THE INTERNET IS NO LONGER FOREVER UNDERSTANDING RETURNERS’ PERSPECTIVE ON SAFETY AFTER VIOLENCE ON CAMPUS CLIMATE CHANGE AND HOMELESSNESS
O C TO B E R / N OV E M B E R 2023
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PLUS! CURRENT TRENDS, ARTS AND CULTURE, AND MORE 1
publisher’s note
PUBLISHER Tiffany Dowling tiffany@m3group.biz MANAGING EDITOR Mary Gajda mary@m3group.biz CHIEF STRATEGY OFFICER Shelley Davis Boyd
The university isn’t the same, and neither are we. Dear reader, As we make our way through the first semester, the university isn’t the same, and neither are we. We won’t forget what happened, nor can we. As we enter into the new semester, we might need a little extra help falling into the groove. Our theme for this issue is one that we took particular time considering when choosing our pieces. We took many creative approaches, but primarily focused on resources we felt students would find helpful as we fall into the groove of the new semester. In particular, we compiled our favorite study places from across campus, went deeper into what the writing center has to offer and compiled recipes you can make in your dorm room.
SENIOR CREATIVE VISIONARY Kathryn Aspin kathryn@m3group.biz LEAD EDITOR Christopher Nagy CONTRIBUTORS Ilya LeVangie Claire Donohoe Abby Wisniewski Justice Seay Olivia Hans Amethyst Macelli GRAPHIC DESIGNER Sophia Straub PHOTOGRAPHERS Kyle Dowling M3 GROUP 221 W. Saginaw St. Lansing, MI 48933 P 517-203-3333
We also took a look at some current events that we feel should be getting some more attention than they are in the news and media, such as climate change on an international scale and who the first people affected are, as well as the latest surge of COVID-19 and what actions we can take to keep ourselves and our communities healthy.
SUBSCRIPTION The Current is owned by MSU Federal Credit Union and is written by and for the students of MSU.
As always, thank you for joining our conversation and supporting us. We appreciate you staying with us. Stay safe and never forget.
The Current, Volume #, Issue #, October/November 2023
Amethyst Macelli
The Current (USPS#020-807) is published monthly by M3 Group at 221 W. Saginaw St., Lansing, MI 48933. Periodicals postage paid at Lansing, Michigan. EDITORIAL OFFICE 221 W. Saginaw St., Lansing, MI 48933
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CURRENT Contents
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The Internet is No Longer Forever “Pure Michigan” Weather
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The Evolution of Halloween Costumes in the United States
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Understanding Returners’ Perspective on Safety After Violence on Campus
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From Cheer to CHAARG: A College Fitness Journey
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How to Stay Healthy Amid the Latest Surge in COVID-19 Cases Taking Care of the Young You
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The MSU Writing Center Meeting Writers Where They’re At
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Are U(AB) Ready? The Loud Privilege of Quiet Luxury It’s Not Just Ramen: How to Make the Best Out of Dorm Meals Falling Between the Cracks: The First Victims of Climate Change Calendar
Campus Life
Top 5 Study Spots
CURRENT Affairs
The Internet is No Longer Forever by Ilya LeVangie We’ve all heard the maxim “The internet is forever.” Our parents and educators have repeated the phrase as a warning against putting anything “unsavory” out on the web. However, what about the things we want to last forever? What about the art, music and information that has been made available through the internet and, in some cases, only exist on the internet? The internet is still relatively young in its existence, but it has become a dominant force in people’s lives. Billions of web pages exist on the internet, and only a small chunk of those are used in our daily lives. Over the last 20 years, the internet has seen some major changes in its landscape. From AOL forums to Myspace to Adobe Flash, we’ve seen internet
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staples rise and fall, despite their cultural impact. Currently we’re watching X (formerly Twitter) undergo massive changes, leading to what some are predicting will be its downfall under Elon Musk. We’ve also seen huge changes in the way people consume media like television and music. Streaming services have dominated the industry for the past 10 years. Currently, Spotify and Apple Music are the two main competitors in the music streaming business, while CDs have fallen from nearly a billion in sales in 1999 to less than 50 million in 2022. When it comes to television and movies, streaming services such as Netflix have completely changed the industry. DVD sales had fallen by at least 86% in 2019, compared
to their pre-Netflix numbers — although it should be noted that DVDs are still a billiondollar industry on their own. These extreme changes in the way we consume media are then highlighted when streaming companies such as HBO remove large sections of their catalog, some of which have no other legal means to be watched. Of course, this does not mean that there isn’t a way to watch these movies and shows, with illegal streaming sites being a dime a dozen. However, if you aren’t internet-savvy enough to avoid potential viruses on these sites, or you’re looking for a higher-quality version of the show, there may be no options for you. Beyond the major film and music industries, there have been many new forms
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CURRENT Affairs
The Internet is No Longer Forever of content created on the internet. YouTubers and Twitch streamers have become prevalent content creators in many people’s lives, and many illustrators and artists primarily post their art on social media sites like Instagram and X. There is also content that almost exclusively belongs to the internet such as alternate reality games, which rely on the specific nuances of using the internet, such as hyperlinks, personal websites and platforms like YouTube. All of this content relies on the internet landscape as it is today. It relies on the websites it’s hosted on to be up and running indefinitely, and in the case of changing codes and functionality, it needs to be updated with the times, which is not always possible. Time and change are causing pieces of art and culture to be lost on the internet. However, not all hope is lost with the longevity of internet content. Websites such as The Internet Archive and the Wayback Machine have undergone the huge task of archiving internet-related and non-internet related content in an attempt to provide digital archives. The work of these sites is monumental, especially when looking at the failure of the Library of Congress to archive all of Twitter in 2017. That being said, legal troubles abound with sites like these, and The Internet Archive is still fighting book publishers on the legality of their ebook lending services. In response to these massive changes in the internet landscape, and the apparently ephemeral nature of internet content, people have recently begun turning to physical media. In part driven by nostalgia, vinyl record sales have gone up from nearly zero, and Polaroid cameras have made a comeback. Physical media is perhaps about to start a real renaissance,
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prompted by the ways in which the internet has reminded us of its ephemeral nature. It is time to embrace the new reality: The internet is no longer forever.
... people have recently begun turning to physical media. In part driven by nostalgia, vinyl record sales have gone up from nearly zero ...
Ilya LeVangie
English and Professional and Public Writing
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‘PURE MICHIGAN’ WEATHER
CURRENT Climate
by Claire Donohoe As many Michiganders know, the colder months are a big part of the year. The fall and winter months are full of activities like apple picking, planning for the holidays, sipping on a pumpkin spice latte or even bringing your favorite sweater out of the closet to back-toschool season and adjusting to a new routine. However, residents of the Mitten can also find themselves facing a challenge at the turn of the weather. Seasonal affective disorder — known to some as seasonal depression — is a common experience for many who live where the weather gets cold and the sky grows dark early in the day. As the temperature drops, so can our moods, and it can get in the way of our plans, goals and hopes for the year. In Kim Ward’s MSU Today “Ask the Expert” article, assistant professor in the College of Agriculture and Natural Resources Hanne Hoffmann said that SAD is a type of depression related to changing seasons, and it is caused primarily by changes in day length and light exposure. Hoffmann said, “studies indicate that as many as 20% to 40% of people living at approximately the same latitude as Michigan experience some degree of SAD in the winter.” And women experience it “four times more frequently than men.” So how can people — as both students and
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Michiganders — stay on track both mentally and physically during these chillier months? For starters, healthy practices like getting enough sleep, regularly engaging in movement or exercise and consuming a balanced diet should be implemented all year round. Those susceptible to SAD are advised to also implement more vitamin D into their days. Additionally, there are plenty of things to do in Michigan as the leaves turn and snow falls. Grab some friends and go to an apple orchard, haunted house or hayride around Halloween time. Find some new sweaters; fallthemed comfort TV shows and movies; and, of course, anything pumpkin-themed. Winter months make space for picking up a new hobby, sports like skiing, snowboarding, hockey or ice skating, or even holiday celebrations and baking. Health is important all year round. Of course, while there are activities people can do to fill the days and spend time with loved ones, it’s important to address mental health needs as necessary. Consulting a mental health professional in addition to the activities mentioned above is also a good option.
The colder months don’t have to be so bleak. Whether you’re a pumpkin spice lover or just eager to bring your favorite sweater out of hiding, here are some things you can do to settle into a routine and stay warm!
Claire Donohoe
English and Professional and Public Writing
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CURRENT Trends
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CURRENT Trends
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CURRENT Feature
’ S R E N R U T E R G N I D N A T S R E UND Y T E F A S N O E PERSPECTIV S U P M A C N O E C N E L O I V R E AFT lli
by Amethyst Mace
them how sk a to ld u co I s pperclassmen a u y n a and mentally. m s y a ll ca to t si u y o h p d e th o ch b a I re rall well-being, e v o ir e s important to th t; t a u th o b k a in l e th I fe d y n e a th rned me down, tu n o different jobs, rs , e p rs jo le a g n m t n re fe Not a si campus with dif ties. They ti ss n o e cr id a t n re re a y fe e if h d T note. nities and have u m m co t n re fe if come from d are us. they could so n io ss cu is d a two groups as in m e th s a moren d a e a w w ie it t a th I interv so d they wanted an privacy and r e ’s v n e o n rs e e h p w ch in a p e jum be conscious of To . n o ti a rs e v n e their names. natural co d u cl in t o n to d ve opte boundaries, I ha
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CURRENT Feature
The Spartan Statue
The weight of February still sits heavy on the minds of upperclassmen. We were there. We experienced it. We are still living with it. While everyone is handling the trauma in their own ways and we’re all in our own process of when we want to talk about our experiences on campus that night, one thing is clear: Returning students want to have an open discussion about how Michigan State University was and is currently making changes on campus in response to the shooting. Last semester, it seems like the general consensus was that students wanted to do what they needed to do and hope the semester went
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by quickly so that they could start anew. But questions surrounding how MSU has supported students, particularly the upperclassmen who experienced it, and how it’s being handled this semester still circle. “How do you protect thousands of people from someone who feels no fear and has no reason?” a resident assistant in their junior year in the College of Agriculture and Natural Resources said. A senior majoring in physiology said, “No one’s talking about it. It’s not anywhere. Even the freshman, they don’t know why buildings lock after 6. They simply just know that they lock at a certain time. They don’t know the story
behind that and why they put that in place. It’s not their fault for not knowing, so it’s not like they’re ignorant about it; but at the same time, I feel like MSU should at least say something.” A junior majoring in computer science agreed, “I don’t think the building access makes me feel safer at all. It’s kind of just like, if someone wants to get into the building, they just wait until somebody opens the door. It’s literally that easy.” This is definitely something to consider, as we’ve seen posts from MSU saying don’t hold the door for someone or use your ID to scan people into buildings, but it still seems
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CURRENT Feature like some of the newer students to campus don’t fully understand why. Many can be found banging on doors demanding to be let in and then get upset when they aren’t most nights past 6 p.m. But card access isn’t the only change that has been implemented by MSU this semester. There has been an expansion of cameras across campus, mandatory active violence trainings and even metal scanners being put in at the stadium. But are these measures enough to make students feel safe? A junior international student in STEM said, “Did the shooting happen at the stadium? That’s my question. The shooting happened at the Union. It happened at Berkey. Why the hell would I want metal scanners at the stadium? I just think that’s a very stupid change. Like OK, and? I mean yeah, sure, you prevented a game, but I’m going to go to class thinking, ‘How the hell can I get out of this classroom with my life if something were to happen?’ And I think about how this has become like an instinct of mine when I go into classes that I wouldn’t have needed to develop if I had stayed home.” No student should have to question their safety entering a classroom, but for the younger generations in the U.S., those instincts are basically a part of the academic curriculum. A senior in animal science said, “Especially if you’re native to America, we’ve been receiving
active violence training [lockdown drills] since we were little children.” In one community on campus, the community director created a “vibe check” event for students that was widely attended. It was a space where students could come to chill, have fun with friends and just breathe. There was support available if students needed, such as therapy dogs and counselors from Counseling and Psychiatric Services. A junior in James Madison College spoke about if these vibe check events were helpful for residents: “I think that is was helpful [for] a lot of students. Like we had a big vibe check thing in the basement one day with a therapy dog and stuff, and a lot of people came.” They also said, “I think it’s hard because it’s like I also want to consider like those who are in like higher-up levels. They’re also still dealing with the fact that not only were their students unsafe but, like, they were also unsafe.” A residential housing staff member who has a background in clinical mental health counseling acknowledged that, for many, we are still experiencing the aftereffects of this trauma, “Although the shooting happened in February, we are in a crisis. … You’re going to be in this crisis for the next two or three years, perhaps more. We have communities that experienced similar instances that are still healing even
decades later. You may not always think of it, but being in a crowd and someone makes a loud noise, something dropped, we all get scared, triggering that moment of panic, fear of losing our lives.” It seemed like a common thing most students agreed with was that they appreciated the resources provided to them from lower levels of staff and the community around them; but when it came to decisions being made on an administrative level, it didn’t feel like they were being made with the intentions of responding to the needs of students or alleviating their concerns. Overall, it seems students either don’t feel safe or don’t know how to feel and are asking for the administration to consider these things and have an open conversation.
Amethyst Macelli
Professional and Public Writing, Arts and Humanities
No student should have to question their safety entering a classroom; but for the younger generations in the U.S., those instincts are basically a part of the academic curriculum.
Beaumont Tower
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o t r e e h From C e g e l l o C A : G R A A CH y e n r u o J Fitness e by Justice S
ay
Ready to go: Katelyn Naert hits the gym in style.
When Katelyn Naert was a high school cheerleader, she was always first to volunteer to lead the team’s cheers. Now a Michigan State junior, she’s built her life around leading fellow students in their own fitness journeys.
For over 10 years, Katelyn Naert’s passion has remained the same: fitness and sports, particularly those that allow her to yell. During her seven years as a middle and high school cheerleader, Naert was always first to volunteer to call the cheers. This meant during every practice, game and competition throughout the team’s monthslong season, Naert had to shout a deafening “Ready, ready, go!” to signal the beginning of each
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CURRENT Student of the Month
High energy: Naert beams before a cycling session
What she didn’t know was that her mind and body had yet to process a conclusion of the intense daily activity it had come to expect over the past decade.
performance to her teammates. Now a junior studying political science pre-law, Naert teaches spin classes at IM East and a workout group for campus organization CHAARG — Changing Health, Attitudes and Actions to Recreate Girls — in her free time. Her natural inclination toward leading in fitness shows no signs of fading out. Starting college on the tail end of a pandemic that wiped out her last year of high school, Naert had already grieved the loss of a typical senior cheer season. While she certainly still held her competitive spirit, she knew her time in high school sports had come to its natural conclusion. What she didn’t know was that her mind and body had yet to process a conclusion of
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the intense daily activity it had come to expect over the past decade. “I didn’t just miss competing,” Naert said. “I missed the workout routine I had. In high school, it was so nice to not have to think about what workouts to do, because our coach always planned them for us.” During her freshman year at MSU, the excitement of a new social scene, heavier course loads of college classes, academic clubs and intermittent gym sessions at IM West kept Naert busy enough. By sophomore year, however, the newness and novelty of college had worn off, and Naert found herself longing for the structure and release that was once brought about by cheerleading. “As we all know, college is stressful,” Naert said. “Working out is my stress reliever. It helps me study better, sleep better.” Searching for an outlet that would hold her accountable to exercise and provide a sense of community and female friendship not unlike that of her former cheer team, a friend who had once been teammates with Naert suggested she try CHAARG, an all-female exercise club with weekly workouts and socials throughout the semester. “I wanted to join CHAARG to join a community of like-minded individuals and to empower others on their fitness journeys,” Naert said. “It also gives me two set workouts a week, helping me establish a routine.”
In addition to one club-wide weekly workout, CHAARG offers members the option to participate in Small Groups — five-to ten-person groups led by fellow members that meet once a week. These groups, intended to allow more direct input on workouts and encourage bonding between members, are where Naert found her passion for fitness once again. “Before joining CHAARG, the weight room — especially at IM West — intimidated me,” Naert said. “My small-group leaders showed us how to navigate and use the machines, and now I feel so much more comfortable and confident. CHAARG has opened my eyes to a wide range of exercises, and I learned I like working out with other people rather than alone.” That spring, still riding the high of rediscovering consistency in her fitness journey, Naert heard of an open position for a spin class leader with IM Sports. Working the previous summer as a cafe worker at her hometown gym, Naert often attended spin classes with her co-workers before and after shifts. Come fall semester, she began taking advantage of free on-campus spin classes. “My co-worker brought me to my first cycle class; and even though it was challenging, I thoroughly enjoyed the atmosphere,” Naert said. “It felt like a party with all of the lights and music, and I wanted to bring that atmosphere to college in a fitness setting.” Naert was hired to start almost immediately after reaching out to the director of MSU Group Exercise, and after some safety training and the painstaking process of choosing playlist themes for her first classes — she settled on Pitbull, now a cycle fan-favorite — Naert found herself back in a fitness leadership role. She even gets to yell at times — her headset microphone is prone to malfunctions. “Since leading classes,” Naert said, “I’ve gained more self-confidence, studied better after coming home from class because of endorphins and met so many new people who enjoy cycle as much as myself. I love my cycle community.”
Justice Seay Journalism
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Celebrate International Credit Union Day with MSUFCU By Betsy Young, MSU Federal Credit Union Vice President of Marketing & Communications International Credit Union Day is October 19th, and it’s the perfect time to celebrate all the awesome benefits credit unions bring to college students like you. At MSU Federal Credit Union (MSUFCU), has a long-standing partnership with Michigan State University. Our main mission? Helping students and young adults like you build smart money habits and lifelong financial wellness. As the only financial institution located on MSU’s bustling and sprawling campus. MSUFCU has been serving the Spartan community since 1937. Over the years, we’ve built strong relationships with our members and communities, helping people achieve their financial goals and dreams; however, we’re constantly looking for ways to improve and expand our services to best meet the needs of our current and future member-owners. Students are a significant part of our growing membership, which is why MSUFCU takes great care and pride in offering services designed specifically for your unique needs. This month, join us in celebrating International
Credit Union Day and learn what makes MSUFCU stand out in the financial crowd.
You Have a Stake in Ownership Unlike banks, credit unions are not-for-profit cooperatives owned by their members. As a member owner, you enjoy lower fees and better interest rates.
Empowerment Through Financial Well-Being The Spartan Student Bundle is offered exclusively to MSU students at MSUFCU. When you activate your MSUFCU account, you’ll gain access to a world of financial opportunities that pave the way for your future success, including a Spartan Saver account, VISA Debit Card featuring Sparty, a Totally Green checking account, and the Financial 4.0 mobile app that offers financial education and wellness tips.
You Win, the Community Wins For every Spartan Student Bundle opened, MSUFCU will donate $5 (up to $20,000) to
the MSU Food Bank. Plus, when you open your MSUFCU Spartan Student Bundle, you’re entered into the Student Bundle Sweepstakes. This month’s sweepstakes is a men’s basketball prize package that includes a student section season ticket for the 2023-2024 men’s basketball season, a private tour of the Jack Breslin Student Events Center, and a private practice watch party for the winner and a guest. The sweepstakes drawing takes place Oct. 25.
Join us in celebrating the credit union difference and dream BIG at msufcu.org.
BETSY YOUNG VP of Marketing & Communications, MSUFCU betsy.young@msufcu.org | 517-333-2424 Headquarters: 3777 West Rd., East Lansing, MI 48823
CURRENT Health & Wellness
HOW TO STAY HEALTHY AMID THE LATEST SURGE IN COVID-19 CASES Taking Care of the Young You by Abby Wisniewski
For the past three years, the COVID-19 pandemic has seized the news, society and our daily lives. The virus infected tens of millions of people and killed almost 7 million worldwide. Yet, today, there’s hardly any precautionary measures being taken to prevent the spread of the virus. This is startling, given that overall cases are on the rise now that a new COVID variant has emerged. The new BA.2.86 (Pirola) variant is known for its high number of mutations, including its more than 30 mutations to the spike protein of the virus. The spike protein is what allows the virus to attach and infect other cells. These mutations could make the variant better at evading immunity than previous strains. As a subvariant of Omicron, Pirola is thought to be contagious. Scientists are still unsure about how fast BA.2.86 will spread due to how quickly the variant surfaced. In August, the BA.2.86 variant was found in five states, including Michigan. “I didn’t know there was even a new variant. You haven’t heard about it, like, at all. The media doesn’t seem to care to inform people,” Grace, a junior at Michigan State University majoring in microbiology, said. “I don’t think that [Michigan State University] is taking it seriously. I don’t think the media is taking it seriously. I do think it’s important that students become knowledgeable about
the new variant so that they can protect themselves, whether it be masking or staying at home. If it becomes necessary, getting the new vaccine.” Along with masking, it is also important to regularly wash your hands, socially distance and stay home when sick to avoid becoming infected or infecting others. With cold and flu season around the corner, these practices can also lower your chances of becoming infected with other seasonal illnesses. If you believe that you may have COVID, visit covid19.gov to find resources for free COVID testing. The new COVID booster is now available. Many insurance companies will cover the vaccine, and local health departments may offer the vaccine for free for people who are uninsured. Go to vaccines. gov to find out more about where to get the booster for free. Those with the highest risk of complications from COVID include the very young, the elderly and those with compromised immune systems. To protect yourself and those around you, it’s important to get vaccinated and keep up to date with boosters.
FAST FACTS •
In August, the BA.2.86 variant was found in five states, including Michigan.
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The new COVID booster is now available. Go to vaccines.gov to find out more about where to get it for free.
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Along with masking, it is important to regularly wash your hands, socially distance and stay home when sick to avoid becoming infected or infecting others.
Abby Wisniewski Professional and Public Writing
CURRENT Rotation
The MSU Writing Center Meeting Writers Where They’re At by Claire Donohoe Whether you need help with an essay, speech, resume or just want to chat through a piece of writing, the MSU Writing Center is here to support you as a student and learner. The Writing Center is a place where students can come together over ideas, not just writing. The six satellite locations across campus offer consultation and community, free of charge for all students. The WC practices meeting writers where they’re at. It’s more than just a tutoring center; it’s a place for development and community. Graduate assistant director Bethany Meadows described the MSU Writing Center as a “conglomerate of multiple locations [that] work alongside the community in various partnerships across campus, surrounding community and the globe.” Simply put, it’s a space where “folks can work together.” Meadows said what makes the MSU WC unique is that the space is centered in “omnidirectional learning from each and other collaborative moments.” Meadows, who has worked as a consultant herself, said the WC bridges the gap between community and
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education by exploring the needs of both the consultant and the client. According to her, it’s “not just going in [to consulting] for ourselves, but thinking through where we can be in partnership with both groups’ needs” and “educating ourselves to be better in that learning and unlearning.” The six on-campus satellite locations — McDondel, Brody, Holden, Hubbard, the MSU library and the main hub in Bessey hall — also work to strengthen community partnership efforts in the Greater Lansing area, with a partnership at the East Lansing Public Library and global partnerships with other university writing centers. Students can book appointments in person, over Zoom, via Google Docs or asynchronously. Meadows also noted that “anything [students] can think of that [they’re] trying to communicate effectively with someone else can be brought in for collaboration.” Consultants have seen personal essays, cover letters, art projects, resumes, creative pieces and more. Over 30 years old, the MSU Writing
Center is staffed with consultants of varying degrees, programs and academic years at MSU. As one of the instructors for WRA 395 at Michigan State — the prerequisite class for becoming a consultant —Meadows said the curriculum of the class helps tie everything and everyone together, with “interdisciplinary perspectives in relation to writing” being brought into the class. “Everyone brings their own life experiences.” Meadows also expressed that she hopes more students know that just because assignments are “getting A’s” doesn’t mean you can’t bring them into a consulting space. These spaces are designed to discuss your work, find friends and engage in community collaboration.
Claire Donohoe
English, Professional and Public Writing
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CURRENT Rotation
ARE U(AB) Ready? by Olivia Hans
UAB (or, the University Activities Board) is one of the most inclusive, engaging and event-driven organizations on MSU’s campus. Its objective, in short, is to bring students together by hosting activities on campus — but how has the rising amount of students affected its ability to manage projects and/or events? What has changed since COVID-19 restrictions limited its ability to cater to all? This fall, the University Activities Board is once again hosting events catered to all students. It has led undergraduate experiences on campus for many years, solidifying it as a multipurpose, authentic organization where students can increase their presence in the MSU community. While it is most helpful for undergraduate students to get involved, it is available for all students to use. And, as stated on its website, “membership is free and open all year long.” Members are seen all over campus working events and partnering with local businesses and MSU clubs. Their headquarters, however, are stationed at the Union, just a short walk away from Grand River and West Circle neighborhood. Senior student coordinator Andrew
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Miller Thomas has been a UAB member since his freshman year, beginning as a music coordinator. “It’s a different way to go about a college job,” he said. Since COVID-19, he’s remained a part of the organization. You’ve probably heard of the popular MSU poster sale in the Union, right? It was brought on by UAB. And, as students have come back, UAB has kept working on more activities that will bring students together, such as open mic nights, fall welcome movie nights, game day photo booths, trivia nights, homecoming brunch and more. What better way to get involved with the MSU student community than during a fun activity? There are about 50,000 students on MSU’s campus,
and UAB is one of the best organizations to get involved in. It’s no secret that enrollment has generally been up the last few years at Michigan State. Last year, we saw a surge of dorm abnormalities: rooms meant for two housed three and beds had to be stacked on top of each other. It was one of the biggest incoming classes to date.
Olivia Hans
English, Professional and Public Writing
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CURRENT Arts & Culture
THE LOUD PRIVILEGE OF QUIET LUXURY For society’s A-listers and onepercenters, gone are the days of designer printed tracksuits and “ludicrously capacious” handbags. Now, the new celebrity trend is to dress like normal people. Or at least what they perceive as normal.
Social media’s new It Girl wears ill-fitting jeans and a white T-shirt from the boys’ section. Her favorite shoes are frayed at the seams and look as though they’re covered in a layer of dirt. Her inconspicuous purse is crumpled and worn around the edges. Her outfit costs more than your annual rent and is being praised as this season’s mustfollow trend by Vogue. For society’s A-listers and onepercenters, gone are the days of designer printed tracksuits and “ludicrously capacious” handbags. Now, celebrities want to dress like normal people. Or at least what they perceive as normal. In reality, the closest these celebrities comfortably reach “normal” are pre-dirtied Golden Gooses — Geese? — and exorbitantly priced basic tees that allow an “I’m just like you” guise while still maintaining a level of unattainability that defines pop culture’s social hierarchy. So why is the new celebrity craze built around clothes that look like they could have come from the depths of our own closets? The answer is in the name of the trend. Quiet luxury is a trend created by the
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rich and for the rich. By wearing garments that pose as normal, but outweigh our clothes in both quality and price, the trend indirectly satirizes the dress of the average person. Those with enough money to recognize the hallmarks of designer items view the trend as an exemplification of the minimalism and faux humbleness that define this decade’s Cool Girl Aesthetic. Others who see these Pinterest-trending ensembles, but aren’t equipped with a fashion-keen eye, assume that celebrity style has finally become adaptable for the average person. Rushing to their nearest mall or mass ordering hauls of clothes from online retailers, they copy the latest paparazzied outfit of Bella Hadid or Sofia Richie in item-for-item dupes. As fans, however, we’ll never be able to truly emulate the quiet luxury of the elite. No matter how much money we spend or how similar looking our dupes are, we’re still missing a key element of the style: status. The effect of a supermodel in civilian clothes makes a statement. It says, “I reject my privilege. I don’t need expensive things to be cool. (Yes, my bag is Hermes, thank you for noticing.)”
When we wear these basic — and a bit unkempt-looking — garments, it says, “I, more or less, managed to get dressed this morning.” This type of unattainability is nothing new. Nearly every trend is first popularized in Hollywood and New York, where incomes and fame peak, and passing someone decked out in designer on the street isn’t uncommon. In fact, there’s nothing inherently wrong with this trend cycle. Those with status always have and always will naturally dictate what’s popular in fashion. However, the recent romanticization of the average person’s wardrobe — often restricted to what we can afford, rather than what we’d love to buy — is the antithesis of previous label-forward trends and begs a new question: Will celebrities ever acknowledge the loud privilege of their quiet luxury?
Justice Seay Journalism
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CURRENT Cooking
It’s Not Just Ramen: How to Make The Best Out Of Dorm Meals by Olivia Hans
Some students may think that, in a dorm, cooking is an idea that will yield only one thing: microwavable ramen. There are other ways to go about dorm cooking and living, such as perfecting the art of cooking for one, purchasing small yet efficient appliances and investing in quality small cookware. Making sure to make and create efficient yet healthy meals is important for student well-being and health. It’s important to realize that despite the changing circumstances of young adult life, such as moving to college, it’s not just important to eat healthily — it’s important to prepare students to take care of themselves altogether. Your little dorm room may have more promise than you’d think in this area. It’s not easy to cook just for one. It’s not easy to think of all of the appliances one would need in a dorm, even with a roommate: a mini fridge, a microwave, a Keurig Mini, the works. It’s also not easy for students to justify buying loads of ingredients for different meals throughout the week. But fear not, this article may help to provide some answers to the college dilemma of not knowing what to cook in your dorm room, apartment or otherwise, and hopefully on budget! Senior Chloe Lanning looks back on her use of appliances in the dorms, stating, “When moving in, my roommate and I supplied our own mini fridge and microwave. My junior year I lived in Van Hoosen, which was an on-
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campus [resident] hall apartment that came fully furnished and supplied with [appliances]. I utilized the stove, oven and fridge often when living there.” Pinterest, typically a social platform used to plan outfits, pin home decor and other aesthetic objectives, is also a lively place where home cooks post fabulous meals that are friendly for every kind of cook — yes, even students! One Dish Kitchen, a website that can be found through links on Pinterest, is one of the greatest resources for cooking for one. The website states, “One Dish Kitchen is a website dedicated to helping people cook for one. We believe that cooking for yourself should be easy, delicious and waste-free.” Utilizing this website, students can cook for themselves without resulting in wasteful tendencies. Small-space cookware, on another note, is just another idea to consider. If you’re not utilizing your university’s meal plan, getting cookware specifically for your dorm room or apartment is needed (and no, sometimes a microwave is not the only thing to use). An electric kettle, for example, can not only spur on your green tea fix: it can also sport boiling
water for pasta if you don’t have a kitchen in your dorm. An Instant Pot pressure cooker or small slow cooker are also good investments if you want those cozy soups, roasts or pasta dishes. And best of all — it’ll cook itself while you’re in class. If thinking specifically in relation to your very own One Dish Kitchen, one may also want to invest in a Le Creuset mini cocotte, which is safe for ovens, freezers and microwaves. If there’s one thing to remember aside from these ideas, it’s that some dorms have community kitchens. If you’re in a dorm that has such amenities, use them. Creating dishes that are shareable, if you find yourself wanting a specific from-home recipe, is one great way to meet others in your community.
Olivia Hans
English, Professional and Name Public Writing Major
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CURRENT Feature
Falling Between the Cracks: The First Victims of CLimate Change by Ilya Levangie The summers are getting hotter, the winters harsher and worldwide we are seeing huge death tolls after an abnormal amount of major weather disasters. Climate change is a global phenomenon that has become increasingly pressing as climate scientists’ predictions for the future get ever closer. Since the industrial revolution, humans have had a greater impact on the environment than ever before, and since at least the late 19th century, scientists have been observing the effects of climate change. However, it’s only in the last 50 years that the average person has begun to feel the drastic effects of this change. So far, 2023 is set to be the hottest year on record — previously a tie between 2016 and 2020 — and more extreme weather patterns have been observed all over the world in the past decade alone. In August 2022, one-third of Pakistan was submerged underwater in unprecedented floods. Cyclone Freddy hit southeast Africa in March of this year, breaking records as one of the longest cyclones
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ever recorded in human history. In North America, major climate events have occurred nearly every month this year. Wildfires have ravaged eastern Canada and Hawaii. Tornados killed more people in the U.S. by April 2023 than normal numbers by the end of a single year. Extreme heat waves persisted in the South during the summer months. In Michigan, seven tornados in a single night and a week of severe storms caused flooding, severe damage and left thousands without power. According to the Washington Post, more than 40% of Americans are living in counties that were affected by climate disasters in 2022. Along with loss of lives and injuries, homes and neighborhoods are being destroyed in these events. According to the Biden-Harris administration, affordable housing is more likely to be located in a flood zone, with low-income Americans, retirees and people of color more likely to be affected by the loss of homes. In Maui, where there was already a
... affordable housing is more likely to be located in a flood zone, with lowincome Americans, retirees and people of color more likely to be affected by the loss of homes.
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CURRENT Feature housing crisis due to the high cost of living, the wildfires have left thousands of people unhoused. The first people affected by these extreme changes in the climate are, of course, those who don’t have shelter. Over 550,000 people in America experience some form of housing precarity, including temporary and permanent homelessness. In 2022, 130,000 of those people were experiencing chronic homelessness. The people in America who are primarily affected by homelessness are BIPOC individuals and families, with Black Americans experiencing homelessness at nearly four times the rate of white Americans at 48 out of every 10,000 people. Native Hawaiians and Pacific Islanders more than double that number at 121 out of every 10,000 people. Nearly 40% of all homeless people are without access to shelter services, and live in places that are not safe for habitation. While it seems obvious that houseless people are the first people to be affected by unpredictable weather, the specifics are important. Currently, it’s unclear whether the most vulnerable populations are receiving proper warning about extreme weather, such as heat alerts. 91% of homeless people are living in suburban and urban areas where heat waves can be made even worse by the “heatisland effect.” In Maricopa County, Arizona, heatrelated deaths among homeless people nearly doubled in 2020 and 2021. Beyond death, homeless populations are significantly more likely to have chronic and mental illnesses and to use alcohol or drugs, all which increase their vulnerability to extreme weather. There has also been research to show that extreme weather events can cause significant mental health issues in homeless people, including post-traumatic stress disorder in direct response. Both climate change and homelessness should be considered global emergencies in their own right, and the time to take action is now. Every American is affected by this, and supporting work that contributes directly to ending these emergencies is the solution. There are many solutions, both immediate and long term. To mitigate the housing crisis, support policies that enforce equitable and affordable housing such as rent control and more protections against housing discrimination. There should be an effort to build strong and long-lasting infrastructure. Support funding for homeless shelters and housing assistance
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programs, prioritizing providing shelter first, while reducing the stringent restrictions that are enforced on the people who use these programs. In direct response to the clear threat of climate change and the increase in climate disasters, more funding and support needs to be put toward the disaster response such as the Federal Emergency Management Agency, and directly supporting state efforts to mitigate potential climate disasters in the future. This includes reinforcing existing infrastructure. There needs to be better pre-disaster response, ensuring that vulnerable populations actually receive proper communication and assistance in evacuation, if necessary. Ultimately, the community is responsible for the safety and well-being of one another, but especially the most vulnerable people in those communities. Houseless people are just as much neighbors and fellow community
members as the ones who live in the house next door, and their needs and interests should be represented. Listen to them, amplify their voices, call senators and representatives. Even if there is no immediate governmental response, keep showing up and doing the work. There can be no ignoring what and who is right on our doorstep.
Ilya Levangie
English and Professional and Public Writing
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CURRENT Calendar
ctober & November
2023
OCT. 17 & 18
HOSPITALIT Y BUSINESS: CAREER EXPO “ TAKING CARE OT BUSINESS ”
Various locations This two-day event connects top employers in the hospitality industry with students studying hospitality business. To register, please contact the Student and Industry Resource Center (SIRC) in The School of Hospitality Business: shbsirc@msu.edu or call (517) 353-9747. As a reminder, professional dress is required for this event. https://broad.msu.edu/hospitality-business/sirc/career-expo/
NOV. 05
SPARTAN SPEC TACULAR
Wharton Center, Cobb Great Hall | 3 p.m. An annual tradition for the Green and White faithful since 1971, Spartan Spectacular offers an exciting musical experience for the entire family. The unique program features a surround-sound performance by the Spartan Marching Band and highlights its twirlers, color guard, and drumline. Additional performances by the MSU Symphony Band, Jazz Nonet I, and other top ensembles from the College of Music make it clear why this concert is called spectacular. Generously sponsored by the MSU Federal Credit Union. https://www.whartoncenter.com/events/detail/spartan-spectacular-2023
NOV. 17
LEARNING ABROAD CONFERENCE
International Center, 3 rd floor | 1 p.m - 6 p.m. 8am - 2pm Co-sponsored by the Office for Education Abroad and the Office for International Students and Scholars, the Annual MSU Learning Abroad Conference (LAC) features presentations from students returned from international learning experiences and international students currently studying abroad here in East Lansing. Since its inception in 2012, over 300 students have presented at the annual conference. Domestic and International students from all academic levels—first year undergraduates to doctoral students—and a variety of academic disciplines have participated. They have utilized the LAC as an opportunity to share their education abroad experiences with fellow students, family, friends and the greater MSU community. https://educationabroad.isp.msu.edu/return/get-involved/learning-abroad-conference/
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CURRENT Calendar
OCT. 03 EVENT TITLE Duis a quam nec risus faucibus posuere. Donec tempor lobortis urna ac ornare. Pellentesque lacinia egestas urna, et tempor justo. Phasellus scelerisque pellentesque lorem, eu rhoncus mi scelerisque eu. Orci varius natoque penatibus et magnis dis parturient montes, nascetur ridiculus mus. Curabitur finibus turpis eleifend turpis finibus, at dignissim dolor fermentum. Website.com
NOV. 19 SP[ART]AN WELLNESS
Broad Art Museum| 2 p.m. - 4 p.m. Stress less at the MSU Broad Art Museum with this monthly making series by the MSU Broad Art Museum Creatives Council! It’s getting cold outside, but that doesn’t mean you can’t add a little green to your day. This month’s project has you get crafty with concrete, one of the iconic materials found inside the MSU Broad Art Museum. Pour, decorate, and plant your own tiny concrete planter. Registration for this free event is encouraged. https://broadmuseum.msu.edu/events/spartan-wellness-20231119/
NOV. 24 UNIT Y DINNER
Brody Classrooms | 12 p.m. - 2 p.m. Join your MSU community for an Unity fellowship dinner. If you or someone you know will be at Michigan State University this holiday break, we invite you to receive a warm meal. Kosher, halal, vegetarian and gluten-free options available. https://ocat.msu.edu/thanksgiving-unity-dinner-2/
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SPORTING EVENTS Volleyball, MSU vs. UM Oct. 18 Breslin Center | 6 p.m. Football, MSU vs. UM Oct. 21 Spartan Stadium | TBA Men’s Soccer, MSU vs. OSU Oct. 24 DeMartin Stadium | 6 p.m. Women’s Basketball, MSU vs. Oakland Nov. 8 Breslin Center | 6:30 p.m. Hockey, MSU vs. Penn State Nov. 11 Munn Ice Arena | 4 p.m. Men’s Basketball, MSU vs. Georgia Southern Nov. 28 Breslin Center | 6:30 p.m. Women’s Tennis, MSU vs. MSU Nov. 3 - Nov. 5 MSU Indoor Tennis Facility | TBA All sporting events listed are home games, 23 this list does not include all events.
CURRENT Campus Life
Elise Trost The top of Shaw Ramp.
@emersyntruong From left to right: Ashlee Dailey, Emily Evans, Emersyn Truong, Emma Olds and Raimi Soerries cheering on MSU Football.
@alexisplat_ Camille Lebon, Avery Gleason, Jenna Kafila, Andrea Farias and Alexis Plat enjoying the IZZONE Campout.
@katiebaedavis The alumni chapel along the river.
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Coryn Brinks On a walk.
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CURRENT Campus Life
@averyrose14 MSU volleyball photos.
@alyssagaralczyk Alyssa Garalczyk, Maya Dickhudt and Isabelle Winek.
Coryn Brinks Taken beside Berkey Hall, next to the Broad Art Museum.
Elise Trost Student section.
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Sasha Beloglazova Enjoying a bagle near the Beaumont Tower.
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JOIN THE TEAM! VISIT OUR CAREERS PAGE TO SEE IF THIS SEAT BELONGS TO YOU.
WWW.M3GROUP.BIZ/CAREER S
CURRENT Wrap Up
01. 02. 03. 04. 05. TheCurrentMSU.com
UNION QUIET ROOM Located on the first floor to the right of the West Circle entrance, the Union’s quiet room is one of the quietest rooms on campus. There are desks and comfy chairs for you to choose from, depending on your studying preferences. While upperclassmen are coming back in their own time to the Union, this might be a great place to begin reclaiming the space.
ART LIBRARY Located on the third floor of the west wing of the MSU Main Library, tucked in a little corner, is the Art Library. Its booth seats look out to the Red Cedar river — a perfect spot for musing about the aesthetic movement, calculus, biology or just your recent Spotify playlist. The study space is open for every major, every class and every age.
HOOKED
TOP
A combination bookstore-coffee shop in walking distance of Brody Neighborhood and many off-campus apartments, Hooked provides a cozy study atmosphere perfect for people-watchers and latte-lovers. With tables tucked among bookshelves, the smell of coffee and fresh baked goods filling the air, and soft indie music often drifting from the speakers, a study session at Hooked guarantees fall vibes that feel straight out of an episode of “Gilmore Girls”. Wrap up the week with their Fridays-only student discount of $1-off coffees.
BLUE OWL COFFEE CO. Located on Albert Avenue right off Grand River, Blue Owl Coffee Co. provides a local and comforting feel to the East Lansing area. The striking blue-and-black exterior coupled with the signature owl sign makes the cafe easy to spot. With vibrant colors, furniture and artwork, Blue Owl creates an atmosphere perfect for any study session. Choose between an assortment of coffees and baked goods, and you’ll be ready to tackle any work that comes your way.
Study Spots MINSKOFF PAVILLION The Minskoff Pavilion, located on Shaw Lane, is a space for students and faculty to connect and collaborate. The open floor plan and large staircase offer a variety of seating; and a full wall of windows lead to an outdoor patio, which you can find students on during the warmer weeks on campus. The building is known on campus for its collection of modern study rooms with whiteboard walls — a perfect space to study alone or meet up with a small group. The Minskoff is also home to a Panera Bread, where students can use combos to grab a bite to eat before studying.
Staff
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