ING November 2016

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WRITE IT OUT

A new way to manage stress

VINYL

THE OLDEST NEW TREND IN MEDIA

SHOWing: Wicked

How this Broadway show impacts East Lansing

HOLIDAYS AWAY FROM HOME Tips for the lone turkey

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WRITing

TAKING TIME TO SHOW GRATITUDE A letter from the editor A few months into the academic year, one would think that most people have their stuff together, or at least feel comfortable in their positions as students, interns, or new job.

This may be the case for some, but most of us are still winging it, pretending every day that we know what we’re doing, even when we probably don’t.

At this point, homesickness kicks in as students and workers alike tend to burn out, just in time for Thanksgiving break.

This November, during a time of deadlines and high stress, ing Magazine wants to help you avoid a mid-season crisis and instead encourage you to take a much-needed break and focus on what exactly it is that we have to be grateful for in our hectic lives.

Everyone is familiar with the novelties that come along with the season: turkey and stuffing, Black Friday deals and an emphasis on appreciating loved ones. And, despite the fact that we’ve probably heard enough political chat to last a lifetime, we can still be grateful that we have the right to vote this month, some of us for the first time. It also helps to change perspective and recognize that we can reap benefits from things that are usually considered daunting, such as the value in an unpaid internship, or even using the writing we do every day to alleviate stress.

Joy can also be found in the things we might not usually think to be grateful for, such as the pleasure of listening to music on vinyl, the thought behind a meaningful tattoo or how calming a good skincare routine can be during the harsh winter months. Even consider the work it takes to put on a Broadway production as renowned as Wicked and what other positive aspects a show of its scale brings to the community.

As those mid-semester blues start to hit, try not to stress too much. Remember that all the hard work is worth it in the end, or at least until you can make it to the dining room table and finally sit down to enjoy some pumpkin pie surrounded by family, friends or whoever you choose to spend the holiday with. If we stop working and studying just long enough to recognize how much we have to be grateful for, or even take the time to see the value in things that might not always seem valuable, the tough realities of day-to-day life aren't nearly as catastrophic. So grab a copy of ing’s November issue and show some gratitude with us as we appreciate the upsides to life, no matter how obvious they may seem.

Elizabeth Weitzel is a senior majoring in English and professional writing, with an interest in editing and publishing.

She loves to put her editing skills to use as a consultant at the Writing Center at Michigan State. On game day, you can be sure to find her in the student section cheering on the Spartans.

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NOV. 2016 614 Seymour Avenue, Lansing, MI 48933 Phone: 517.203.0123 • Fax: 517.203.3334 PUBLISHER Tiffany Dowling SALES MANAGER Jennifer Hodges ACCOUNT MANAGERS Austin Ashley Megan Fleming Manny Garcia MEDIA SPECIALIST Jill Bailey PRODUCTION DIRECTOR Kelly Mazurkiewicz ART DIRECTOR Mark Warner COMMUNICATIONS MANAGER Ami Iceman EDITOR Megan Martin GRAPHIC DESIGNERS Kerry Hidlay Nikki Nicolaou WEB MANAGER Skylar Kohagen CONTRIBUTORS WRITING/VISUALS

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november ON THE COVER 4 VINYL 8 TIPS FOR THE LONE TURKEY 16 WRITE IT OUT 20 SHOWing: WICKED

FEATURing 14 COPING WITH ALZHEIMER’S

IN THIS ISSUE 6 COOKing 11 SAVing 12 GOing 13 LIVing 17 WORKing 18 PHOTOGRAPHing

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RYAN MCMAHON OF EAST LANSING’S RECORD LOUNGE 4

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ENGAGing

VINYL IS BACK IN A BIG WAY

BY DYLAN TARR

They’ve taken over whole stores, overrun flea markets and swamped in thrift shops. Albums are stacked in Best Buy, Meijer and FYE. These black, 12-inch disks might even be in your home, jammed under your dad’s bed – which is a dusty fire hazard. Vinyl sales have increased by 52 percent since the first half of 2015 and continue to rise.

Record pressing plants, like Nashville’s United, run 22 vinyl presses, making about 40,000 records a day to keep up with demand. What has prompted this extraordinary comeback? Why are kids across the country wasting hours upon hours fingering through Salvation Army record bins to find something that you can just as easily own on CD or stream online?

Ryan McMahon, of East Lansing’s Record Lounge, has an idea of what is spurring this vinyl resurgence. “People like holding on to something,” McMahon said. And not only do listeners like to have a physical copy of their music, people also enjoy the tactility of vinyl.

With vinyl, the listener must interact with the medium as they take the record out of the sleeve, set it on the platter and flip it over. Digital music forecloses that sense. “[When you listen to digital music], you can just hit a button on your computer and forget about it,” said McMahon.

McMahon isn’t some sort of obsessive vinyl junkie, either. He’s not a hermit who hoards stacks of records in

an old Winnebago. He said he still buys tons of CDs. “You can go to a music store and buy 10 CDs for around 30 bucks,” said McMahon, “Whereas a brand new pressing on vinyl is going to be between 16 and 29 dollars.”

Other than cost, vinyl has other shortcomings. It wears out, gets dirty. It pops and hisses; it’s completely stationary. But besides all that touchy-feely tactile nonsense, why buy vinyl?

Vinyl gives us an experience, like going to the movies or going to an art museum; these experiences let us feel more than we usually do by being so close to something so beautiful. At a time when listening to music has been demoted to two tinny-sounding plastic earbuds - an “experience” that’s only as long as your morning bus commute — might mean that listeners are grateful for the tactile and aesthetic experience that vinyl offers. Maybe vinyl turns listening to music into more than just a realtime soundtrack to a workout routine or a walk to class.

Putting a record on the turntable forces us to sit down, to relax and only think about one thing: music.

Sources: noisey.vice.com | pitchfork.com Dylan Tarr is a current English literature and professional writing major at Michigan State University. When he is not in class, at work, or at Dagwoods, he is eagerly awaiting Jawbreaker’s inevitable reunion tour.

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COOKing

Vegetarian Shepherd’s Pie A lighter alternative to a classic dish

BY EM MCCULLOUGH

Students are preparing themselves to return home for Thanksgiving break, which they know will be accompanied with endless questions about their relationship status and plans after graduation. It’s the thought of a hearty, home cooked meal after months and months of Ramen that draws people home. However, not everyone looks forward to traditional turkey and mashed potatoes.

category, then you may find that this Veggie Shepherd’s Pie is the recipe for you! With all the comfort and flavor of traditional Shepherd’s Pie, this recipe won’t leave you feeling like you’ve just gained 15 pounds. This is also a great recipe for vegetarians who want to avoid the usual Tofurky.

It can easily be altered for vegan and gluten-free diets as well.

The idea of the holidays is normally associated with family time and copious amounts of food.

For people trying to eat healthier or even just avoid the annual holiday weight gain, the overload of food can be a struggle. If you fall into this

With the delicious smell of cooked veggies and bright orange sweet potatoes on top, this dish is begging to be included in your Thanksgiving spread. Don’t worry about your family’s carnivores; they won’t even miss the meat!

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Ingredients ½ cup shredded Romano cheese (or vegan cheese substitute) 1 ½ cups vegetable broth 1 ½ cups chopped carrots 1 ½ cups chopped onions 1 ½ cups chopped mushrooms 1 ½ cups sliced celery 1 teaspoon black pepper 2 bay leaves 2 whole cloves garlic 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour (or gluten-free flour) 1 ½ cups frozen corn 1 package (12 oz.) Morningstar Farms crumbles (or substitute tofu or beans of choice) 4 medium sweet potatoes

Directions 1. Peel sweet potatoes and boil until soft. Mix in cheese and mash together, then set aside 2. In large saucepan, combine broth, carrots, onions, mushrooms, celery, corn, pepper, bay leaves and

cloves. Cover and cook until vegetables are tender 3. Add Morningstar Farms crumbles (or substitute) and mix well 4. Remove ½ cup of the broth, mix with flour and slowly add back to the vegetable/crumble mixture.

Simmer until thickened 5. Remove the bay leaves 6. Transfer the vegetable/crumble mixture into a 3-quart casserole dish coated with cooking spray 7. Top with sweet potato mixture 8. Bake at 375 degrees Fahrenheit for 20-25 minutes or until the potatoes begin to brown Yields 8 Servings To save leftovers, package in an airtight container and freeze! Enjoy!

Em McCullough is a junior professional writing major with a minor in environmental and sustainability studies and a member of the MSU Women’s Club Water Polo team. She loves tea, her cats Bennet and Aldo, and exploring the outdoors. She hopes one day to get a job that can support her and her houseful of pets.

Not just another showtime!

includes movie ticket, loaded fries* and a draft beer, Starry Night Cocktail or a Mountain Dew Frozen. * Loaded fries are subject to change

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COVERing

THE LONE

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Celebrating Thanksgiving

away from home

BY AMANDA KIMMEN

What’s not to love about November? This month brings colorful leaves, comfy sweaters and a much higher carb intake than usual. It’s the best time to indulge in that pumpkin pie craving, but also to focus on gratitude. As we all know, November is best known for Thanksgiving, where families gather to reminisce on the past and dream about the future while passing the turkey around the table and discussing topics like new relationships, current events and MSU football.

But, as you’ve probably discovered, life gets a lot more complex as you get older. It’s not as easy to go home whenever you feel like it, because you have to “be responsible.” Whether that responsibility is school or work, you may be forced to face the truth that you will be spending the holiday alone. Cue the world’s smallest violin for your five minute pity party. Okay time’s up, but don’t worry. Here at ing Magazine, we have come up with some turkey-filled alternatives for you to partake in on Turkey Day. We promise that you will still feel as festive and grateful as ever (and not to mention stuffed to the brim).

TABLE FOR ONE, PLEASE. Most people will immediately assume that spending Thanksgiving alone is devastatingly sad. Anyone who hasn’t spent the holiday away from friends or family may feel this way, but those who have, know that it’s not so bad. Sometimes it’s nice to have downtime, especially when you’ve been busy with stacks of homework and double shifts at work.

If you’re the only one of your friends staying on campus for the holiday, take advantage of your roommate-free time. No more doing your dishes right after eating,

sharing the TV, or waiting to go to the bathroom while someone is showering. It’s all yours for the next couple of days. Pure bliss, right? Even the kitchen is gloriously empty, with all the pots and pans at your disposal.

With that in mind, brush up on your cooking skills, put on some festive music, grab your adorable holidaythemed oven mitts (thanks, Mom!) and make yourself a Thanksgiving dinner.

Charles Robertson, an MSU senior, gave us a peek into what he would do if he was alone for the holiday.

“If I wasn’t at home for Thanksgiving, my activities for the day would really depend on my location,” Robertson said. “Assuming that I was in East Lansing … I would Facetime [with] my family for as long as I could so that I could talk to them and spend as much time as I could with them. Also, watching football is just a given. I’d get turkey from Meijer and cook that up along with plenty of stuffing and have a little Thanksgiving meal by myself in my house.”

If you’re the type of cook who burns everything (including ramen), don’t fret! The Annual Thanksgiving Fellowship Dinner is hosted every year for those lone turkeys out there with an attendance of around 200-400 MSU students. Share some turkey and get to know some other students living around campus.

FRIENDSGIVING Another awesome option is to gather some of your friends and host a Friendsgiving dinner. Junior Maya Arsneault told us just what to do if you and your friends are stuck on campus: “This year, I’m an RA and I’m on duty over

The Annual Thanksgiving Fellowship Dinner is hosted every year for those lone turkeys out there with an attendance of around 200-400 MSU students.

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Thanksgiving weekend, so I cannot leave Case Hall.

There are around three of us who will be on campus for duty, so we are planning to get together and order food for the holiday.”

It might also be really fun to try and make a Thanksgiving dinner with your friends. Who wouldn’t want to crack open a beer or have a glass of wine while cooking with some good company? Sounds like a party, but make sure to keep your eyes on the oven.

“Friendsgiving” can be just as real as the typical family Thanksgiving. The benefit to Friendsgiving is that there are no awkward questions from family about your life that leave you feeling uncomfortable. You also get to skip out on the lame jokes and political talk. Starting to sound a bit more enticing, huh?

JOIN A FRIENDLY FLOCK If the first two options just aren’t your style, then how about crashing a friend’s Thanksgiving? You still get to enjoy the family holiday, but with people who aren’t related to you (not to mention you get free food, too). It’s an interesting concept but Katie Bliden, an MSU junior, can confirm that it’s a great alternative.

“So, freshmen year, I didn’t go home for Thanksgiving and I stayed with a family friend instead and joined their family for Thanksgiving dinner. It was really fun, but it was also kind of strange because I’ve never been away from my family on Thanksgiving. Last year, I went to New York with a girl who lived in my dorm and we stayed at her house for Thanksgiving. I got to meet all of her family and spend time with them which was really fun. They have many different traditions than my family’s so that was interesting to experience.”

Who knows, maybe you’ll find a new tradition you enjoy, which you could introduce at your next family Thanksgiving.

These are just a few of the ideas available for you lone turkeys. Whatever you choose to do, whether it’s spending time alone, hanging with friends, visiting family or even just eating pumpkin pie and watching football, remember to be grateful and give thanks!

Amanda Kimmen is a senior majoring in Professional Writing on the editing and publishing track. She has a passion for health and fitness, and the gym is her natural habitat. When she isn’t working out, she is usually snuggled up with a good book and a cup of coffee.

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SAVing

TIPS FOR GETTING OUT OF CREDIT CARD DEBT

BY DEIDRE DAVIS

Having credit card debt that you are unable to pay off each month can be a scary and overwhelming feeling.

While we recommend only using credit cards for expenses that you are able to afford, the unexpected happens. So what do you do if you overcharge a credit card? Here are some of our suggestions: WRITE OUT YOUR LIST OF EXPENSES Similar to creating your own budget, write out the amount you spent last month and how much you made.

Figure out exactly where you’ve fallen short. Next, try to approximate your income for the next month. Of your remaining money, subtract your living expenses (rent, groceries, utilities) and see what’s leftover. Figure out how much you can afford to put toward the balance of your credit card each month to pay it off in as little time as possible.

PAY OFF YOUR BALANCE AS SOON AS YOU CAN If you’re carrying a balance, you’re going to pay interest on it. Depending on interest rates and your total balance, that interest can cost you. Try cutting back on some of your extra expenses. Maybe you don’t eat out for the next month

or maybe you cut your grocery budget back a bit. Do what works for you and your personal budget. The important thing to remember is that sacrifices can help you pay off your balance more quickly, create additional flexibility in your budget, and alleviate finance-related anxiety.

MAKE MORE, SPEND LESS Both will help you reach your goal of paying off your credit card debt. If you have certain expenses you cannot avoid or if you’re already living paycheck to paycheck, you might consider picking up an extra job. If that’s not feasible, try crafting and selling what you make or selling items you no longer use, such as clothes. If you want to spend less, try cutting back in areas you don’t absolutely need, such as cable. It may not be ideal, but it will help you pay off your credit card debt faster. Once you’ve done that, you can reassess your budget and determine if you can afford some of the expenses you eliminated.

Deidre Davis is the Vice President of Marketing and Communications at MSU Federal Credit Union.

MSUFCU’s headquarters are at 3777 West Road East Lansing, MI 48823. Contact Deidre at deidre.davis@ msufcu.org or (517) 664-7877.

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THE MANY SIDES OF BLACK FRIDAY A look into the different viewpoints on this controversial pseudo-holiday

BY VERONICA FINNISS

Thanksgiving is all about being thankful and having gratitude, but the day after is a different story. Shoppers come out in droves to battle each other for the best deals.

We’ve all heard the stories of shoppers going crazy and fighting over a limited amount of on-sale items, stories like women fist fighting and biting one another over a toy they wanted to get for their daughters, or of men punching and hitting each other over a gaming console at a reduced price. But what about the behind-the-scenes stories from retail workers and those who go shopping for the fun of it? What about the people who don’t go shopping at all, and instead sit at home anxiously awaiting Cyber Monday? This year, consider forming a different opinion of Black Friday by reading the viewpoints of others who have experienced the troubles, woes and big deals that come with this annual holiday.

When asked about what it’s like to work on Black Friday, Adonne Washington, who works at Five Below said, “I got there at 4 a.m. and worked until 1 p.m. It was crazy fun because we had never really been that busy all at once and definitely not that early. The people that came in were insane for being up that early. They literally came for everything advertised in our ad. So people got out of hand when we ran out of things that we were advertising, and they were upset with us. They would leave the store a mess and tear things open and put things back in the wrong places.”

Nathan Hird, who considers himself to be a casual Black Friday shopper, said that he braves the stores every year to get the best deals, but not necessarily for Christmas gifts like everyone else. “I never really shop for gifts for others, I usually only shop for myself. Like last year, I 12

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bought myself a 42-inch flat screen TV from Best Buy cheaper than anywhere else. It was only like $150.”

Recently, the trend has been to start Black Friday deals on Thanksgiving. When asked which day he prefers to go out, Hird said that it really depends on the deals. “For the past couple of years I have been going out on Thanksgiving, just so I can get the sales and get to the actual things I want before they run out.”

Some people, like Stavroula Varlamos, are adamantly against Black Friday shopping.

“I do not see any point to Black Friday shopping. My family members always leave early from Thanksgiving dinner to go and stand in line to get the good deals on Black Friday. It just has gotten to the point that Black Friday shopping is taking over Thanksgiving, a time to spend with your family. Plus, Cyber Monday is so much better because it does not interrupt dinner and spending time with your family. I don’t even have to leave the house to get good deals on presents for people.”

Everyone has a different viewpoint on Black Friday shopping. Whether you’re looking to do something for yourself, have some fun, shop for good deals or just take time to appreciate family and friends, everyone has their own thoughts and opinions when it comes to Black Friday.

Regardless of your choice, it’s important to consider the outcomes and don’t let it take over your holiday.

Veronica Finniss is a senior double majoring in professional writing and history. She enjoys binge reading and suffocating under mounds of homework. When she isn’t dying, she loves petting dogs on the street and eating sandwiches, burgers and carbs.

LIVing

Beauty products you’ll be grateful for this winter

Got the winter blues? Perk up with these major cold weather helpers

BY HANNAH SHANEBERGER

With fall coming to a close and winter knocking on our doors, it is time to start prepping for the long, cold months ahead. The winter months not only bring changes to our environment, wardrobes and lifestyles, but also to our physical bodies. Aside from contracting the latest flu that’s going around, the switching of seasons often brings an unwanted alteration of our physical appearance. Here are six personal care products for women AND men that will help you survive winter 2016 and hopefully make the transition into 2017 a little easier.

Head & Shoulders Itchy Scalp Care 2-in-1 Dandruff Shampoo + Conditioner with Eucalyptus I don’t know about you, but my scalp becomes so stripped of all its nutrients during winter and screams for moisture. I have found that this 2-in-1 dandruff shampoo and conditioner from Head & Shoulders really does the trick. I specifically enjoy the one with eucalyptus because it provides a heavenly, soothing tingle as you work it into your hair.

Dr. Bronner’s Pure Castile Soap – Peppermint My favorite product on this list, hands down, is Dr. Bronner’s soap. This 18-in-1 hemp peppermint soap is a game changer. You can use this product for various different things - body wash, hair wash, shave crème and even a shampoo for your dog! The peppermint soap provides a cool tingling sensation wherever it is applied, which is great for unwinding after a stressful day or to help wake you up for those 8 a.m. classes.

Nivea Cocoa Butter In-Shower Body Lotion This is probably one of the most ingenious inventions for lazy individuals in the winter. Lotion is one of those musthave products for the cold season to avoid dried out, flaky skin. But who has time for that? Not me. However, this

Nivea in-shower lotion makes applying hydration to your skin so easy that there are no excuses to having parched skin this season.

St. Ives Even & Bright Pink Lemon & Mandarin Orange Scrub A true staple in my everyday routine - not just during snowfall - this face wash from St. Ives is the perfect amount of exfoliant without being too harsh on your skin. Perfect for those with sensitive skin, this face scrub is not one that will irritate your face with any harsh scrub beads, instead it leaves your skin feeling fresh and rejuvenated. Its claims of evening and brightening your skin are truly not bogus.

After a few weeks of use, you will see a difference in the appearance of your skin.

Bio-Oil Specialist Skincare Although this product may be most known for healing scars and stretch marks, it is a godsend for skin care. It is said to help uneven skin tone, aging and what we all have when it’s cold: dehydrated skin. Simply apply to clean skin at night and let the magic happen while you sleep. After about three weeks of continuous use, you’ll see a much more radiant complexion on your face.

Vaseline Lip Therapy Cocoa Butter How could we talk about winter beauty product essentials without including Chap Stick? This Vaseline Lip Therapy is a lifesaver. Don’t just take my word for it, see for yourself!

Hannah Shaneberger is a senior who is double majoring in professional writing and history. When she is not at home exploring the coastlines of Lake Superior, you can find her spending too much money on the latest makeup, writing abstract poetry and hanging out in tattoo shops collecting new ink.

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FEATURing

CARE & BE AWARE Coping with Alzheimer’s

BY ALLIE WILSON

The month of November is most known for the Thanksgiving holiday. However, what many people do not realize is that while they’re getting ready for turkey and family time, others are saddened by the fact that this year just won’t be the same.

November is Alzheimer’s Awareness month and according to the Alzheimer’s Association 2016 Alzheimer’s disease Facts and Figures, more than 5 million Americans are dealing with the disease every day. Of that group, one in three seniors pass away either from Alzheimer’s or another type of dementia. It seems that a lot of people have heard of the disease, but not many know much about it or what happens when a person has it.

Alzheimer’s Awareness month is a great time to learn more about the disease and seek advice to help if you’re ever in this situation. Taking the time to educate yourself and learn ways to interact with people who have it will be beneficial in the long run. Utilizing any classes, seminars or informational meetings on the topic is important.

Rebecca Wilson, of Niles, Mich., has taken care of her mother since she was diagnosed with dementia six years ago, and she agreed that making yourself aware of the disease can only benefit you. “Research. Research the illness, but also your care options,” Wilson said. “I went into it blindly.”

Courtesy photos

Alison VanHoof (right) with her grandmother.

Derek Roberts (left) with his grandfather.

Rebecca Wilson (left) with her mother.

BE

Act. Donate. Get Involved. komenmichigan.org

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Often, when a loved one is affected by Alzheimer’s, it feels as though that person is gone. “My grandmother having Alzheimer’s has made me a more patient person.

Alzheimer’s really took my grandmother away from me,” said Alison VanHoof, a sophomore communications major and public relations minor at Michigan State University. “She passed away about a week ago, but truthfully, I think I lost her about five years ago.

Alzheimer’s made my grandmother forget my face and all of our memories together.”

Another good option is talking with others who have loved ones with Alzheimer’s. Chances are, they understand what you’re going through, too.

“It’s very hard to see someone you love change so much because of [Alzheimer’s],” said Derek Roberts of Battle Creek, Mich.

Understanding that your loved ones have no control over what is happening is important to remember when interacting with them.

“Don’t take anything to heart. It’s not their fault that they can’t remember you or certain things,” Roberts said.

“Laugh it off with them if they’re humorous about it and don’t make them feel bad for anything. Remember the good times and how they were previous to getting

Alzheimer’s. It’s the same person that you loved and knew before; don’t distance yourself [from them], and enjoy any time you can get.”

Advice to someone dealing with a situation like this will vary by person and personal experience, but the theme seems to remain the same: be patient and understanding.

“My advice to people dealing with a loved one who has Alzheimer’s is to try and be as lighthearted as you can,” VanHoof said. “It is so sad to see your loved one forget who you are and all your memories that you shared right in front of your eyes. I always tried to remind myself that even though my grandma couldn’t remember, I still could.”

While preparing for the upcoming holidays, it’s a good idea to slow down, be humble and be thankful for what you have. Cherish your time with loved ones, as it might not always be the same. And if you’re spending the holidays with loved ones who have been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s, be patient and make some lasting memories.

Allie Wilson is a senior professional writing major from Niles, Mich. She currently works in the Writing Center and is an intern for Espresso Book Machine. When her nose isn’t buried in a book, she spends her free time obsessing over Grey’s Anatomy and eating.

She aspires to be an editor for a publishing firm that specializes in young adult fiction.

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Photo by Stefani Chudnow

FEATURing

A good way to distract yourself from the stress of upcoming finals week is to write. Write a poem about your feelings or about combating those feelings. Maybe even write a simple list of all your current troubles.

Write about anything you want and in any form you want. However, don’t think about how good or bad your writing is; just go for it. Don’t omit something because you think someone else will find it stupid. Don’t think about how others will perceive your writing skills, because you’re the only one who’s ever going to read it.

“When people are excessively anxious, they’re usually caught up in circular thinking. At times, they cannot see solutions or other ways to handle their problems,” said Dr. Joel Cohen, a psychology professor at Oakland Community College and licensed clinical psychologist of nearly sixty years. “If this person were to write out how they feel and then look at what they wrote, this might break their narrow focus and allow them to see healthy solutions to their problems.”

A junior at Michigan State University told us how writing poetry helps him in a manner that’s very similar to what Dr. Cohen described above: “I write poetry mostly when I’m stressed out and need to get my feelings down on the page … It usually helps to calm me down so that I won’t do anything drastic or destructive.

It gives me something to focus on, instead of what’s happening inside my head.”

TAKE A STEP IN THE WRITE

DIRECTION When stress is overwhelming, here’s one way to cope with it

BY STEFANI CHUDNOW

C

lose your eyes. Take a deep breath. Inhale and exhale. Stretch out your arms and legs, then open your eyes.

November is the one month of the year where students think about how grateful they are for the little things in life: cozy sweaters, family dinners and friends to complain about those dinners to. Some writers out there might even be grateful about it being Academic Writing Month or NaNoWriMo (National Novel Writing Month).

Overall, November is a month where students are grateful for anything besides the ever-looming doom of finals week and the stress that can come with producing perfect final papers and exams. This type of stress can be detrimental to one’s mental health, not only during finals week, but also in the long-run.

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It’s not enough to write out your feelings and throw the paper away. Take a break from writing and come back to what you’ve written at a later time. Dr. Cohen advised that, “It is also helpful to look at this writing at another time … because this would give [the stressed individual] an even [greater] perspective on their problem and how to solve [it].”

Holly Bronson, a Michigan State University senior, spends much of her scarce free time writing for stress relief. “I absolutely love all types of writing, but as a [professional writing] student, I spend a lot of time doing technical writing. This often leads to me doing creative writing in my free time as kind of an interlude.”

If you’d prefer to write in a group setting with support from fellow de-stressers, Bronson co-leads the Roial Writers, which meets every Sunday in 303 Snyder Hall from 3 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.

In short, jot down all of your feelings when you’re overwhelmed with stress. Don’t hold back – otherwise this exercise will not be as helpful as it could be. If you’re angry, write it down. If you’re overwhelmed, write it down. If you want to punch someone in the face, write it down. Any and all writing is acceptable when it comes to relieving stress.

Stefani Chudnow is a junior double majoring in professional writing and the Residential College in the Arts and Humanities. In addition to ing, she is a stagehand at the RCAH Theatre as well as a devoted Broadway and television enthusiast.

WORKing

Photo by Cynthia Bezinque

LACKING PROFIT? ABUNDANT IN BENEFITS? How unpaid internships still matter to the budding professional

BY CYNTHIA BEZINQUE

Internships are a student’s first step toward working in their desired career field, places filled with the potential to expand upon professional skills. A lucky number of students are fortunate enough to acquire paid internship positions in the fields of their choice; however, many more students are accepting unpaid internships. But they are finding reasons to be grateful for those unpaid internships.

Ksusha Karnoup, a senior comparative cultures and politics major, had an unpaid internship at Chiefs of Ontario in Toronto, Canada. Karnoup’s experience was enlightening, she said. “I learned what working at an N.G.O. [Non-Governmental Organization] is like; I learned what the atmosphere is like and the politics.”

Karnoup was very grateful for the opportunity to work at Chiefs of Ontario and for the skills and knowledge she gained, which included “connections, experience [and] understanding the field.” Furthermore, she said that unpaid internships are “useful for channeling interests.

You need experience in [your] field, [it] was useful for that.” And these kinds of internships sometimes lead to jobs; when asked about accepting a job offer from them, she replied, “If law school gets pushed back a year or so, then yes.”

Joseph Kahn, an anthropology major, interned at 7C Lingo in Lansing. He said, “First and foremost, I gained research skills, and learned a lot about the e-book creation process … [I] bettered my interpersonal communication skills by interacting with my administrators and fellow

interns.” Kahn also commented that his internship was “one more credential” to add to his resume.

However, when it comes to selecting an internship for the summer or the school year, students consider whether it is wiser to gain experience or to accumulate an income by working at part time jobs. College costs a lot of money, and many students have to worry about paying for textbooks, living and classes. “If someone really needs income,” Karnoup said, “then [an unpaid internship] wouldn’t work for them… social sciences are unpaid. It’s more common for engineering, or lab [positions] to be paid.”

Kahn also shares similar sentiments. “I find it absurd how it is expected that people are willing to do unpaid work … I recognize that it is a personal choice, but when it become[s] a prerequisite for a decent job, it becomes an absurdity to me.”

However, both students still found reasons for gratitude.

They gained knowledge in their chosen fields, built connections with coworkers and supervisors, and applied classroom practices and theory to their work. All of these are things to be grateful for when developing a resume and hunting for a future position in an interest-specific career field.

Cynthia Bezinque is a senior studying professional writing, editing and publishing, with a minor in documentary production. She loves to sew, play tennis, and read. Board game nights are a thing in her family.

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PHOTOGRAPHing

HUMANS OF E

BY CYNTHIA BEZINQUE

MADISON POLITICAL THEORY AND CONSTITUTIONAL DEMOCRACY

What about voting are you most grateful for?

Looking at other countries, I am thankful to have my voice heard.

What are traits or skills a good president should have?

Compassion, personality, maturity.

If all candidates from history were on the ballot, who would you vote for?

[Secretary of State] John Kerry. Of all the candidates he really looks out for everyone’s best interests. He looks at both parties and makes things more moderate.

What political parties do you know of?

Libertarian, Green Party, Socialist, Democrat, Republican, minor: Marijuana Party, Anti-Federalist, just the ones on the top of my head.

What political party do you identify with?

Democrat.

What has been the most memorable quote from this election?

“I know more than the generals do,” -Donald Trump.

RICHARD PACKAGING

What about voting are you most grateful for?

The opportunity to vote. It’s my first election to vote in, [and I’m] looking forward to the opportunity.

What are traits or skills a good president should have?

Leadership, control the crowd (take charge of a situation), be open to listening to others, bonus: be liked by the people.

If all candidates from history were on the ballot, who would you vote for?

[President] Barack Obama. He’s made progress over his eight years compared to other presidents in my lifetime.

What political parties do you know of?

Democrat, Republican, Independent.

What political party do you identify with?

Democrat.

What has been the most memorable quote from this election?

“Build the wall,” in relation to Donald Trump.

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EAST LANSING JUSTIN PRE-PROFESSIONAL KINESIOLOGY

What about voting are you most grateful for?

To be able to participate in decisions.

What are traits or skills a good president should have?

Honesty, reliability, logic, common sense. Bonus: compassion.

If all candidates from history were on the ballot, who would you vote for?

[President] Abe Lincoln, for his honesty. [You] don’t have to worry about honesty in [his] politics.

What political parties do you know of?

Democrat, Republican, Independent, Green Party.

What political party do you identify with?

No party.

What has been the most memorable quote from this election?

“It [the wall] is gonna be huge,” -Donald Trump.

JENNY ENGLISH

What about voting are you most grateful for?

I’m grateful I can have a say in part of the decision-making of my country.

What are traits or skills a good president should have?

Respectful, rational, knowledgeable (in the way the country works, how the government works, current affairs), [and] how to make good decisions for the country.

If all candidates from history were on the ballot, who would you vote for?

[President] Teddy Roosevelt. He was a very kind-hearted, caring, generous individual. He was a great leader.

What political parties do you know of?

Republican, Democrat, third parties.

What political party do you identify with?

More Liberal than Conservative.

What has been the most memorable quote from this election?

“They took their country back, just like we will take America back. No games!” A tweet by Donald Trump in relation to Scotland’s Brexit decision (even though Scotland voted against Brexit).

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WICKED RETURNS TO THE WHARTON CENTER The benefits of Broadway and the people who make the production possible

BY DIANA NICOLETTI AND ELIZABETH WEITZEL

What happens when a courageous green witch with incredible powers and a spunky blonde with a sparkly wand cross paths? A three-time Tony Award winning Broadway blockbuster is born. Performed in over 100 cities and 14 countries around the world, Wicked: The Untold Story of the Witches of Oz is making its return to the Wharton Center for the fourth time since 2007.

For three exciting weeks, Elphaba and Glinda are back and better than ever as they share their story of friendship, hardship and life in the wonderful Land of Oz. Bob Hoffman, public relations manager of the Wharton Center for Performing Arts, is one of many eager fans waiting for Wicked’s return to East Lansing. Not only is the musical filled with timeless songs for any generation to relate to, the story’s theme can be appreciated by audiences everywhere.

“Wicked is really about learning not to judge,” Hoffman said. “[It’s about] learning to open your heart and learning that there might be a friend that is completely different from you.”

Other than what the storyline itself has to offer, Hoffman shared alternative benefits of bringing a production like Wicked to East Lansing.

if you’re not seeing Wicked, you might be feeling the effects of Wicked.”

Hoffman went on to state the grander impact theater can have on people. “You’re going to be introducing Wicked to a new generation of people who have never seen it before, and having them fall in love with something so powerful can really change lives.”

Hoffman then relayed a story of a Wharton Center volunteer meeting a fourth grade boy who had absolutely no interest in theater. After the volunteer showed the boy how his passion for carpentry could be seen on the stage, Hoffman recalled that, “It gave him [the boy] something new to think of. He could be in theater because he could build things with theater, which is what his interest was.”

Similar to the little boy’s new found gratitude for all that goes into a Broadway production, Hoffman stated the other positions we should be grateful for when attending a show.

“There are so many people that are a part beyond the stage, the hairdresser, the makeup artists, the stagehands, the dressers, the people who do the laundry … There’s a whole village of people that put our stuff together.”

In addition to ticket sales, Hoffman commented how the cast and crew spend their money at local businesses, an added bonus one might not normally think about. “Even

Ultimately, a Broadway show without its production team, makeup artists, costume designers and everyone in between is like Michigan State’s football team without its defensive coordinator, personal trainers or water boys.

The show would simply not go on. So as we thank the wonderful people behind the stage, make sure you don’t miss out on Wicked: the Untold Story of the Witches of Oz playing at the Wharton Center Nov. 9, 2016 through Nov. 27, 2016. Buy your tickets now at whartoncenter.com or call 1-800-WHARTON.

Diana Nicoletti is a senior pursuing a double major in professional writing and creative advertising.

When she isn’t typing away, she is jamming out to Fleetwood Mac and discovering new albums to spin on her record player, appropriately named Stevie. Follow her on Instagram and Twitter at @dnicks23.

Elizabeth Weitzel is a senior majoring in English and professional writing, with an interest in editing and publishing. She loves to put her editing skills to use as a consultant at the Writing Center at Michigan State. On game day, you can be sure to find her in the student section cheering on the Spartans.

“Economically, it’s great for this region,” Hoffman said.

“When you bring in a mega-musical like that, you’re bringing millions of dollars into the community.”

Photo provided by the Wharton Center for Performing Arts

SHOWing

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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