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Countries Without Borders // PAGE 4

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A name to remember page 6

Reflector

131st YEAR ISSUE 49

THE STUDENT NEWSPAPER OF MISSISSIPPI STATE UNIVERSITY SINCE 1884

MSU students host women’s leadership conference

by Vanessa Gillon Staff Writer

Jeffery Daniel | Courtesy Photo

Shawanda Brooks, Aaliyah Gaston and Roxanne Raven pose with the “More than a brunch” Womenʼs Leadership sign in the Union.

The Montgomery Leadership Program at Mississippi State University is a program where students are encouraged to take the role of leadership to the highest heights. The program urges students to think, recognize, and implement ways to improve the Starkville community and MSU’s campus.

As a member of the three-semester-long program, students are required to do a capstone

App provides sexual assault education

by Jordan Darensbourg Contributing Writer

Reach Out Editions, a new app to further the awareness of sexual assaults on college campuses, is now active at Mississippi State University.

Reach Out Editions educates students on the issues of sexual misconduct and sexual assault on their campus. It also provides support for survivors and others who are negatively affected by sexual assault.

Jack Zandi, a partner with Capptivations, the creator of the app, said he wants students to benefit from the resources the app provides.

“What we want students to take away from the app is that it provides resources, education and information, in an easy, intuitive way, that reduces the amount of inconveniences that a survivor would almost necessarily go through to get the help they deserve,”

Zandi said. “We can increase the chance they get the help they deserve, and if they get the proper help, they might be more willing to report. If there is a higher chance they report, there is higher chance that the criminal will get caught. The more criminals that get caught, the fewer total assaults there will be.”

Zandi said outreach is the key to the apps success. and that the app has been a positive influence on universities across the nation who use it.

“There are many ways for us to connect with schools, and likewise for schools to connect with us,” Zandi said. “While we reach out to many Title IX coordinators, we also are contacted by university staff members who’ve read about us in the news or have heard about us by word of mouth.

Once we’re in touch, we set them up with an easy-touse console, so that they are completely in control of the way the app works for their institution.”

Zandi also said universities can customize the app, so they can make the app’s design most compatible with the way they intend to use it.

When asked about whether any particular case of sexual assault led to the creation of the app, Zandi said there was no specific case that led to the app’s creation. However, Zandi said that when he and his Capptivation partners graduated from college in 2014, there were a large number of news reports covering the issue of sexual assault.

One case Zandi did point out was the high profile sexual misconduct incident at the University of Virginia in Charlottesville, Virginia, which was covered in the Rolling Stone.

“Unfortunately large swaths of that article were made up, which is a terrible thing because it was such a high profile case. Because the information was proven false, it certainly took away

credibility from other survivors who wanted to report their assaults in the future,” Zandi said. “So the more and more we read about the epidemic, the more we started to understand how severe it was, and it compelled us to want to help such a large population of people.”

Although the app is geared toward college and university students, Zandi said college students are not the only crowd he wants to reach out to.

“One of our goals is to help bring more awareness and understanding to this epidemic, that is plaguing not only college campuses, but high school and middle schools as well,” Zandi said.

“If more people are aware of warning signs of something bad about to happen at a party, for example, then there is a higher chance someone might step up and intervene in the situation.”

Reach Out Editions is available on the iPhone App Store and Google Play.

project to recognize completion.

Senior Biological Sciences major Shawanda Brooks and Senior Communications major Aaliyah Gaston rallied together and hosted a leadership conference.

The conference was open to young women ranging from high school to college. Even thought they never attended any type of conference like this themselves, Brooks and Gaston were eager to lead one on MSU’s campwwus.

“Aaliyah and I both were fortunate enough to have grown up with mentors and we wanted to take everything that our

mentors instilled in us and see it unfold and manifest in these young women,” Brooks said.

The event was at 9 a.m. on April 22 and once all of the girls were registered and accounted for, Regina Hyatt, vice president of Student Affairs, engaged the attendees in a “cool cap” activity.

The activity urged the girls to set aside all of their preconceived notions of popularity and acceptance and indulge in the day with an open mind.

The MSU’s Road Runners also assisted in the conference by putting the girls into groups for a campus tour.

BRUNCH, 2

Jack Zandi | Courtesy Photo

The iPhone shows the design for the MSU Reach Out Editions app that is now on campus.

Students prepare for post-graduate endeavors

by Vanessa Gillon Staff Writer

As the semester comes to a close, the 2017 Mississippi State University graduates are gearing to make their departure. For some, this time of year is welcomed with joy and excitement to finally close the chapters of a very long book, while others are nostalgic and unsure of what is next.

Some students will continue their journey in education chasing a master’s degree, while others will pursue internships or jobs in their designated fields.

No matter where life takes one after graduation, the important thing to remember is to utilize the tools MSU provided and face any journey head-on.

Communications major Alex Fava wants to encourage students who are entering

their final semester to not stress. Instead, she said to take a deep breath and know things will get done.

“For me, I feel college has taught me about time management,” Flava said. “I hope to carry the skill with me as I get ready to leave because I realize how important and significant getting tasks done on time is to success.”

Some students like Marketing and Communication major Rebecca Dumke, believes senior semester goes by very quickly.

“Sometimes it catches me off guard to know that in only a few weeks, I will be graduating from college,” Dumke said. “I hope upcoming seniors live up each second because your last semester will go by in the blink of an eye.” It is no doubt students come to school with certain expectations. Once those expectations are met

CONGRATS TO THE GRADUATES! JENN MCFADDEN, THE REFLECTOR

with trials and challenges, confidence may waiver.

However, it is important to remember to come to college with an open mind and a ready-to-learn mindset.

Senior Fashion Design and Merchandising major Fleshia Gillon, said she

wanted incoming freshmen to know the way they come into college can be a reflection of the way their college career will end up.

“Students should come to college with a clean slate and disregard preconceived notions that they may have

about college but to enjoy their college careers and manage their time wisely to lay the foundation for a successful four years,” Gillon said.

Communications major, Karice Clark shared her thoughts on how diversity and meeting new people has affected her college experience.

“Two words I would use to describe my college career: metamorphic and humbling,’ Clark said. “These past four years of college I have evolved as a person.”

Reflecting back, Clark said she was presented with the opportunity to form her own ideas and opinions about the world upon entering college.

“My view now is more complex than the black and white view I started with because meeting new people and seeing what they are experiencing and learning of

different cultures has been very humbling, I finally see the bigger picture,” Clark said.

Senior Political Science major and former SA President Roxanne Raven said she urges students to try new things and challenge themselves at every turn and to discard fear from their vocabulary.

“I think MSU prepares everyone to be a leader, whether you are in a leadership role or not, and that can mean anything from seeing someone drop something on the drill field and picking it up for them or being SA president,” Raven said.

In an effort to help those who want to make certain changes, Raven said she wanted students to appreciate every moment as though it is your last because your time is precious and it goes by quickly.

GRADUATION, 2

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Reflections

Jordan Patrick, Campus Connect Forecast (Department of Geosciences)

TUESDAY

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Mostly clear skies and dry conditions will continue through Wednesday afternoon. Have a wonderful last week of class bulldogs.

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THE REFLECTOR TUESDAY APRIL 25, 2017

BRUNCH

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NEWS CONTINUED FROM 1

Three high school path,” Gaston said.

Among the leaders who girls who traveled from The girls who attended spoke was Lateshia Butler, Holmes county to broke off into groups to compliance specialist from attend the conference be taught and encouraged the Office of Compliance per recommendation of by leaders who spoke and Integrity.

Butler their school counselor, on topics ranging from enlightened the girls on commented on their confidence building, the importance of having expectations of the event. drug awareness, how to confidence and how to Justice Grisby, Jemelya not fit in and leadership always use their resources Hudson and Marsha led by former Student for positivity.

Powell are a part of an Association President, After encouraging the organization girls to approach called PEARLS or everyone they Purity, Empathy, contact with love “My hope for today is that girls Awareness, as well as being Respect and comfortable in the gain confidence and realize Scholarship. skin they are in, “I think I Butler opened the they can do anything they set speak for all of floor for discussion their minds to as long as they the girls here of how social media when I say this plays a part in the continue to stay focused, plan event is a very boost or decline of important one for confidence. wisely and stay on a straight us and I hope we “I think social leave here today media is a good thing path.” with a boost in when used correctly, our self-esteems such as interacting -Aaliya Gaston, senior and to always walk with others and communications major in confidence, networking,” Butler said Grisby, the said. president of Butler ended PEARLS. Roxanne Raven. her session by reminding Cooordinator, Gaston As she prepared to everyone that growth is said she and Brooks know speak to her designated positive and even when what girls experience and group of girls, Raven one looks back at pictures after putting their heads commented on her role in from the past, seeing how together, they knew the the day’s event. much they changed, one conference would be a “I am looking forward can see a reflection of great idea. to talking to these young where they have been.

“My hope for today women about how “Stick to your pace is that the girls gain crucial it is to become and go at the beat of your confidence and realize that a leader,’ Raven said, ‘I own drums because only they can do anything that want to encourage them you know what places they put their minds to as to ask questions, become you want to go and what long as they continue to involved and become the it takes to get there, so stay focused, plan wisely best leaders that they can never look at others in and stay on a straight be.” comparison.” Butler said.

Thursday April 20, 2017 12:39 p.m. Employee reported her MSU banner account was accessed fradulently.

Friday April 21, 2017 12:21 p.m. Student reported being harassed by her ex-boyfriend.

7:54 p.m. Employee reported damages to a window at Giles Architecture building.

11:13 p.m. Student reported she was assaulted by another student in Oak Hall. Student Referrals were issued.

Saturday April 22, 2017 1:15 a.m. Non-resident/visitor was arrested at Dudy Noble Field for disorderly conduct, public intoxication and resisting arrest.

2:55 a.m. Student was issued Justice Court citations for possession of paraphernalia and driving with no headlights.

3:11 a.m. Student was arrested on President’s Circle for disregard to traffic device, DUI and possession of beer in a dry county. Student referral and Justice Court citation was issued.

GRADUATION

Senor Art major Kierre Dawkins said she encourages upcoming seniors to converse with strangers in a business environment.

She said students would be surprised at the opportunity a simple hello and handshake could bring them.

“The biggest life lesson I have learned while at MSU is to be prepared and that you have to have backup plans for your backup plans,” Dawkins said. “Write down reminders in planners, sticky notes, phones, or whatever’s necessary to remember deadlines and meetings.”

Dawkins said for students to know the classes required for their majors, and for them to be prepared to balance a social life with school.

Taylor Green, senior

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Communication major, said she is excited to use her skill sets she has obtained from college as a way to contribute to any team.

“For students who may be unsure of life after graduation, I would say life is about experiencing new things and going to new places so see this as a step closer to something bigger and better in your life,” Green said.

Ph.D. student and instructor from the Department of Geosciences, Claire Babineaux, said for graduates to respect themselves, honor their education, and enjoy life.

“My advice for the newly graduated: challenge yourself, ask questions, do what you love and love what you do, and if you don’t love

it, do not be afraid to change things up,” Babineaux said.

Assistant Professor of Fashion Design and Merchandising Caroline Kobia utilized her speech at the Fashion Design and Merchandising Senior Showcase on Friday, April 21, 2017, to sum it up best for graduates. Kobia began her speech by leading with an inspirational phrase she urged everyone to carry in their hearts: “bloom where you are planted.”

“Students, you have seeds of greatness inside of you,” Kobia said. “While you will face obstacles, know that they are only there to propel you to the next destination.”

Congratulations to MSU’s 2017 graduating class, your Bulldog family wishes you much success.

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THE REFLECTOR TUESDAY APRIL 25. 2017

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OPINION

THE REFLECTOR TUESDAY APRIL 25, 2017

Borders create division encounters during and after the war between Iran and Iraq, which took place only 40 years ago.

Zahed, an Iranian soldier, saves the life of Najah, an Iraqi soldier under unique circumstances.

Najah is bleeding and unable to move a muscle in an Iraqi bunker where everyone else is dead.

Zahed is checking the bunker and finds Najah alive and a special human interaction is shared. This interaction leads Zahed to save Najah’s life, instead of killing or abandoning him as the enemy.

“Right away he changed

by Roy Jafari Staff Writer

The last time I looked at a world map, I thought about how I have always lived in a world where countries are separated by borders. It was a surreal moment, as it took me back to my childhood when I perceived the borders of my own country to be as unchangingly factual as the darkness of night.

We all grow up with the mindset that there are two types of people around us: natives and foreigners.

We never stop to remember that countries are created throughout the course of history and their formation is merely the aftermath of the randomness of life.

We never stop to consider how the label of foreigner or native we use for everyone around us is as random as the rolling of dice.

Worse yet, we are so engrossed with our Jennifer McFadden. The Reflector everyday lives we fail to recognize how powerful into a human, not an enemy, and dangerous it is to hold not a killer. That’s what I these views of other people. was feeling. It looked like Categorizing people as for- an angel coming to me in eign or native, and treating the bunker,” Najah says them differently based on about the interaction.

After 25 years, life brings these labels, is one of the Zahed and Najah back detrimental causes pitting together, only this time as the human species against two people who are enjoyone another. We have killed people over this difference ing a normal conversain countless wars through- tion in Canada. After they out history and in modern remember how they know each other, they become times as well.

This realm of thought friends for life.

The power of this incredalways brings me back to a New York Times documen- ibly touching story can be tary called “My Enemy, summarized as a recateMy Brother.” The docu- gorization in the minds mentary tells the story of of two humans. The mentwo individuals and their tal category of enemy, or

“person from the other side,” changed to merely “another human,” and as a result, killing turns into caring.

Even more magical is how Najah, who is in a position of weakness, talks about his own perception of Zahed. Normally, under the circumstances, a person would believe the enemy soldier intends to harm us, and we thus have no choice but to defend ourselves physically.

Even though Najah did not have the choice to physically defend himself, the uniqueness of the circumstance brought him to look

at Zahed as another human rather than an enemy, which was the realization both of them needed.

What Jesus said in Matthew 5:39 follows the same concept. He said, “But I say to you, do not resist the one who is evil.

But if anyone slaps you on the right cheek, turn to him the other also.”

I think the core understanding of this verse is recognizing the quality of “turning the other cheek.”

If you wish to convey anger or spite towards the person harming you, turning the other cheek will not do that.

The figurative “turning the

other cheek” is only possible if you are able to look at the person who has harmed you as you would look at your friends.

The story of Najah and Zahed also reveals the injustice of war, specifically for those who are put on the front lines to fight. In the case of Zahed and Najah, two humans who ended up being friends were pitted against one another by their superiors.

Another fascinating example of individuals seeing the humanity of their supposed enemies other is the Christmas Truce, which happened in 1914 between Germany and France in World War One. Soldiers from both sides ceased fire to enjoy seasonal greetings and talks for the occasion of Christmas.

K now i ng all of this e n c ou r a g e s us to avoid underest imating the power simple words have over us.

Thinking of other people as “natives” or “foreigners” goes beyond innocent words.

These words have given us enough reasons, throughout history, to come together as insiders and fight against the outsiders.

Ekhart Tolle, a renowned spiritual leader famous for his best selling book “The Power of Now,” calls this “human madness” and reminds his readers humans are the only species that have killed one another on such large scales.

Giving up categorizing people as native and foreign can bring a new dimension into a person’s world, and make the world as a whole a better place.

“If Only They Knew... ...that they are beautiful, worthy of love, and that they’re fine just the way they are.”

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Vaping should not carry a social stigma

Chris Lowe is a sophomore majoring in business information systems. He can be contacted at opinion@reflector.msstate.edu.

W hen t he topic of vapi n g is brou ght up, t he f i rst t h i n g t hat comes to m i nd , for ma ny, is g uys i n bea nies, bra g g i n g about “ blow i n g fat clouds” a nd bei n g pa r t of t he “ Vape Nat ion.” T he ent i re tobacco vapori zer subc u lt u re is st i g mat i zed i n such a way t he people who do ut il i ze vapor i zers prefer to keep it h idden f rom ever yone.

People who vape, or vapers, suffer f rom t he sa me problem t hat pl a g ues a l l sor ts wh ich g roups: stereot y pi n g.

T he rowdy m i nor it y of vapor i zers def i ne t he hobby itsel f. T he d ifference w it h vapi n g , t hou gh , is it ca n leg iti mately help bet ter someone’s l ife.

It shou ld be more accepted a mon g t he genera l popu l at ion t ha n it is now, because i n t he lon g r u n , t he use of vapor i zers is doi n g soc iet y a massive favor.

L et me ex pl a i n.

Vapi n g m i ght be si mply a past i me for some, but its most usef u l pu rpose is to help smokers wea n t hemselves off n icot i ne.

For exa mple, a n a r t icle f rom I ndependent U K st ates, “ Vapi n g has helped a l most 2 0,0 0 0 people stop smok i n g.”

W hen buy i n g vape ju ice, one ca n choose t he n icot i ne concent rat ion , wh ich is t he si n gle g reatest feat u re vapi n g offers. T h is a l lows smokers to st a r t out at rel at ively h i gh concent rat ions, t hen slowly move t hei r way down u nt i l t hey a re usi n g ju ice w it h m i ni ma l a mou nts of n icot i ne, or even none at all.

T he wea lt h of f l avors offered a lso helps cre ate a much more appea li n g t aste t ha n t hat of st a nda rd tobacco.

I nstead of i n ha l i n g smoke, vapers i n ha le vapor i zed l iqu id , wh ich is probably hea lt h ier.

T hen of cou rse, t he t a r assoc iated w it h smoki n g is nonex istent w it h vapi n g.

O vera l l , wh i le

vapi n g m i ght st i l l be qu ite h a r mf u l , it is much bet ter for you t h a n smok i n g a c i g aret te a nd it m i ght h ave a h i gher success rate i n helpi n g people qu it n icot i ne t h a n ot her a lter n at ives.

C onsider i n g t he neg at ive publ ic st a nce on smok i n g , one wou ld t h i n k vapi n g wou ld be t a ken as a si g n a per son is choosi n g a hea lt h ier a lter n at ive for t hemselves a nd ot her s a rou nd t hem.

However, vaper s a re not usu a l ly v ie wed posit ively.

T he ver y f i r st com ment on t he I ndependent U K a r t ic le I quoted above , sa id about vapi n g , “ but ... you look l i ke a complete tool doi n g it .”

It is t h is ver y at t it ude t h at t u r ns people away f rom vapi n g. People do

“Overall, while vaping might still be quite harmful, it is much better than smoking a cigarette...”

not wa nt to be assoc iated w it h 14 yea r olds blow i n g smoke r i n g s , a nd t hey fea r jud g ment f rom t he i r f r iends a nd fa m i ly.

T h is is why t he at t it ude towa rds t he issue shou ld ch a n g e; we shou ld be encou ra g i n g smoker s to vape , not ost rac i z i n g t hem for it .

If ou r a i r h as to be f i l led w it h somet h i n g , I wou ld prefer it be n ice smel l i n g vapor as opposed to smoke a nd I wou ld a lso prefer i f c i g a ret te but t s d id not cover t he pa rk i n g lot of ever y est abl ish ment i n St a rk v i l le.

A s lon g as people a re not wa l k i n g a rou nd a reas con g ested w it h people blow i n g m assive c louds of vapor i n ou r faces , wh at poi nt is t here i n ca l l i n g vaper s loser s?

O u r g enerat ion is doi n g a pret t y g ood job not smok i n g i n t he f i r st pl ace , but for t hose of us who m a ke t he w ron g choice , t he best way out of it n icot i ne a dd ic t ion —vap i n g — deser ves to be t reated l i ke a leg it im ate a lter n at ive rat her t h a n a joke.

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Content is determined solely by the student editorial staff. The contents of The Reflector have not been approved by Mississippi State University.

CORRECTIONS

The Reflector staff strives to maintain the integrity of this paper through accurate and honest reporting. If we publish an error we will correct it. To report an error, call 325-7905.

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THE REFLECTOR

TUESDAY APRIL 25, 2017

Preparation helps students succeed during finals week

students with concentration.

Simple, instrumental Staff Writer music is usually best for concentration.

Food is also essential Finals week is the most during finals week because it dreaded week of the is hard to retain information semester for many students at on an empty stomach.

Mississippi State University.

Almonds, apples, Many students are up until blueberries, bananas and late in the night studying dark chocolate are tasty for tests or working on final snacks that help boost papers and projects. memory and are portable.

It is important to find There is also something to help help on campus for calm those nerves students who are through finals. “ Taking a few minutes to do having difficulty Simply studying with particular nonstop might something besides studying subjects in one help some students more of their feel more relaxed, helps to relieve stress over tests or classes. because being The MSU prepared means and projects” Learning Center there is a greater offers help for chance of doing several different well.

Taking a few minutes to do classes and appointments can However, studying or working for great lengths of something besides studying be made online via the portal time without planned breaks helps to relieve stress over on MyState.

The MSU Writing or periods of relaxation does tests and projects.

Breaks can be spent in a Center offers help for not work for everyone and is final papers and other not optimal for anyone. So variety of ways.

Exercise is one way to written assignments. it is important to find what is best for everyone during relieve stress and calm nerves. Appointments can be made The Joe Frank Sanderson online at the writing center’s finals.

Center is a great place to portal on the MSU website.

Finding a good location If a student does for studying is important for exercise and is free for all students. not have time during students hoping to optimize Going for a walk around fi nals week to go to an their time.

The library is open during Chadwick Lake is another appointment in person, finals week 24 hours a day great option for students who online appointments are and can be a great place to get need to stretch their legs after also available. long periods of sitting and Study groups can also be work done. of great help to students, The chapel is also a studying.

Listening to music while especially those who find peaceful place to study.

Students can often be found studying can help some it difficult to study on their

by Shelby Poindexter

studying in the chapel or in the much louder Colvard Student Union.

For some, intentionally breaking up studying time into increments might be helpful.

Studying a subject one hour a day for five days, for example, allows information to sink in better than studying for five hours straight the night before.

Jeremy Hinds | The Reflector

Mitchell Memorial Library will be open 24 hours a day during finals week and provides a quiet enviroment for students to study.

own.

Working with others can be helpful because everyone can bring different information to the table and exchanging information can help everyone understand the subject better.

Finals week is the

most stressful time of the semester for many students, but finding little ways to help cope with the

stress and maximize one’s time can make life during this week a little easier for students to handle.

Entertainment this week Wednesday, April 26th 7:00pm - 11:00pm Alabama Shakes

MSU Amphitheater

Thursday, April 27th 9:00pm - 12:00am DJ GLOtron

Cowbells Sports Grill

9:00pm - 12:00am The Hollagrahams

Rick’s Cafe Americain

9:00pm - 12:00am DJ Slick

Matty’s Starkvegas Café

Friday, April 28th 8:00pm - 1:00am

Bikini Frankenstein

9:30pm - 1:00am

Delta Springs

Rick’s Cafe Americain Dave’s Dark Horse Tavern

10:00pm - 1:00am Too Proud to Beg

Moe’s Original BBQ

11:00pm - 3:00am DJ GLOtron

Cowbells Sports Grill

Saturday, April 29th 8:00pm - 1:00am

The Weeks & The Lonely Biscuits

9:00pm - 1:00am

DJ Maddy G

Rick’s Cafe Americain

Matty’s Starkvegas Café

10:00pm - 1:00am Rhythm Rebellion

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Sunday, April 30th 6:00pm - 10:00 pm Highwater & The Girl Skouts

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THE REFLECTOR TUESDAY APRIL 25, 2017

Nuno Borges: Growing far away from his home

by Taylor Rayburn Sports Editor

While most Mississippi State University students are separated from home by a journey of a couple hours, for MSU men’s tennis player Nuno Borges, the separation is the Atlantic ocean and a travel time of a couple days.

The Intercollegiate Tennis Association has Borges ranked as the fourth best men’s singles players in the country.

Borges, a sophomore from Maia, Porto, Portugal, is a biochemistry major and one of the top-ranked college tennis players in country.

Broges has a 29-5 record in singles play this season.

Borges is not the only Bulldog having a successful year in tennis. MSU as a team is ranked No. 18 and has a 17-7 record, something Borges is quick to point out.

“It has been great for me and for the team to see how much we can achieve,” Borges said. “It is good because they push me so hard, and they make me like this.”

Men’s tennis head coach Matt Roberts describes Borges as a gritty player who works hard. He said he expected the success Borges is having because of the qualities he sees in him.

“He has a strong will to succeed,” Roberts said. “He has passion for persevering and succeeding through adversity.

He is hard on himself. He expects perfection, but he understands that if he fails it is part of the process, and that will make you better.”

Roberts said Borges is someone he has seen mature and grow on the court. He said Borges has learned to think his way through situations instead of trying to force them.

“He has grown a lot emotionally,” Roberts said.

“He has matured a lot. He still has his moments where he hates losing so much that he wears it on his body language too much, but he is learning how to maturely work through that and think his way out of tough situations.

When you try to force things, it puts a lot of pressure on yourself, but he really tries to use the power of his mind to think through things and have much more control.”

Borges played tennis from a young age. He started playing when he was six.

Borges said as soon as school started for him, he started playing tennis.

It was a long journey for Borges to get to Starkville.

Borges said the trip takes two days and is not easy, but one that is worth it.

Just over 4,200 miles separate Starkville from Maia, Porto, Portugal, and Borges noted two major differences between Portugal and Starkville. For one, he said, everything is bigger and the people are kind.

“You can see from the cars, from the people, and the stuff here, everything is bigger,” Borges said. “People are really nice here. I lived in a city, and people are not as nice. I really like the southern environment.”

For most, moving from a big city of 130,000 to a small town can lead to culture shock, and this does not even include the culture shock of moving across an ocean.

Borges said one of the harder things about moving so far is keeping in touch with his parents.

He said he mostly talks to them over Skype, but doing that can be hard with Portugal being six hours ahead of Mississippi. He said his parents are able to stream his games and keep up with his success on the court, but they do not talk about tennis a lot.

“They don’t really talk about the specifics, they are proud of me and what I have done,” Borges said. “I mean, obviously, they want more and I want more, so they keep pushing me and supporting me.”

Kelly Price | MSU Athletic Communications

Nuno Borges excels off the court as much as he does on the court. He was selected for the SEC Community Service Team for his volunteer efforts.

The current MSU roster has seven players from outside the U.S. However, Roberts said Borges and other MSU players adjust quickly to things at MSU. “I mean they get here and after two weeks they’re just like any other student,” Roberts said. “They get the feel of campus. They get the feel of our culture here.”

Borges MSU men’s tennis will be back in action for postseason play starting Thursday, April 27 with the SEC championship.

The championship is held in Knoxville, Tennessee and MSU will play the University of Alabama and Vanderbilt University on Thursday.

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Mississippi State University 2017 Spring Commencement Ceremony May 5th, 2017 at 7:00 p.m.

Processional begins at 6:30 p.m.

Doors open at 5:30 p.m.

May 6th, 2017 at 10:00 a.m.

Processional begins at 9:30 a.m.

Doors open at a 8:30 a.m.

Humphrey Coliseum *ALL BAGS ARE SUBJECT TO SEARCH* The University Registrar announces detailed graduation information regarding regalia, invitations, photographs, and marching instructions. This information is available at www.registrar.msstate.edu, under students/graduation for you to view and/or print.

Congratulations to all of Our Graduates!

*Graduates and their guests are expected to remain in their seats until the conclusion of the ceremony.*