way to describe all of MSU’s alumni and friends, including Homecoming Grand Marshal Tyler Oakley.

to connect with youth; has raised over $1 million for The Trevor Project; and has been nominated — and won — numerous awards.

Tyler Oakley, a 2011 graduate of Michigan State University’s College of Communication Arts and Sciences, is an independent creator on YouTube — one of the largest digital platforms to date. With nearly 8 million subscribers on YouTube and over 23 million across his social media platforms, he has been established as one of the most influential LGBTQ+ vloggers and is an A-Lister in the digital age. Oakley has gone on an international “Slumber Party”-themed tour, was on the New York Times Bestseller List for 11 straight weeks for his book “BINGE,” released the documentary “SNERVOUS” and, along with his best friend Korey Kuhl, launched “Psychobabble,” a weekly podcast discussing “unfiltered gossip” and untold stories that has climbed to number one in the iTunes podcast chart. Currently, Oakley hosts the show “The Tyler Oakley Show” on ellentube.

He also was named one of Time Magazine’s “30 Most Influential People on the Internet,” included in The Hollywood Reporter’s “Top 25 Digital Stars” list two years in a row and is on the 2017 Forbes “30Under30 list.”

Among his many accomplishments, Oakley has been a consultant for President Barack Obama and former First Lady Michelle Obama on using digital platforms

For more information on MSU’s Homecoming, including events and activities scheduled throughout the week, visit homecoming.msu.edu.

Many activities are scheduled for MSU’s Homecoming Week, including campus and student events, the Homecoming Parade, college events, the Alumni Grand Awards Gala, the Green & White Homecoming Brunch, and the Homecoming football game versus the Indiana Hoosiers.

Spartans near and far can share their Spartan spirit by glowing green during Homecoming Week. Simply swap out your front porch, window or any other light that can “glow” with a green bulb and share your image on social media by using the #GlowGreen hashtag.

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HAPPENing

MUST SEE EVENTS Lansing area events your friends will want you to brag about

BY VERONICA FINNISS

Tailgating and football are an integral part of fall semester at a Big Ten University like MSU, but they don’t have to be the main event. There are so many other opportunities to explore and have fun without knowing what the quarterback’s stats are from every other university in the country. The first two months of fall semester give you the best opportunity to explore Lansing and the surrounding area, before it gets so cold that you won’t want to leave the comfort and warmth of your dorm room.

Here’s a list of events happening around MSU and the Lansing area that you and your friends can check out coming this fall!

ART FEAST August 19 By bringing food trucks and art together, this one-day event couldn’t get any better. Walk down Turner Street to look at handmade art while being surrounded by food trucks galore.

Located on 1232 Turner St., Old Town, Lansing, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., this event will only get you more excited for the rest of the Lansing events to come. www.lansing.org/event/art-feast/14644

OLD PINE LAKE TOUR: LAKE LANSING August 20 Native American tradition and adventure started in the area when Chief Okemos traveled down Lake Lansing with his tribe and other Chippewas and Ottawas nearly 175 years ago. They camped along the shores and hiked along the lake, while making a trail through the forests of way-back Lansing. You can feel the history at your footsteps as you travel along the same path as Chief Okemos, and it comes at the convenient price of being free. Located at 1621 Pike St., Haslett, Mich. and starting at 2:30 p.m., you’ll have time for history while enjoying your Welcome Week celebrations. www.lansing.org/event/old-pine-lake-tour-lakelansing/13654/ 12

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MICHIGAN RENAISSANCE FESTIVAL August 20 – October 2 This annual festival brings together history buffs, medieval time lovers, turkey-leg lovers and many more to celebrate this annual month long celebration.

If you want to get out of the Lansing area and enjoy a day trip to Holly, Mich., you’ll find swordsman re-enacting duels and flower crowns at their finest. Don’t miss out on this fun event, because there are plenty of activities to participate in and see! www.michrenfest.com

LANSING AMERICAN HERITAGE FESTIVAL September 23 Located in the Woldumar Nature Center, this one-day event takes family friendly to a whole new level. While it’s free to enter the event, some little activities on the side do have to be paid for. Celebrate the greater Lansing area’s heritage with crafts, demonstrations, live shows, local vendors and so much more. This one-day event will get you outside while leaving your friends jealous. It runs from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at 5739 Old Lansing Road, Lansing, so come join the fun and experience more than what MSU has to offer. www.lansing.org/event/american-heritagefestival/11833/

No matter what your interests, MSU and Lansing will always have something for everyone to enjoy!

Veronica Finniss is currently a graduated senior with a Bachelor of Arts in professional writing and a Bachelor of Arts in history. She enjoys binge reading and suffocating under her two golden retrievers and miniature poodle. When she isn’t dying, she loves petting other people’s dogs on the street and eating sandwiches, burgers and carbs.

HAPPENing

GIVE PEACE A CHANCE Recognizing the International Day of Peace around the world

BY NITISH PAHWA

In June 2003, a few months after the advent of the Iraq War, journalist Chris Hedges published What Every Person Should Know About War. The book, which posits answers to frequent questions about war, contains a disquieting statistic: out of the past three millennia of world history, humans have only been at complete peace for 268 years. It is undeniable that much of human civilization, past and present, has been shaped by the ravages of war and bloodthirsty conflict. Still, the global pursuit of peace has remained a steadfast goal. Despite the perpetual presence of mass violence, various world leaders and organizations throughout history have dedicated themselves to organizing peace movements aimed to foster harmony between all nations.

This is the ideology celebrated by the International Day of Peace, informally known as Peace Day — a holiday established in 1981 by a unanimous resolution from a General Assembly of the United Nations. Peace Day is devoted to “commemorating and strengthening the ideals of peace both within and among all nations and peoples,” according to the U.N. Formerly recognized on the third Tuesday of September, a general assembly amendment in 2001 fixed Sept. 21 as the holiday’s official date.

The theme for Peace Day 2017 is “Together for Peace: Respect, Safety and Dignity for All”. Based on the U.N.’s campaign, this day promotes international acceptance of refugees and migrants. Official acknowledgement will commence on Sept. 15 when U.N. Secretary-General António Guterres will ring the Japanese Peace Bell at the Peace Garden at U.N. Headquarters, with an observed moment of silence. The following days will be dedicated to showing solidarity with refugees and encouraging all nations to support migrants. While the holiday has a political outlook, the U.N. encourages people everywhere to get involved with Peace Day, whether by simply holding a moment of silence or organizing a parade or workshop.

There are several vital initiatives for Peace Day recognition within Michigan. For the past three years, the Greater Lansing United Nations Association has

hosted a weeklong ceremony known as Peace Quest Greater Lansing. Peace Quest kicks off with a halfday of celebration, the Peace Quest Day of Action, which typically includes a march and various other activities offered by local organizations and places of worship. This year’s Peace Quest will run from Sept.

17-24, with several events planned for the advocacy for world peace.

“We aim to bring together a broad cross-section of our community — diverse in age, race, and religion — and bring together people of like mind who value and want to work toward furthering peace,” said Lynn Bartley, co-chair of Peace Quest. “We strive to provide opportunities for taking action: signing petitions, sharing experiences with others who have different experiences and making plans together.”

The people behind Peace Quest intend to involve all citizens of the community, especially college students.

“We are very excited that the Peace Quest Day of Action will be held at MSU [this year],” Bartley said. “We hope that many MSU students and faculty, national and international, will participate.”

“We are hoping to make Peace Quest Greater Lansing something that our community looks forward to each year — and that many become more involved [with] as time passes,” Bartley said.

Whether you join the efforts of Peace Quest Greater Lansing, volunteer with a local refugee or peace organization or simply take it upon yourself to learn more about a different culture, make sure to recognize the International Day of Peace this year.

Nitish Pahwa graduated in the spring with a degree in professional writing and a concentration in editing and publishing. He is passionate about the arts and has written about music and culture for various websites and publications. He owns way too many books and CDs, but somehow it’s never enough. Follow him on Twitter @pahwa_nitish.

MYINGMAG.COM

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LIVing

COMMUNICATION 101

ROOMMATE EDITION Resident assistants weigh in on sharing a space Photo by Danielle Schwartz

BY DANIELLE SCHWARTZ

If you’re a freshman just moving out of your hometown and experiencing independence for the first time, the world and all its hardships may seem a lot bigger than they did before. While living in the dorms or an apartment is one of the best parts of college, it also creates the potential for a problem that most freshmen have never had: dealing with roommates. That’s why ing Magazine interviewed two RAs about their experiences with roommates and residents.

ING: As an RA, what are the most common

problems you encounter between roommates

on your floor?

C: “The most frequent problems are disagreements around daily routines. These are the things that get repeated the most, so it’s easy for an annoyance to become a grievance when it happens every day. The second most frequent problem is probably when people disagree on how often guests are invited to the room. We see a lot of issues with significant others coming around too often and roommates being bothered by that.”

M: “I guess the base part is communication. They don’t [communicate], they’re still learning how to address conflict and confrontation. So residents who complete the roommate checklist end up having a better year … It can be uncomfortable but it really does help in the long run.”

ING: How do you recommend solving

these problems?

C: “Usually, my job as an RA is to mediate discussions between roommates when there is a conflict. I’ll sit everyone involved down together and create a space for conversation where the goal is to be honest and seek out solutions.”

M: “We try to make it so residents feel comfortable approaching the RA, but also feel comfortable meeting other people on the floor. You know, make those connections that can continue on after that year. [As an RA], you listen, take it in and document it. If they’re not willing to talk, that’s when you schedule a mediation.

We have to listen one at a time; from there, if they really 14

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don’t want to live with each other, we’re like ‘let’s get a different situation.’”

ING: Have you had problems with a

roommate yourself?

C: “Yes, I didn’t get along with my roommate at all. We disagreed on almost every aspect of our daily routines: I liked the window blinds open, she liked the room dark at all times. I stayed up studying most nights, whereas she preferred to go to sleep around 10 p.m. ... Little problems like that piled up and combined with our very different personalities to the point I no longer felt welcome or safe in my own room. Unfortunately, I never talked to my RA about it, and so I was never able to get help.”

M: “I went in blind with an international student and we became best friends. We still talk to this day! I’ve always had good roommate experiences.”

ING: What advice do you have for people living

with roommates for the first time?

C: “Talk! The earlier you set boundaries and expectations with each other, the easier it will be to address problems as they arise. Trust me, it’s kinder in the long run to tell your roommate whenever you’re upset before it festers into something worse. It’s a life skill we all need to learn as adults to speak openly with others.”

M: “Be open-minded … Just being considerate of the other person and being willing to compromise or sacrifice. It’s just talking; get to know that person from day one. And if a situation arises and you don’t feel comfortable confronting the person, get the RA. And that can help establish a baseline. You can make an agreement.”

If you find yourself in an awkward situation with your roommate, refer to these tips, or talk to your own RA! Danielle Schwartz is a senior studying English and professional writing. When she’s not writing or taking pictures of her dog, you can usually find her eating a veggie burger or drinking her daily English Breakfast tea. See her dog pics on Instagram at @danielleeilleen.

CALLING ALL WRITERS ARE YOU A SKILLED WRITER? WANT TO BE PUBLISHED IN A MAGAZINE? ing Magazine is looking for freelance student writers to contribute to the monthly publication.

If you’re interested, please email Ami at ami@m3group.biz with your experience, along with three samples of your work.

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AUG. / SEPT, 2017

Photo by Erika Hodges

Laura Carlson, peer educator for Sexual Assault Relationship Violence.

COVERing

ADVOCATING FOR

SURVIVORS MSU’s Sexual Assault Program inspires student activism & awareness

BY CYNTHIA BEZINQUE

In the basement of the Career Services building, there is a mural representing the four seasons, as well as the ever-changing cycle of healing. Across from there is the entrance to the Sexual Assault Program (MSU SAP) headquarters at MSU. The doors open into a quaint, blue walled room. Lamps are set to a comforting dim, markers for coloring pillows are on the reception desk, other art-minded activities are on a side table and books, tapes and videos are visible and binder resources are found on a small library bookshelf.

During the 1979-80 academic school year, MSU established one of the first university-based sexual assault programs in the country. It was created in response to increasing reports of sexual assaults on or near campus. In 1979, students, Counseling Center staff, MSU officials and other concerned citizens from the greater Lansing area began examining the need for a specialized program to serve survivors of rape and other sexual assault.

“It [was] started in 1980 by grad students. They noticed a need within the university, and then they worked with the Counseling Center to set it up,” said Bianca Stepanyan as she pointed out large, colorful puzzle pieces from 2016’s Take Back the Night event. “Last year, they did a puzzle piece event, so these are done by survivors. People could stop by and make a puzzle piece and however it represented them and what they wanted to say, and then Take Back the Night gave them to us to display.”

Stepanyan worked as the advocacy coordinator for MSU SAP until transitioning to the Office of Institutional Equity (OIE) as the training and accommodation specialist.

“Sexual assault and rape is not a topic that people are comfortable talking about,” Laura Carlson said, peer educator for Sexual Assault Relationship Violence (SARV) and a self-defense workshop leader. “Before SARV, there really wasn’t much talk about it.”

She has been with MSU SAP for nearly two years and is a strong advocate for educating others.

one in five women

& one in sixteen men

are sexually assaulted while in college

MORE THAN

90% of victims on campus do not report the assault

“It’s a touchy subject to talk about,” Carlson said. “There are a lot of times where a victim self-blames, and you will get other people blaming the victim, ‘Oh my god, you MYINGMAG.COM

23

were wearing that?’ or ‘but you went upstairs with him.’ We’re bringing groups of people together and we’re forcing them to sit down and say, ‘Hey, listen, this is something that needs to be talked about.’ ” “Just living as a woman, I felt like I needed to do something to educate people and help out the community,” said Carlson.

According to research conducted by the National Sexual Violence Resource Center, one in five women and one in 16 men are sexually assaulted while in college. More than 90 percent of victims on campus do not report the assault. While the survivors make the decision whether to report, Taylor Kuminski, an advocate and vice president for Sexual Assault Crisis Intervention (SACI) believes that victim blaming is a major cause of why survivors do not.

“A lot of it is victim blaming, a lot of it is slut shaming, asking what someone was wearing — almost as if that justifies it. We really try to inform people that nothing a survivor could have done would change anything: we try to push that it was the perpetrator’s fault.

Victim blaming isn’t doing anything.

It’s hurting people,” said Kuminski.

Carlson admitted that there are stigmas she catches herself spreading. “I try to put a lot of emphasis on educating women.

[Because] we stigmatize other women by saying ‘oh my god, what is she wearing?’ and I must catch myself when I say stuff like that.

It makes it okay for other people to do it.” She also commented that a couple guy friends will make similar remarks because of an assumption of acceptance from her own remarks. “[Women making the remarks] diminishes the importance of the vocabulary.”

“As a group, we bring up things that a lot of people feel uncomfortable with,” said Kuminski. “A lot of people grow up believing stigmas and myths associated with sexual assault, domestic violence and stalking and we try to challenge those and to do it in a respectful manner.”

Kuminski has been trained to handle hotline calls from survivors as well as undergoing over 40 hours 24

AUG. / SEPT, 2017

of extensive, general training consisting of: discussions with guest speakers and OIE personal speakers, LGBTQ resource center advocates, people with experience with international students, people with experience with trafficking, watching films that debunk stigmas, discussions dissecting masculinity and femininity, and multiple role play scenarios.

“We’re provided with very tough scenarios and we work through them until we feel comfortable. It’s a lot of figuring out how to respond to these really hard calls, so when you get a call that isn’t as intricate, you feel very confident,” said Kuminski.

SARV’s workshops give Carlson hope about the future of the program and the direction MSU SAP is heading in.

“Every time we educate another person, I feel that it is making people more aware and puts more importance on why SARV is here and SACI.” Kuminski has similarly noticed positive outcomes.

“In the time I’ve been here a lot more people are applying, a lot more people are hearing about it. Not everyone on campus, but people in the social sciences are more aware that SACI is a thing and a lot of people are staying with SACI,” said Kuminski. “We have a huge number of students that graduated and had degrees in economics or communications and now are working or getting full-time jobs with SACI or different services in East Lansing, Lansing or with survivors.”

Across campus, there are many resources available to students: MSU SAP in the Counseling Center, the Counseling Center itself, the OIE office in Olds Hall, Safe House — which houses sexual assault survivors — and MSU’s Police department. There are also the advocates through SACI and SARV, like Carlson and Kuminski, who are open to helping those in the community.

Cynthia Bezinque graduated with a degree in professional writing and a minor in documentary production. When she isn’t working on video production she loves to sew, create stained glass pieces and read. Check out her latest projects at: cbezinque.weebly.com

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ENGAGing

STUDENT ART SPOTLIGHT

Photography with Natalie Zunker

BY HANNAH BULLION

Art major or not, we want to find out what kind of creative work MSU students are up to. In this issue, we spoke with Natalie Zunker, an avid photographer on campus and beyond. She is currently a senior professional writing major with an emphasis in editing and publishing, but hopes to incorporate her 26

AUG. / SEPT, 2017

love of photography and creativity into whatever career she pursues.

How did you get started with photography?

I started my experience with photography by working as a wedding photographer’s assistant my freshman

Photos by Natalie Zunker

— to sort of continue to keep that interest alive.

Favorite work?

Shooting fashion for VIM has been my favorite work. It’s really rewarding to see my photos in a print publication.

Do you want to continue with photography as a career?

I don’t think I want to solely be a photographer, but it’s definitely something I’ll always continue to do.

year. I still work for the same wedding photographer based out of Royal Oak, Mich., but this experience was what pushed me to pursue photography and join the photography team for VIM Magazine last fall. Right now, I am a print photographer for VIM and a freelance photographer myself.

What inspires your work?

I’m still developing my “style” but I think looking back, a lot of my work is really feminine. I would say my photos stem from feminist ideals a little bit, and I guess they are also inspired by movement. I used to dance ballet growing up, until college, so I like to incorporate a lot of movement and feminine traits into my work

What is your dream career?

I don’t necessarily have a dream career. I would like to implement photography into my future career. I’ve always wanted to work for a publication; I think something that allows me to be a storyteller in written and visual ways would be kind of ideal for me.

Know an amazing artist on campus? Submit them to be featured in our Student Art Spotlight!

Hannah Bullion is a senior professional writing major with an interest in all things new media. She hopes to flee the Midwest and pursue a career in fashion in New York City. She is also the social media director for MSU’s fashion and lifestyle publication, VIM Magazine, and an intern for the College of Arts & Letters. Keep up with her on Twitter (@hannahmbullion) and Instagram (@hannahbullion).

MYINGMAG.COM

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ARRANGing

DO IT YOURSELF

CORK BOARD

Making your dorm feel more at home

BY HANNAH BULLION

Let’s face it, no matter what neighborhood or what hall you’re living in, dorm rooms can be bleak. The off-white cement walls, ugly carpet tiled floor and dusty window sills can be a huge bother to the uninitiated.

To brighten up your room and make it feel homier, we’ve created a simple DIY project: a cork board frame. Use it to visualize your mood, hang photos of your friends and family or pin up all those stickers and flyers you receive walking through campus during the first few weeks of school. You can create it with as big of a frame as you’d please. Pro tip: create a few of them with a variety of sizes to create a gallery wall. No matter what you pin to it, this frame is sure to add a splash of color to your room.

MATERIALS • Empty picture frame • Rolled cork • Foam board • Spray adhesive (or normal glue will do) • Ruler • X-acto knife OPTIONAL MATERIALS • Small nails • Hammer • Paint color of your choice • Paint brush 28

AUG. / SEPT, 2017

STEP 1: Trace and measure the frame dimensions on the rolled cork piece and foam board. Paint the frame to whatever color you please. The brighter, the better!

STEP 2: Cut the foam board and rolled cork to size.

STEP 3: Glue the foam and rolled cork board together.

STEP 4: Depending on the type of frame you have, you may be able to place the cork board as you would a photo within the tabs. If not, you may need a hammer and nails to create your own tabs. This optional step will also require pliers to bend the nails as tabs.

STEP 5: Pin your favorite photos to the board! Voila!

Color! Character!

Now that your room has a little more personality, the dorms might not be so bad after all! Share your photos with us on Instagram by tagging @ingmagazine!

Hannah Bullion is a senior professional writing major with an interest in all things new media. She hopes to flee the Midwest and pursue a career in fashion in New York City. She is also the social media director for MSU’s fashion and lifestyle publication, VIM Magazine, and an intern for the College of Arts & Letters. Keep up with her on Twitter (@hannahmbullion) and Instagram (@hannahbullion).

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MYINGMAG.COM

29

READing

Photo by Sam Fegan

in the right place, there’s often a lack of resources. “There’s a lack of resources in the people that are able to teach, concerning how they were taught to effectively teach and also the extent to which they are literate,” Knapp said.

“One effective teacher has the potential to affect hundreds of children.”

A RIGHT TO READ

Help promote the importance of reading and writing on International Literacy Day

BY SAM FEGAN

If you’re a student, you probably get assigned articles to read or papers to write — and, like most college students, you probably complain about it. However, the fact that you’re even able to read this article shows how lucky you are, because 1 in 6 people can’t.

According to the United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), there are approximately 758 million illiterate adults and children throughout the world. First celebrated on Sept. 8, 1966, International Literacy Day began as a way to “celebrate and honor the national and international engagement, efforts and progress made to increase literacy rates around the world.” This year marks the organization’s 51st anniversary of International Literacy Day, and it has continued to not only address a plethora of challenges that individuals 30

AUG. / SEPT, 2017

face today but has also worked to find innovative solutions to help further boost literacy for adults and children both now and in the future.

While many surveys about literacy only include the results for adults, there are millions of children that are also struggling to learn how to read and write. Katie Knapp, a sophomore elementary education major, talked about the importance of literacy not only for adults but also for children.

“Literacy is vital for having a stable and supportive career in society, and it gives you mobility within society,” she said. “Our current education system in the United States offers many outside-of-school programs and in-school help that supports reading and learning, but internationally, there’s a gap in a child’s ability to become literate.” While the intentions of many education systems and teachers may be

Illiteracy rates have been on the decline over the past 50 years, thanks to organizations like the Institute of Reading Development. The organization has worked to teach more than two million students and has trained more than five thousand teachers within the United States. The organization offers programs tailored to four-year olds all the way up to college students and adults, and has partnerships with many colleges and universities throughout the country.

“There are two main goals of the summer reading skills programs we’ve developed,” director of instruction said John Boyd the director of instruction at the Institute.

“The first goal is to teach the skills students need to succeed at their current developmental level. The second goal is to help our students develop a love of reading and a habit of reading for pleasure.” In addition to the Institute of Reading Development, other organizations, such as the International Literary Association, also work toward transforming lives through literacy.

When it comes to having a successful future, literacy is one of the key components. While advances are being made to decrease illiteracy rates around the world, there are several things that you can do to help. By simply donating a book to a local library or volunteering to read or tutor at an elementary school, middle school or high school, you are able to make a difference in someone else’s life. Everyone has the right to read, so it’s time to make a change and give back.

Samantha Fegan is a sophomore majoring in professional writing with additional majors in French and linguistics. When she’s not devouring a new book, she can be found out on a run, listening to music or planning her next adventure.

SUPPORTing

HOMESICK? YOU’RE NOT ALONE

How to overcome homesickness

BY HANNAH BULLION

Twinkle lights hang below your lofted bed, posters of your favorite bands cover the walls and your roommate-turnedBFF sits across from you … Your dorm room is everything you dreamed it would be, so why doesn’t it feel like home?

Almost everyone feels homesick at some point. It’s totally normal, especially when you consider how long you’ve relied on the comfort of being at home. It’s hard not to find yourself stuck in a rut, hopelessly waiting for your parents to come pick you up and take you home for the weekend.

But is going home always the best idea? Probably not.

You’ll end up missing out on so many transformative experiences that you may not be able to get back.

Homesickness is a looming feeling that can really put a damper on your college experience. But the great part is, you get to create your next four years on campus.

There are pressures of creating the stereotypical college experience but instead, create a collegiate lifestyle that makes you comfortable.

There are plenty of ways to cope with homesickness. The key is to find the coping mechanisms that work for you and hope that eventually they will lead to overcoming the looming feeling all together.

DO: Go home. It’s okay to go home for a weekend here and there, especially if you live within a couple hours.

Take the weekend, reacquaint yourself with your pets, sleep in the comfort of your own bed, but then get ready to go back to school and enjoy yourself.

DON’T: Transfer. Professional writing senior, Emily Cervone, recalls the time she considered it: “I almost transferred from MSU my freshman year because I was so overwhelmed. But once I got to have my car on campus sophomore year, it made it easier to come home and see my family often. I like to come home every other weekend, that way I don’t feel like I’m missing out on either sides of the spectrum.” You came to MSU for a reason, remember that reason and embrace it! You don’t want to miss out on all of the Spartan traditions.

DO: Talk about it. There are professionals on campus that can talk you through your emotions and help you

understand what you’re going through. Don’t be afraid to talk to your roommate or friends about it too; they may be feeling the same way. It’s always comforting to know you’re not alone in your feelings.

DON’T: Sulk. The worst thing to do is sit in your dorm/ apartment/house and allow yourself to be upset. Education major Taylor Clingaman suggests participating in floor activities and anything you can to make friends. “Even just a couple good friends really helps a lot when you’re feeling uncomfortable,” says Clingaman. Make an effort to join on-campus clubs and organizations. Who knows? You may find your Spartan home away from home.

If you’re feeling an unbearable degree of homesickness or you just want to talk it out, you may benefit from a visit to the MSU Counseling Center on the second floor of the Student Services building.

Hannah Bullion is a senior professional writing major with an interest in all things new media. She hopes to flee the Midwest and pursue a career in fashion in New York City. She is also the social media director for MSU’s fashion and lifestyle publication, VIM Magazine, and an intern for the College of Arts & Letters. Keep up with her on Twitter (@hannahmbullion) and Instagram (@hannahbullion).

MYINGMAG.COM

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SPORTing

RUNNING JUMPING SWIMMING

DIVING ROLLING A closer look at the underrated sports of MSU

BY CYNTHIA BEZINQUE AND HOLLY BRONSON

The one thing all MSU sports have in common are the hardworking and passionate Spartans whose wit, strength, agility and character development are tested by being on the teams. We at ing Magazine decided to ask some Spartan athletes in a few underappreciated fields what they have gained from their sport.

BOWLING

Photo by Mike Peterman

Aaron Radner is a graduating accounting major who played for MSU’s bowling team for four years.

“People don’t understand how complicated bowling is. They think you just throw a ball down the lane, without understanding the intricacies of different oil patterns, ball reactions and lane surfaces. It really makes me 32

AUG. / SEPT, 2017

think, a lot of it is mental. I like the competition and the pressure of having to make a good shot,” Radner said.

In bowling, collaboration and teamwork are major factors of the sport.

According to Radner, bowling provokes thought and strategy during pressured situations. It’s also imperative to be aware of your teammates’ skills and how to support them.

QUIDDITCH

Muggle Quidditch is not often taken seriously because of its direct ties to the Harry Potter series, but the coed game is much more than a manifestation created

by Potterheads.

“A lot of people outside the community view it as a silly game,” said Spartan Quidditch president Meaghan Rhea, “but inside the community it’s viewed as what it is: an intense, demanding, fun sport.”

Photos by Bethann Morgan

Muggle Quidditch is still relatively new, so the rules are constantly changing as the players attempt to legitimize themselves. Although many of the rules are similar to that of its fictional counterpart, there are a few differences, namely the Snitch and the lack of flying. Attempts to tie these changes to the wizarding world sport, such as the rule that players must keep a broomstick between their legs at all times while on the pitch, lead to the belittling of it as a competitive sport, but those who play it know better.

“It’s a physically and mentally demanding sport that builds character,” said Rhea. “It teaches you teamwork, passion and at the end of the day, it’s about the name on the front of the jersey, not the name on the back.”

WOMEN’S WATER POLO

On MSU’s water polo team, it’s all about the comradery.

Katie Bliden, a senior double major in elementary education and child development, told us.

Photo by Kiera Dressler

“I’ve never been super amazing at water polo but being on this team hasn’t discouraged me from playing at all.

Everyone on the team is so welcoming and excited to have new players and friends.”

The biggest challenge that the team faces, when it’s not against the University of Michigan or Ohio State, comes from a lack of student awareness.

“We’re always trying to recruit people but it’s so uncommon to find players. We don’t really have a huge following other than alumni, parents, close friends and our men’s team. We also do all of our own fundraising,”

Bliden said. If you want to check out women’s polo, they have a booth at Sparticipation. Common team bonding events are: movie nights, game nights, bowling and cider mill trips.

Whether you want to play indoors or outside, by yourself or with a team, in a pool or on a field, chances are there is a sport out there for you. If you want something new to do around campus, check out one of these or one of many other less known sports offered at MSU. Head on over to a practice and give it a try — you never know if it will be the best decision of your life.

Holly Bronson is a senior studying professional writing and arts and humanities, with a minor in peace and justice studies. In her free time, she loves to drink Earl Grey tea while thoroughly analyzing Harry Potter and telling lengthy stories from her various adventures around the globe. See her portfolio at hollybbronson.com.

Cynthia Bezinque graduated with a degree in professional writing and a minor in documentary production. When she isn’t working on video production she loves to sew, create stained glass pieces and read. Check out her latest projects at: cbezinque.weebly.com MYINGMAG.COM

33

QUIZZing

What type of MSU club should you join?

Find out which type of club best fits your personality

BY JONATHAN SHEAD MSU is home to more than 700 student clubs and organizations, making it a great universities to explore your interests outside of academics and make new friends. Whether you’re a freshman or a senior, there’s a group for every student. If there isn’t a club that fits your interest, you can create one yourself.

groups the university has to offer. The fair, which is being held on August 29 from 5-8 p.m., features a wide variety of groups including club sports, music ensembles, cultural diversity clubs and community-based organizations.

Sparticipation, MSU’s annual student clubs and organizations fair, is the best place to explore all the

With so many to pick from, it can be to pick the club that’s right for you. We at ing Magazine want help steer you toward your perfect match. Take our quiz to find out which type of club best fits your personality.

1) What do you hope to get out of your college experience?

3) When do you feel most comfortable/ at home?

2) What is your biggest fear?

4) Which set of words best describes you?

a) The ability to express myself creatively b) The ability to continue playing the sport I love, for the school I love c) To make an impact in the local community d) To graduate with a 4.0 GPA and a career in my preferred field e) To increase the inclusiveness of the student body and raise awareness of cultural differences a) b) c) d) e)

34

Messing up Losing Not helping enough Failing Being an outsider

AUG. / SEPT, 2017

a) When I’m crafting something that others can enjoy b) When I’m practicing or playing in a game c) When I’m helping others who are less fortunate or less abled d) When I’m at the library working on homework for hours on end e) When I’m teaching others about how beneficial diversity is to a student body a) b) c) d) e)

Artsy and bubbly Competitive and physical Supportive and helpful Intelligent and self-driven Loyal and Trustworthy

5) What is your attitude toward school?

a) I enjoy finding creative ways to approach my school work and stand out b) Academics are important but my love for the game trumps all c) Grades aren’t as important as actually making a difference with the work I do d) Academics are the most important thing to me e) School is another part of life I have to balance

6) How do you handle conflict?

a) I find talking it out with the other person works best b) I find a friendly bet always determines who’s right and wrong c) I like to talk it out with my friends and hear their various viewpoints d) I internalize the conflict and try to solve it on my own e) I explain my side of the conflict and hope it works out in my favor

IF YOU GOT MOSTLY A’S

IF YOU GOT MOSTLY B’S

IF YOU GOT MOSTLY C’S

You should join a fine arts club

You should join a sports club

You should join a community/ philanthropic club

IF YOU GOT MOSTLY D’S

IF YOU GOT MOSTLY E’S

You should join an academic-based club

You should join a cultural/ diversity club

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35

SHOWing

HOCKEY the Musical!

A musical from a renowned Michigan writer sticks up for the underdog sport comes to the Wharton Center

BY NITISH PAHWA

Think about an activity you’ve devoted yourself to for your entire life. Whether it’s a livelihood, a routine after work or a hobby, chances are you’re quite attached to this pursuit and couldn’t picture your life without it. Now imagine this: a divine decree has been issued from the heavens, declaring that this passion of yours is to be completely erased from the Earth. No longer will your flights of fancy engage with the realm of physical possibility. What would you do?

Such is the concept for Hockey: The Musical! — a show created by Michigan sportswriter, author and playwright Mitch Albom, also known for works such as Tuesdays with Morrie and Ernie. In the musical, God Himself concludes that there are too many sports in the world and sends an angel down to Earth to pick one for elimination. The angel settles on hockey, which doesn’t sit well with Stanley, a fervent enthusiast who is present at the proclamation.

Determined to save his favorite sport, Stanley strikes a deal with God: if he can find five loyal fans to plead their case for the game, God will allow hockey to stay. Stanley decides to call on five well-known figures in the hockey world, including Wayne Gretzky and Steve Yzerman.

Unfortunately, the names get mixed up by God’s messenger, leaving Stanley stuck with five random people as his only hope. For example, instead of Don Cherry, he’s left with Dawn Cherry.

While the storyline is certainly outlandish, the musical has captivated audiences in its home state of Michigan. Hockey: The Musical! premiered last summer at the City Theatre in Detroit, opening to a five-week run of successful shows and adoring reviews. The play charmed audiences with its oddball tale, numerous jokes and zany songs, consisting of 36

AUG. / SEPT, 2017

both original tunes by Albom and riffs on classic hits by artists such as the Bee Gees.

Of course, there’s also the fate of hockey on the line, which holds a dear place in the hearts of many Michiganders.

“There are bits throughout the show Photo from mitchalbom.com/theater that specifically have to do with hockey in the state of Michigan,” said Tara Peplowski, marketing and group sales manager at the Wharton Center for Performing Arts. “There’s something about the sport that really resonates with audiences here, which is why we thought the show was a lot of fun.”

However, the show’s appeal is not limited to hockey disciples. “Personally, I’m not a hockey fan, but the show is fun. You still get it,” said Bob Hoffman, public relations manager at the Wharton Center. “If you know hockey, it’s going to be funnier, but you don’t have to be a hockey fan to enjoy it.”

As part of its first statewide tour, Hockey: The Musical! is playing from Aug. 24-26 in the Pasant Theatre at the Wharton Center. On opening night, there will be a pre-show meet and greet with Mitch Albom in the Jackson Lounge for VIP ticket holders. You can purchase show tickets and VIP passes by visiting whartoncenter.com or by calling 1-800-WHARTON. This unique, wacky show is only around for four performances, so don’t miss it!

Nitish Pahwa graduated in the spring with a degree in professional writing and a concentration in editing and publishing. He is passionate about the arts and has written about music and culture for various websites and publications. He owns way too many books and CDs, but somehow it’s never enough. Follow him on Twitter @pahwa_nitish.

CALLING ALL PHOTOGRAPHERS ARE YOU A SKILLED PHOTOGRAPHER? WANT TO BE PUBLISHED IN A MAGAZINE? ing Magazine is looking for freelance photographers to contribute to the monthly publication.

If you’re interested, please email Ami at ami@m3group.biz with your experience, along with three samples of your work.

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o CASH o BACK

Receive 1% cash back on purchases every time you use your MSUFCU Platinum Plus Visa.¹ Your cash back never expires and you can redeem it instantly, at any time, for any amount!

And, with a rate as low as 12.9% APR, MSUFCU’s rate is nearly 4% lower than the national average for a rewards card.²

Apply today! msufcu.org • 517-333-2424 • Visit a branch

¹ Members will earn 1% cash back on all purchases. Cash back is not earned on tax payments, any unauthorized charges or transactions, cash advances, convenience checks, balance transfers, or fees of any kind. Visit msufcu.org/rewards for full terms and conditions. ² APR (Annual Percentage Rate) of 12.9% is lowest rate offered for Platinum Plus Visa Credit Card. Rate offered is based on member’s credit score. National average credit card APR 38 to CreditCards.com.

AUG. / SEPT, 2017 according Federally insured by NCUA.