THE STUDENT NEWSPAPER OF MISSISSIPPI STATE UNIVERSITY SINCE 1884
ORIENTATION 2022
137TH YEAR | ISSUE 24
Santosh Kumar T K | The Reflector
Jahari Bell | The Reflector
The Office of the Registrar is located in Garner Hall. Students may submit major change forms there.
Allen Hall is home to many departments, including the Department of Mathematics and Statistics.
How do I change my major? MSU advisers offer guidance
50 years of memories: Allen Hall continues to accommodate students
SAMUEL HUGHES STAFF WRITER
According to the National Center for Education Statistics in 2014, around one-third of students enrolled in bachelor's programs changed majors in the first three years of enrollment. 10% of students changed their majors more than once. Mississippi State University's advising faculty guides students through the process of changing majors. Haylee Crouch, adviser for the Department of Communication, encouraged students to overcome feelings of embarrassment or uncertainty and seek guidance. "It never hurts to go get information because maybe it only adds one semester to your time here, and you get one extra semester of what you love versus being stuck in a major that you're not happy with," Crouch said. After finding interest in
another major, Crouch recommended students meet with advisers from the major's department. Crouch said this gives students more information about both the department and major. In a change in major meeting, the adviser would inform the student of the new course requirements. Additionally, the adviser would ensure the student meets the GPA requirement for their intended major. Once all the requirements to make the change have been met, the student will receive a major change form. After the form is completed and signed, the adviser in the new department and the student's current adviser will sign it. Next, the form is sent to the Office of the Registrar, and the major is officially changed. This process can be done online or in person based on the student's preference.
TAYLOR STIGALL STAFF WRITER
In 2021, Mississippi State University celebrated the 50th anniversary of the construction of Allen Hall. The construction cost around $2.8 million to complete, and the building opened during the 1972 fall semester. Standing six stories tall, Allen Hall is distinguishable from the rest of the buildings on campus with its stone gray and rocky exterior. The inside consists of classrooms and lecture halls; however, this was not always the case. At first, Allen Hall was mainly used as an executive building that housed offices for various departments including the vice president’s and president’s offices. Gaddis Hunt, former vice president of business affairs at MSU, recalled Allen Hall’s earliest days. "It was a major administrative building. Along with the president and vice president, offices for finances,
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the College of Education, math, arts, sciences and a lot of other departments were located there," Hunt said. "It was just full of administration and classrooms. You could go into that one building and get most of what you needed done in there." Out of those, the Department of Mathematics and Statistics is the only entity remaining in Allen Hall today because the other departments have been relocated across campus. The old office spaces have been remade into classrooms and accommodate a variety of different subjects. These changes have turned Allen Hall into a staple at MSU since, according to campus tour guides, most students have at least one class there during their tenure on campus. Allen Hall is named after Henry Edward "Slim" Allen. Allen was exceptionally busy during his high school years. He graduated at 21 due to the number of jobs he worked. ALLEN, 2
Resources at Career Center prepare students for the future PAYTOn BROWn nEWS EDITOR
Mississippi State University’s Career Center provides resources to help students pick majors, search for career paths and prepare for interviews. Leslie Neal, director of the Career Center's marketing and events, said the center offers two assessments to help students discover a major that fits them. "The first one is a free assessment is called TypeFocus," Neal said. "TypeFocus is a personality-based assessment which means it'll ask questions based on your personality." According to Neal, the TypeFocus assessment provides a four letter personality type after being completed. "Based on those four letters, it goes into a lot of details about what that means for you as a person," Neal said. Neal explained the second interest-based assessment option, the Strong Interest Inventory assessment. "It's literally showing you occupations that align with your interests, and it's a very thorough assessment," Neal said. "That one is $20." Neal described how the interest-based assessment provides a clear pathway to potential careers based on one’s interests. "It compares you to other people who share the same likes and dislikes and then it tells you the professions that
Courtesy Photo | MSU Career Center
Leslie Neal from the Career Center
they are in and that they enjoy," Neal said. As for recommendations, Neal referenced the center’s Connections application as a resource for researching and preparing for future careers. "Connections is basically our job board that every student at MSU has access to," Neal said. Martha Jones, associate director of the Career Center’s employer relations and recruiting, also emphasized the importance of the Connections service. "One of the things that we want to do early on as a freshman is getting freshmen comfortable utilizing Connections but also coming into our office," Jones said. Additionally, Neal mentioned the mock interview available for students on Connections. "In Connections, they give you a mock interview, and it allows you to go in
there and pick the questions that you want," Neal said. "Perhaps you're going for a marketing interview, you can go into like marketing interview questions." Students have the option to meet in person or virtually with a staff member to prepare, or students can record themselves conducting a mock interview. "We don't even know how we appear to others when we're interviewing or what type of quirks that we have," Neal said. Neal explained how the mock interview works. "A lot of times, we'll ask questions to find out what job you are trying to apply to, and once we know that information, we tailor the questions based on the job you're applying to," Neal said. Neal said the most vital resource for freshmen is the Connections board. "It's a great resource to
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Kate Pratt, administrative assistant at the Career Center, is speaking to her co-worker, Courtney Eddy. The Career Center is located in Montgomery Hall.
look for part-time jobs, fulltime jobs or internships," Neal said. Students can set up an appointment to meet with a career adviser. "We have an adviser here in the Career Center for every major on campus, so somebody is designated to specific majors," Neal said. Kylah Hooks, a senior majoring in kinesiology, visited the center during her sophomore year hoping to clarify her career path. "This was a time when I was a biology major, and I had an idea of what I wanted to do," Hooks said. "This solidified it." During her appointment, Hooks said her career adviser explained the purpose of the assessment and helped her realize what she wished to gain from it. "I was basically trying to weed out different majors and career paths that I wanted," Hooks said. "It takes
about a week or two for them to go through the process." When Hooks returned to the center, she received a packet of majors and career options to choose from. "I think it was 10 pages of what I would most benefit from and what I'm most likely going to want to do in the future," Hooks said. Hooks said the center broadened her scope of possibilities. "She (Hooks' Career Center adviser) had programs from the (Mississippi University for Women) and programs from other schools that I could do and still be a Mississippi State student," Hooks said. Hooks said she found the center helpful when deciding her major. "I think I switched my major that week too," Hooks said humorously. Jones further explained how the center prepared new students for the inter-
What To Do in Starkville This Summer:
Welcome Letters News
Courtesy Photo | MSU Career Center
Martha Jones from the Career Center
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Events: ▪ Starkville Community Market Every Saturday from 8 a.m. to 11 a.m. ▪ Downtown at Sundown May 26, June 30, July 14 from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Activities: ▪ Canoeing, hiking, kayaking and biking at the Noxubee Wildlife Refuge ▪ Explore Starkville’s cheese fry options ▪ Walk along the Blues Music Trail
view process and finding employment. "For freshmen, it is also to prepare you for career fairs," Jones said. "A lot of students right now, they are very intimidated by the career fair." To overcome intimidation from career events, Jones recommended students to meet with a career adviser to prepare for interviews and to combat potential nervousness. Associate Director Jones said the center prepares students for the end game of finding full-time work. "We have employees that recruit for part time jobs locally in the Golden Triangle area," Jones said. "That's a way for them to gain experience." Additionally, Jones hoped to add listings of student worker positions to the Connections board. For more information, visit career.msstate.edu.
Donate: If you would like to donate to The Reflector, the link is located at reflector-online.com under the ‘Giving’ tab. Donor support directly funds student journalism.
THE REFLECTOR ORIENTATION 2022
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President Mark Keenum offers advice SA president greets new students for incoming freshmen Dear dogs,
Dear New Bulldogs, Welcome to Mississippi State University! This is the start of an especially exciting time in your life, and I want you to know that you are on a campus that will allow you to take full advantage of your strengths across a wide range of pursuits — in the classroom and beyond. Our faculty and staff are eager to assist in your transition to college and to help you chart a course to become whatever you want to be. Your fellow students come from every corner of Mississippi, every state in the nation and more than 80 different countries around the world. You will gain by living and learning alongside those whose traditions and experi-
ences are different from your own, and you will find that our reputation as a welcoming, caring, and inclusive campus is well deserved. Each of you has ability and promise, and I hope you will make the most of it to become the leader that your community, your state and your country need you to be. I will do everything in my power to make Mississippi State University the university you deserve and expect it to be. We are committed to doing all we can to help you make progress academically and earn your degree. I hope you will make the same commitment to give your best— in the classroom or in upholding our timeless values of integrity, hard work, and respect.
MSU President Mark E. Keenum
We’re glad you’re here and look forward to getting to know you better. And remember, go to class— every class, every time! Hail State! Mark E. Keenum Mississippi State University President
home at The Reflector and the Speech and Debate Council; I hope you find yours too. But, do not worry if you don't have the perfect friend group and "home" by the end of freshman year. I certainly did not, and there is nothing wrong with taking time to build your community. Above all, enjoy and cherish every moment, even those 8 a.m. trigonometry tests, because these days will soon be over. And, of course, always make sure to grab your weekly copy of The Reflector!
ALLEN After receiving a full scholarship to MSU, Allen majored in business and made money through a jewelry shop and newspaper company he established in his dorm. His graduation from MSU was only the beginning of his career as a salesperson. According to a plaque in the building, Allen wanted to give back to his old university and honor his daughter, so he donated $100,000 for the new administrative building being constructed on campus. Allen passed away in 1966, but he is still remembered by those who knew him. Charlie Weatherly, former alumni director, knew Allen during the student's time on campus. Weatherly attributed Allen’s
ories. One great way to make memories here on campus is through our oncampus organizations. You will encounter many organizations and groups during your college term, and I encourage you to get involved in several of them. The Student Association’s Freshman Reach, Senate and Judicial positions are great ways to give back to your fellow students. If you find these opportunities interesting, please feel free to send me an email at wkg38@msstate.edu or a text at 601-941-4367. I would love to discuss potential opportunities for you here or for college life in general. I promise you will make
Student Opportunities SA President Kennedy Guest
lifelong friends during your time here, and I am so excited you chose Mississippi State University. Hail State, Kennedy Guest, Student Association President
The Reflector Who are we?
As the SEC’s oldest student newspaper, we provide students with MSU and Starkville news, as well as provide journalistic experience for students.
Where can you find us? We publish our print edition every Wednesday. Find it on newsstands around campus.You can also read our articles online. Find us at reflector-online.com or any social media @ReflectorOnline. The Reflector EIC Heather Harrison
Hail State! Heather Harrison, The Reflector Editorin-Chief
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nickname, 'Slim', to his tall and skinny frame. "He was also very well known by everyone on campus because he had the rights to the class ring business on campus. So, he was around a lot," Weatherly said. "I would see him pretty regularly around the offices, and he was quite the character who was well known for throwing dice at Old Main, which was a dorm hall at the time." Weatherly said the site where Allen Hall looks completely different than it did in the 1970s. He said he remembered Allen Hall standing alone instead of being surrounded by other academic buildings. Roy Ruby, former vice president for student affairs, offered his opinions on the building.
"I definitely think it is a functional building in terms of classrooms and offices," Ruby said. "While I don’t think it is particularly a beautiful building compared to the other buildings on campus, I think it is more of a practical building for the many classrooms inside the building." Former Vice President of Business Affairs Hunt agreed with the general practicality of Allen Hall. Hunt said the university needed a large number of general assignment classrooms that did not belong to a particular department, and Allen Hall satisfies those needs. Henry "Slim" Allen’s namesake is still in use today on MSU's campus and continues to house multiple academic departments.
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Career Center, invited students to the center so that they could better understand the options they have when pursuing their interests. "If a student ever comes in and is like, 'I don't even know where to start,' they can always just come in, and we can help them get started– there's no need to feel like they have to be prepared or ready. We just want them to come in. We'll help them get prepared," Mills said. Mills said the most important thing to consider when choosing a major is deciding why the student chose to study the subject. MSU's Office of Admissions and Scholarships website can offer more information on how to begin the major change process.
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black student association An umbrella organization to help African American student organizations achieve their missions, purposes, and goals.
ISAB works to provide programming, initiatives, and policies designed to improve international students’ overall university experience.
black voices
latino student association
Established more than four decades ago, Black Voices is a Mississippi State group devoted to serving the spiritual needs of university and local communities through gospel music performances.
The Latino Student Association exists to bring the Hispanic and Latino cultures together at Mississippi State University.
linc program
F.L.A.R.E. F.L.A.R.E. is a student activist organization open to all members of the LGBTQ+ community and allies, focused on promoting a culture of equality, diversity, and inclusion on campus.
The Linking International Students in the Community program developed to foster cross-cultural learning, increase diversity awareness, and provide a support system for Mississippi State international students.
i.d.e.a.l. women
men of excellence
A program that focuses on encouraging and motivating women to establish and use leadership skills that will not only enhance themselves, but all those they come in contact with.
The Men of Excellence program works to encourage confidence, integrity, self-respect, and networking opportunities within the educational, industrial, and recreational communities
I.S.A.A. serves to unify and support Native American and Indigenous students, faculty, staff, descendants, allies/supporters, and those interested in learning about indigenous cultures and people.
national association for the advancement of colored people (naacp) NAACP works to improve the political, educational, social, and economic status of minority groups, eliminate racial prejudice, and keep the public aware of the adverse effects of racial discrimination.
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W H AT I S B U L L D O G B U N D L E ? In partnership with Barnes & Noble, MSU’s Bulldog Bundle allows students to receive required course material for all classes for a flat fee, regardless of how much each individual textbook or digital access would cost to rent or purchase separately.
T I P S F O R N AV I G AT I N G : •
All undergraduate students, excluding Gulf Coast Engineering, are automatically enrolled and provided access to all required textbooks, lab manuals, access codes and electronic book versions in a convenient bundle before
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All electronic books and access codes will be delivered through the student’s Canvas page. All printed titles can be picked up in store or shipped to an address provided for a small fee. All printed books, excluding lab manuals and workbooks, will be a rental on the students account and must be returned by the last day of finals. Cost of the Bulldog Bundle is $20 per credit hour and will be applied to the student’s account at the same time tuition is charged. Students will receive an email 30 days before classes start reminding them to verify and reserve their textbooks. At this time, students can choose to opt-out if they believe the
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can help identify and clarify interests in majors. Moore said the center recommends classes that will help students realize what they want to study while providing useful credits for most majors. The University Academic Advising Center has worked closely with the Career Center to help students visualize their future. Within the Career Center, the Strong Interest Inventory is an assessment that helps students connect their interests to a career path. The assessment costs $20. Once students find an area of interest, they can meet with a career adviser to discuss possible majors, career pathways and job outlook. Bethany Mills, executive director of the
international student advisory board
indigenous students & allies association
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MAJOR University Academic Advising Center is another resource at MSU that can help students find the major right for them. Lynda Moore, director of the UAAC, said the heart of her advising lies in identifying why students are declaring a major. "If they make a commitment, and they choose to make an informed decision, it's going to cost less money and less time," Moore said. "But if they're just declaring one because they feel social pressure to do so, then that's not going to make them happy in the end and they're not going to graduate within a reasonable timeframe." Students who are uncertain about their major can enroll at MSU as undeclared or pick a major they may have an interest in. An adviser at UAAC
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I cannot express to you how incredibly excited we are to have you at Mississippi State University. My name is Kennedy Guest, and I am currently serving as Student Body President here at MSU. Since you’ve picked up a copy of our incredible student newspaper, The Reflector, you must be interested in student life here on campus. Mississippi State University will present you with so many amazing opportunities during your time here. You get to experience gamedays with friends, late-night study sessions and more incredible, irreplaceable mem-
Welcome from the editor-in-chief Hello and welcome to MSU, new Bulldogs! You have made a great choice by deciding to attend Mississippi State University. This university truly cares and gives back to its students. Not only will you have a highclass education upon graduation, but you will also have memories and passions aplenty. I hope you choose to plug in and engage on campus in as many ways as possible. As I have always heard, there are over 400 clubs and organizations on campus, so there is a place for you to fit in. I found my
Incoming
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semester. If students do opt-out and change their mind, they have until the last day to add a course to enter back into the program. Downloading the My College Bookstore app will enable the tracking of online orders, as well as receiving rental reminders and B&N special offers. For any further questions please reference msstate.edu/bulldogbundle or email sm204@bncollege.com.
thrive scholars program Utilizing a supportive network and resources that promote academic success, professional and life skills, the Mississippi State University Thrive Scholars Program provides independent status students with the comprehensive support necessary in navigating and maximizing their college experience as they pursue degree completion at Mississippi State University.
promise program The Promise Program is designed to help by offering tuition assistance and other opportunities to entering freshmen and community college transfers from economically challenging situations. Students who receive The Promise Award, which “bridges the gap” between the cost of tuition, minus all other gift aid for the fall and spring semesters, are given academic support Students participate in The Learning Center’s Promise Student Support Program (PSSP) to ensure their successful transition to MSU. The PSSP includes credit classes, academic counseling, and student progress monitoring.
trio student support services (sss) TRiO’s mission is to provide supportive services for low income and first generation students with documented disabilities. TRiO is designed to help students overcome environmental, social, cultural, and academic barriers to higher education. Our program provides our students with resource information, academic instruction, tutoring, assistance in applying for financial aid, community, and support. Support Program (PSSP) to ensure their successful transition to MSU. The PSSP includes credit classes, academic counseling, and student progress monitoring.
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THE REFLECTOR | ORIENTATION 2022 | @REFLECTORONLINE
LIFE & ENTERTAINMENT
Personal Essay: How I found my place as a transfer student at MSU Jordan BroCK Staff writer
On my first day of class, I had butterflies fluttering from my fingers to my toes. 'What new adventure is ahead?' I thought as I entered Mississippi State University's campus that day. I started my walk from the Commuter East parking lot past the T.K. Martin Center. I approached the four way stop to see cars moving at a specific pace, one car after another, in the same order each time. I stood there and waited to cross the crosswalk, sun beaming on my head and wind blowing my hair into my face. I stepped my foot out, just for it to be taken back by the red Ford truck quickly approaching. I stepped my foot out again in hopes this time the cars would notice me, but yet again my foot was taken back by a black Toyota Camry. I stood at the crosswalk and thought, 'Am I really this invisible?' As a freshman, you are welcomed and accepted, but as a transfer, you are typically a junior, and you are expected to know everything from day one. The first day of school is always the hardest. From my parents’ car to my own car now, that anxious feeling I get when I close the car door is a feeling like no other. That first day of college was an exhilarating experience, but my first day did not start at MSU.
I started my college career at Itawamba Community College. ICC was the best two years of my life, but was cut short my last semester due to COVID-19. Everyone left for spring break not knowing we would never go back to campus. It was a daze. I never got the goodbyes, the final walk around campus, or even a graduation ceremony. I had high hopes MSU would be amazing. I went to my first class at MSU. I walked up to McComas Hall not knowing which door to use. I stood at the building map inside the building and looked for room 201. With each step I took, my anxiety climbed out of my head and into my stomach, toes and hands. As I reached the second floor, I saw a piece of copy paper taped to a wall with bolded numbers "201" and "204" and an arrow pointing to classrooms around the corner. There I found my first class. I entered the classroom and sat at a small wooden desk that could only fit only my laptop. Slowly, I felt the anxious feeling of being lost in a maze drift away. Sitting in that classroom was my first friend at MSU, Parker, who sat beside me. The first day of class was stressful; I had no clue what I was doing. Little did I know, my first friend would be a transfer student just like I was. After a couple of class meetings and correcting each other's
Intro to News Writing and Reporting stories, we opened the door to the room where you start to let details of your life trickle out. I soon learned that Parker had transferred from Meridian Community College to MSU. There I was sitting in my class and realizing someone else had the feeling of being a little fish in a huge pond. When I realized I was not the only person flooded with questions I was expected to know but did not, I realized how transfer students were swept under the rug. There are so many outreaches to freshmen, but not for transfers. I looked for ways to meet friends and get involved, but I fell short. I didn’t know about Cowbell Connect or any way to find organizations on campus. No one targets transfer students. After my whole junior year, I learned the ways of a university, but I wasted a whole year of opportunity— a whole year of new friends and college experiences. I rekindled an old friendship with my high school best friend, Payton. Payton had attended MSU for three years of college at the time, so when I told her how lost I felt, she stepped right in and helped me. Payton showed me the multitude of MSU Instagram accounts and how to use Cowbell Connect. This opened my eyes to the hidden world of MSU I had been yearning to find.
life and entertainment editor
Bettersworth Auditorium slowly filled with people anticipating the results of the 3rd annual Student Choice Awards. The ceremony is sponsored by Mississippi State University's Center for Student Activities. The Student Choice Awards showcased the university's best students and organizations. The award show offers a chance to hone in and congratulate the students and organizations that went above and beyond to create a great student life on campus. Sophomore Sydney Denton, member of Student Association Freshman Reach and winner of the Rising Leader award, explained the importance of the Student Choice Awards. "I just feel recognition means a lot on this campus because we're an SEC school," Denton said. "A lot of things can fall under the radar and to have a big year end sweep of 'You did something great and amazing and let's make sure everyone knows about (it)' is what's I think really cool about it." Students from various organizations and members of the Student Association announced the awards. Anna Katherine Thompson, the 2022 Miss Maroon and White, welcomed the crowd and began the night by announcing the Outstanding Residence Hall award. The No Title Needed award is new this year, and some people were confused about what the student would be recognized for. Even the award-winner, senior Ryan Jarratt said he won-
dered why he was being recognized. But, he said he reflected on his time at MSU and the things he accomplished and realized the meaning of the award. "It's intended to honor a student who's worked in an organization on campus, not necessarily as one of its official leaders, but as someone who, none the less, puts in a lot of time and a lot of effort and really dedicates themselves to serving that group," Jarratt said. Even though Jarratt did not hold a major position in Student Association, he said he award still recognizes him for the hard work he has contributed to the organization. "I'm not the student body president or vice president or director of policy or anything like that. But in kind of the different roles that I've had on Cabinet or in Senate, I've felt like I was able to do a lot of great work and my nomination for this award was kind of a testament to that," Jarratt said. Senior Sara Mae Brodnax serves as both assistant director of Bulldog Bash and vice president of Bully's Closet and Pantry Ambassadors, both of which won Student Choice Awards. Bully's Closet and Pantry is a relatively new organization, and Brodnax said she was thrilled these organizations won awards. "For Bully's Closet and Pantry Ambassadors, I think it's important to win this award because this our second semester as an organization," she said. "... So that's really exciting, and it kind of puts us on the map. And it also brings awareness to the pantry, which is our whole goal at the end of the day."
LIFE & ENTERTAINMENT sTaff wriTer
Landon Scheel | The Reflector
Senior Jordan Brock reflects on her time as a transfer student. She discusses her desire to help other students who are transferring to MSU.
I entered the first semester of my senior year finally knowing resources available for students and how to get involved. I was involved in multiple clubs at ICC, so I was excited to know how to maneuver MSU. I had to learn how to feel connected, make friends and get involved all on my own. The more time I spend at MSU the more I realize that there are some outreaches for transfer students. The Transfer Student Association is a place for transfer students to gather with people who have the same struggles of learning an entire new university. My senior year, I
joined an organization called the Involvement Ambassadors. The entire goal of this organization is to help students find their niche on campus. We are the liaison for the clubs and the student body. As an involvement ambassador, we host events across campus to help get students involved in something on campus. A helpful tool I found through the organization is to set up an appointment to meet with an involvement ambassador. A student can fill out a quick survey on their hobbies and interests, and when they come to the appointment, IAs can steer them towards a club or organization to call home.
I joined Involvement Ambassadors to help others who felt as lost as I did. I have grown to absolutely love MSU, and I want to help other students who see this school as just a place to attend class realize it can be so much more than that. My goal is to show students no matter what year you come to MSU, you can make this place your home. MSU filled a part of my heart that was missing. When I think of MSU, I think about how I can have all the lasts of a college student: a last walk around campus, a graduation and a final goodbye. I found a new campus that made me feel at home.
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Starkville's fashion scene creates statements but lacks inclusivity, style-savvy citizen says kaTie rainwaTer
2022 Student Choice Award winners announced Kerrigan ClarK
THE REFLECTOR | ORIENTATION 2022 | @REFLECTORONLINE
Fashion is a feature that can define the culture of a college town. Starkville is no exception. Students at Mississippi State University have varying opinions on the city's fashion and how individual trends have evolved over the years. At MSU, Fashion Board serves as the leading fashion-oriented organization on campus. Sadie Ogletree, a junior fashion design and merchandising major, is currently serving as Fashion Board president. She commented on women's fashion trends this year. "I'm seeing a lot more loosely-fitting jeans come back into style here, oversized things, puffer jackets, large sunglasses. Statement items are very in right now," Ogletree said. "Lots of color, lots of sparkle, lots of everything. 'Lots' is really in style right now." Ogletree said she struggles to find options in town to fit her individual style and believes most clothing stores in Starkville sell the same type of items. "Most of the stores in town don't have just a ton of different options," Ogletree said. "They all cater to the same Southern style, which seems to work for them: frilly ruffles, pastels, whispers of lace." Ogletree said she mainly shops online for
quality clothing that can stand the test of time. Her favorite clothing store in Starkville is George Mary's, which is located downtown. Anthony Burton, a senior kinesiology major, is a model for Fashion Board. He said most men's fashion has stayed fairly consistent: pairing long boots with jeans and a polo for football game days, oversized shirts and sport shorts for class and tennis shoes as their everyday shoe. Not many men stray from this style, he said. For those desiring to go outside the norm when it comes to expressing their personal style, Burton encourages them to simply go for it. "Wear something you want," Burton said. "Give the world the opportunity to understand a little bit about you based on what you are wearing." With Starkville adopting the boutique-style fashion currently sweeping the South, some female students said they are frustrated with the limited options they have. Abbie Holderfield, a sophomore criminology major from Birmingham, AL, said her biggest complaints about the style are the pricing and sizing. Those that do choose to shop in town can be met with upsetting restrictions. "It is sometimes harder to shop in Starkville if you wear (a size) bigger than a large,"
Jahari Bell | The Reflector
Like many areas in the South, Starkville has adopted a boutique style of fashion, fashion-savvy residents say. Pictured is Sisters Boutique & Clothing on Lampkin Street.
Holderfield said. "I also think the high prices of the fashion here can be an issue as it can, once again, exclude others." An alternative to shopping at boutiques is hitting local thrift stores. Thrifting allows more room for sustainable fashion at a fraction of retail price. Starkville native Mary Jones is the creator of Pink Plaid Vintage, an online shop made up of upcycled apparel, home
decor and accessories all sourced from secondhand materials. She emphasizes the importance of thrifting in a world of fast-fashion. "It is also operated in a much more ethical way," said Jones, who sews every one-of-a-kind piece from Pink Plaid Vintage. She said failure to find certain styles could lead to new fashion opportunities. "I know it can often-
times be difficult to find specifics within the thrifts, so open your mind, get creative with pieces you may not normally wear," Jones said. "You can also add and take away from these items to make your own." The Starkville fashion scene has the potential of evolving, fashion enthusiasts say, but it will require an active pursuit and community engagement. In the past few
years, the current style has sold well. Why would Starkville try to fix what is not broken? Fashion Board President Ogletree shared her hopes for fashion style changes in the city. "I hope Starkville gets more diverse clothing options in the next few years, but this is quite the boutique town," Ogletree said. "It is very Mississippi-style clothing, and it works for them."
Starkville music scene back in action after COVID-19 Lizzie TomLin sTaff wriTer
Courtesy Photo | Center for Student Activities
The Student Choice Awards highlights the best students and organizations on campus during the school year. The awards were voted on by their fellow students.
Student Choice Awards Winners Outstanding Residence Hall Award: Hathorn Hall Professional Development Event of the Year: Planner Party by Delta Gamma Excellence in Graphic Design: Anna Grace Hand Advisor of the Year: Chad Dacus Excellence in Collaboration: Charity Bowl: Kappa Sigma and Sigma Chi Outstanding Photographer: Sarah Triplett Social Awareness Event of the Year: Lunch with Bully by Bully’s Pantry and Closet Ambassadors No Title Needed Award: Ryan Jarratt NPC Greek Organization of the Year: Delta Gamma NPHC Green Organization of the Year: Delta Sigma Theta, Inc. IFC Greek Organization of the Year: Sigma Chi MGC Greek Organization of the Year: Sigma Lamda, Fraternity, Inc. Rising Leader Award: Sydney Denton President of the Year: Garrett Smith Event of the Year: Bulldog Bash Registered Organization of the Year: Hands and Feet at MSU Sponsored Organization of the Year: New Maroon Camp
As COVID-19 restrictions come to an end, live music and studio sessions are finally making a comeback in Starkville. Venues like Moe's Original BBQ, Rick's Cafe and Nine-Twentynine Coffee Bar have been hosting live performers and Mississippi State University has sponsored multiple live music events. Starkville houses a variety of music genres and creators. The diversity spans from electronic DJs to old school bluegrass bands. As the local music scene expands, there are many artists eager to entertain the Starkville community. Bad Data, a local band in the area, has experience with the music scene before and after COVID-19 restrictions. Bass player Susie Hunt described her experiences with Starkville residents and visitors as her primary audience. "I think audiences in Starkville, even preCOVID, tend to be pretty receptive. Depending on the venue, you will get people who you can tell are really excited to be there," she said. As someone who has played in the local music scene for many years, Hunt compared her perspective from before and after the pandemic. "I feel like after COVID I have seen more student bands. I think there is still the issue that there was before COVID, which is that there aren't necessarily a lot of places to play," she said. Due to the small amount of live music
Courtesy Photo | Kelli Jacobs
Trevor Wycoff, Hunter Walt, Susie Hunt, and Theodore Brocato are in local band Bad Data. They returned to performing in person after the COVID-19 pandemic. Pictured is a performance at Nine-Twentynine Coffee Bar.
venues, many artists have concerns about their opportunities to play. Elone, another local artist, creates music that mixes hyperpop and underground Soundcloud rap. He describes his shared struggle to find venues to play his music. "Venues in Starkville tend to support bands and a small margin of genres. It is very rare that you see a local solo artist performing, and even more rare to see someone in our community playing live here. I think there is room for
expansion, and I think there is always progress," he said. Though Starkville may have an issue providing venues, there is no shortage of community between musicians, Elone said. "I am a local," Elone said. "A lot of the people I have met in Starkville that make similar music to mine and record with me are my friends. It's something we do for fun and putting it out on streaming platforms is something we do when we hang out. The commu-
nity is small enough that we all know each other and can work together to make music." Make it To May, a new punk rock band, is composed of students from Mississippi State University. Freshman communication major Julian Dedeaux, a member of Make it To May, has just recently broken into the local music scene. He describes what he has seen in the community. "There is so much potential; there are so many musicians here," he said. Dedeaux describes
how local music is supported in the community. "Because of generous business owners like Rick from Rick's Cafe, Hobie (Hobie's On Main owner) and the others that have bars here, bands can have a chance," Dedeaux said. Though there is a large circle of local artists, they need support from the community to continue playing their music. Music lovers are encouraged to buy band merchandise, attend live events, stream their songs, and follow their
social media. Dedeaux said live music should be incorporated in the more casual side of nightlife. He suggests hiring local artists to perform at parties and events in replacement of a pre-made playlist and a speaker. Dedeaux summarizes how Starkville residents can support local artists. "Simply put, the best way to support local bands is showing up to our stuff. Follow our social media and come support our gigs," Dedeaux said.
THE REFLECTOR | ORIENTATION 2022 | @REFLECTORONLINE
6
OPINION
The Great Parking Permit Debate Outlaw Parking: AV permit, commitment makes parking a breeze
LUKE COPLEY is a junior majoring in English. Contact them at opinion@reflector.msstate.edu
If I had had a choice, I would have chosen differently. No one wakes up in the morning and feels proud of their Any Valid Permit. It is the leftover French fries of parking passes. I bought a car in August 2021, long after parking passes had gone on sale, and I did not officially inform the government about it until late September. They granted me a license plate number, and only then could I buy a parking pass. I went to the parking services office during the third week of classes, so when they of-
Photo by Santosh Kumar T K, Integrated illustation by Dontae Ball | The Reflector
Any Valid permit lots are available for use for any parking pass. Committed individuals purchase a permit exclusively for AV lot.
fered me the Any Valid Permit, it was my only option. I left buzzing, grateful to be allowed to park on campus at all. The only surface level benefit of the AV permit is the fact that it is relatively
cheaper than other parking passes. According to Mississippi State University Parking and Transit Services, an AV permit is $58 cheaper than the resident parking passes and $45 cheaper than the commuter
permits. Congratulations, those savings just paid for the parking ticket you will inevitably get during your time here. The AV pass grants you access to the scattered overflow lots planted on
random spots around campus. Anyone with an MSU parking pass can park in them. According to the MSU parking zones map, there are 24 Any Valid Permit lots on the grounds. They can be a bit of a trek. A large gravel lot is laid beside the music buildings, accessible only by the dead end street that runs beside the Commuter East lots. There is a large one on Hardy Road near the Kent Sills Band Hall. Another sits in the far reaches of the map beside Nusz Park. They are sparse and mostly well over a half a mile from the center of the drill field, which is not great. None of this pitch will be "great." I promise, though, it will earn that rare and earnest description that eludes public transit systems, airport schedules and families across the country: functional. Good morning, it is 9:30 am and you are leaving late for class in Carpenter Hall.
If you have commuter pass, plan A is check for available spots in your assigned lot. Usually that works out fine, especially in the middle of the semester when students less committed than you skip class more often. However, in the beginning of the semester, the parking lots suffer the same fate as gyms during January. A sudden influx of students convincing themselves to turn over a new leaf devastates the delicate ecosystems of the parking lots. The same thing happens at the end of the semester when people realize they have D's and on days when the weather is good by Mississippi standards. Good morning, it is 8:40 am, and you are stuck behind a Toyota Camry that is scanning the parking lot at a speed that you could beat walking, a parking lot that you know, deep down, is certainly full. ANY VALID PERMIT, 8
Call it like it is: The Commuter East parking permit reigns supreme
LIZZIE TOMLIN is a sophomore majoring in communication and political science. Contact them at opinion@reflector.msstate.edu
Last semester, I began my day in a haste, cramming for a quiz I had at 8 a.m. After waking up late, I wasted no time shuffling everything in my car and embarking on the journey from my apartment to class. As someone who grew up in Starkville, I am experienced in the art of parking on Mississippi State University's campus. I always allot at least 30 minutes of my morning to secure a parking spot. That morning, though rushed, was no different.
I got to campus with half an hour to spare and began driving from lot to lot trying to find a spot in my respective zone. Unfortunately, every spot was either taken or reserved and the clock struck 8 a.m. I was unable to make up my quiz and was left flustered behind the wheel. As I drove off the campus I made a discovery. I had driven past an entire gravel parking lot, hidden from the busy roads, empty aside from a few cars with a glistening sign that read "Commuter East Parking." Commuter East parking is superior to any other zone of parking. This parking pass has many helpful characteristics that the other zones lack. For example, the new construction of Bulldog Way connects directly to a Commuter East lot, which gives commuters a fast and easy way to get from class to Blackjack Road without traffic. Allison Matthews for the MSU
Newsroom reported this $7 million project was built in hopes of alleviating traffic. Commuter East has a reduced threat of traffic issues because of its accessibility to this new road. In addition, there are many small lots included in Commuter East that are not as well known as the larger ones. This is especially helpful in the mornings, since these lots almost always have at least one empty spot. Critics may claim ComPhoto by Madelyn Sykes, Integrated illustation by Dontae Ball | The Reflector muter East is not the best location for walking to and from The Commuter East lots are peppered behind Hardy Boulevard, near the Longest Student Health Center. class. However, most Commuter East lots stretch closer to like the Hand Lab, the Mitchell ices says the Buckner Lane has a special place in my heart. the Drill Field than most Memorial Library and Car- Fuel Station is open 24 hours From the satisfaction of always and, upon my personal com- having a parking spot to the others. Also, Commuter East is penter Hall. The biggest advantage to parison, has some of the cheap- easy accessibility to my apartthe best parking zone for anyone who utilizes the library the Commuter East parking est gas in town. As someone ment complex, this parking often. According to the illus- pass is the proximity to the on- who waits until my car is below zone's features are untrated map provided by parking campus gas station. This is one empty to fill up, it is incredibly matched. In a world where all services, each lot is only steps of only two gas stations in close handy to have a gas station so parking is bad parking, choose away from Engineering Row proximity to campus. Not just close to where I park for class. the zone that is the least frusCommuter East parking trating. and common class buildings this, Parking and Transit Serv-
The bus stops here: Resident parking is convenient for students
AARON WATERSON is a sophomore majoring in English. Contact them at opinion@reflector.msstate.edu
There is nothing like parking on Mississippi State University's campus. I have lived on campus for four years and have had no troubles with it. Some people may try to say parking on campus is the worst way to park. Those people are mistaken. The convenience of parking on campus is unbeatable. Classes? Right there, a short walk away. Even the furthest residence halls like Deavenport and Magnolia are a perfectly
Photo by Jahari Bell , Integrated illustation by Dontae Ball | The Reflector
Resident permit parking lots are placed strategically around campus with respect to certain dorm hubs, though dorms do not have specifically designated lots.
reasonable distance for getting to classes in the pouring rain or excessive heat. Gas is currently above $3, so one of the
best parts of residence permits is the accessibility of traveling using other people’s gas. SMART bus stops?
CONTACT INFORMATION
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Graphics Illustrator | Dontae Ball Circulation | Amiyah Brown
They are very close to residential parking, and even sit right outside some residence halls, like Oak and Griffis for the central loop, and
LETTERS TO THE EDITOR Letters to the editor can be sent to the Meyer Student Media Center or mailed to The Reflector, PO Box 5407, Mississippi State, MS. They can also be emailed to editor@reflector.msstate.edu and have a maximum wordcount of 350 words. Letters must include name and telephone number for verification purposes. The editor reserves the right to edit or refuse to publish a letter.
outside several class locations like Giles and Hilbun halls. All roads lead to Rome, but, according to the MSU Parking and
EDITORIAL POLICY The Reflector is the official student newspaper of Mississippi State University. Content is determined solely by the student editorial staff. The contents of The Reflector have not been approved by Mississippi State University.
Transit Services' SMART bus map, all bus routes land right next to Old Main Academic Center and Montgomery Hall at the two ends of the bustling main section of campus. Want to go eat in the Cotton District? There are bus stops for that. Want to make a Walmart run? Hop on the Highway 12 route. Craving an Oby’s sandwich? Grab a quick bus down the right route, and you are barely a five minute walk from getting your hands on one. Need to pick up textbooks, or a blue book for an exam? Barnes and Noble has a bus stop ready and waiting. You barely ever have to move your car, and if you snag the connected app from the app store, you can always time it right. RESIDENT PARKING, 8
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, email editor@reflector.msstate.edu or call 325-7905.
THE REFLECTOR | ORIENTATION 2022 | @REFLECTORONLINE
OPINION
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MSU meal equivalency program needs improvement TREY BARRETT
CONTRIBUTING WRITER
Meal plans are an important aspect of the college experience for many Mississippi State University students. Freshmen are automatically enrolled in a meal plan at the start of the year, while commuters and upperclassmen are encouraged to enroll in one at the start of every semester. For many students, a meal plan allows students access to numerous food options. According to MSU Dining Services, seven unique meal plans are available for students, but first-year freshmen can only select from three. Prices for these meal plans range from hundreds to thousands of dollars and are a twosemester commitment. The current meal plan system has been a part of the MSU experience for over a decade. Improvements to the original meal plan occurred in 2010, allowing students the ability to utilize Block Meals at various retail locations on campus. Since then, the meal plan system has relatively remained the same and has not expanded to meet the cur-
rent demands of students. It needs improvements. Block Meals are passes to get into any cafeteria on campus and are included with every meal plan except the Flex plan. They can be used at various retail locations across campus for a $6.58 credit under the meal equivalency program. However, meal equivalency can only be utilized at certain times at specific restaurants, and not even for a full meal, which costs more than $6.58 usually, discouraging many students from using the program. While Block Meals can be utilized at any time throughout the day at cafeterias, meal equivalency can only be redeemed twice in one day, once from 4 p.m. to 9 p.m. and then again after 9 p.m., when most restaurants have already closed. The restriction is inopportune for many students, most of whom are on campus and near the restaurants during the day because of classes, hours before the meal equivalency period begins. Retail locations on campus like Chick-fil-A, Subway and Einstein Bros. Bagels feel the busiest during lunch. Many
students standing in lines at that time have meal plans and would enjoy being able to utilize meal equivalency to pay for a portion of their meals. Allowing students to use meal equivalency more times throughout the day will allow for more Flexibility in the usage of meal plans. Meal plans can become even more Flexible with more locations for students to utilize their meal plans by partnering with local restaurants and food services. According to Auburn Tiger Dining, Auburn University has 30 dining locations and seven different food trucks that accept their meal plan. Meanwhile, according to Vanderbilt University's dining services website, students can utilize their "commodore cash" at certain partner restaurants in Nashville, TN. If MSU could foster similar connection with restaurants in Starkville, students could have more options, both on campus and off. MSU has the opportunity to expand its dining locations incorporated within its meal plans by implementing systems similar to the ones above. Local restaurants and food trucks can be-
Dontae Ball | The Reflector
come included in the meal plans and offer students a chance to try various Starkville restau-
rants. With improvements to the meal plan system, MSU could improve the dining experi-
ence for many of its students by allowing greater Flexibility and options in the plans.
HOT TAKE: Old Main is the best building on campus The stairs are not as bad as you want to believe they are, I promise
HEATHER HARRISON is a junior majoring in communication. Contact them at editor@reflector.msstate.edu
We have all been there. It is August at Mississippi State University, where temperatures reach the high 90s before you even wake from your slumber, and you are running late for your morning history elective in the Old Main Academic Center Turner A. Wingo Auditorium. You make it to campus with just enough time to spare, and you happen to get lucky and find the best parking spot in Commuter East. But before you may enter the threshold of Old Main, you must either hike one of the massive staircases located in front and to the side of the building, or walk down a
Heather Harrison | The Reflector
Old Main Academic Center opened in 2017, named after MSU’s famous Old Main Dormitory that burned down in 1959.
ramp from the Drill Field side, which is ultimately the better walking path, but I digress. At this point, you are sweaty and out of breath due
to both intense heat and an unintentional cardio workout as you make your way into the building. Upon first entry, you are greeted with hustle and bus-
tle, as hundreds of students and professors mill about the hallways and study rooms. And what do you spot with your sore eyes as you
turn the corner to enter the auditorium? The P.O.D. Oh, yes. Old Main Academic Center is the best building on campus by far. Although the slope uphill is treacherous, the light at the end of the tunnel is golden. Old Main not only has some of the larger classrooms on campus, seating up to 455 people in the Turner A. Wingo Auditorium, but the facility is also equipped with 14 study rooms and the P.O.D., which is a lifesaver for chronically-late people like myself because I can grab a coffee and protein bar at 8:59 a.m. and still be on time for my 9 a.m. Modern U.S. History class. Getting a deliciously cheap, scorching hot vanilla latte from the P.O.D. freshman year was the sole reason I attended class some days. Additionally, Old Main has extremely nice bathrooms that beat the restrooms in buildings like McComas Hall, Carpenter Engineering Building and
ANY VALID PERMIT If you have a commuter pass, this is when you get desperate enough to try plan B: parking in the overflow lots. With an Any Valid Permit, you start the day desperate. As far as my parking pass is concerned, every spot in every commuter and resident lot is already full, no matter what time I arrive. I live in perpetually in the plan B zone. With an AV permit,
parking is an eat or be eaten situation from the minute you cross onto campus. Metaphorically, this is life in the fast lane, where your niche in the parking lot is in constant threat, not only by other people with your pass, but also by outsiders from neighboring lots. Literally, it is life at about 20 mph, but the rush of finding a spot in the AV lot between Sessums and Nunnellee res-
CONTINUED FROM 6
idence halls gives me tunnel vision like I just won the Indy 500. Things get calmer after 3 pm, when, according to MSU's Parking Zone Information page, commuter passes can park in any commuter lot, and even calmer at 6 pm, when parking services stops doing their rounds. Good morning, it is 10:22 am, and you are driving away from your designated parking lot,
looking for anywhere to park. When things get dire in the commuter parking lots, as I am told they often do, any valid permit lots fill up quickly as well. This is where plan C comes in, which is parking in the timed visitor lot beside the Bost Conference Center and moving your car in between classes. This is convenient if you happen to have just one class in Giles Hall
on any given day. If you find that you do not, in fact, have just one class in Giles Hall, the option is still available for you, though is admittedly never the best option. The Bost lot is on the wrong side of Davis Wade Stadium, which I assume was put in the center of campus on accident. AV permits are a dance between plans B and C. It is outlaw parking. It is subpar, but
RESIDENT PERMIT Compare all of that to what would happen if you lived off campus and needed to do any of that. You burn gas to drive there. You burn more gas circling the parking lot for a spot. You burn gas driving home and wandering that lot too. You even burn gas on the way to go fill up your tank.
Guess what happens tomorrow when you have to drive somewhere else? With gas currently hanging around an average of $3.738 per gallon in Oktibbeha County per AAA’s monitoring, proximity to the epicenter of the bus system is invaluable, espe-
the second floor of the Mitchell Memorial Library without even lifting a finger. I mean, the doors to the stalls alone deserve a Nobel Peace Prize: they are made of a beautiful dark wood with a lovely black handle, and when you lock and unlock the door, a little notice slides over saying "occupied" or "available." How handy! They are also some of the cleanest bathrooms you will find on MSU's grounds. Shout out to the Old Main custodians and janitors. Lastly, Old Main is centrally-located on campus and has the most SMART bus routes, offering dozens, if not hundreds, of chances for students to catch a ride off campus each day. While most students complain about having a class on the third floor of Old Main and hurling up those steep stairs, I think it is worth the workout because of the numerous accommodations and features the building has for students and faculty.
you probably already tolerate more subpar things than you can count. It works, which is the important thing. Besides, on mornings when you drive past occupied spot after occupied spot, just remind yourself it could be worse: you could live on campus, where plan A is electric longboard, and every back up plan falls somewhere on the spectrum between walking and crawling. CONTINUED FROM 6
cially for students already living the instant noodle lifestyle. If the idea of saving gas (and money) fails to be very convincing somehow, consider instead the idea that when you park in resident parking, you are indeed a resident. Talk about having your finger on
the pulse of what happens on campus: first claim on announcements via resident adviser messages and dorm hallway posters, walking distance to the Humphrey Coliseum, Davis Wade Stadium and Dudy Noble for sporting events, and a close place to crash after a day of
exams. The benefits are legion. Parking in the resident zones really is the best form of parking. With the resident pass, there is minimal gas burning, maximum exposure to events and the bus system is centered around resident zones. And when the fire
alarms go off at 10 p.m. for the fifth time that semester because someone set their instant noodles on fire in the microwave, you can walk your way over to the car you have not moved in two weeks and listen to music. Who says parking is a challenge?
THE REFLECTOR |ORIENTATION 2022 | @REFLECTORONLINE
NEWS CONTINUED
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Leadership program provides service opportunities and community for incoming freshmen Jordan BroCK sTaFF WriTer
The Day One Leadership Program is a community designed for incoming freshmen who wish to participate in service and enhance their leadership skills. Approaching its 16th anniversary, the program opened in the fall of 2007 and is only available during the fall semester. Stephen Williams, associate director of student leadership and community engagement, said the program was started by former MSU president Robert Foglesong who believed that the college needed a leadership program. Program participants are required to attend a Tuesday and Thursday class from 2 to 3:15 p.m. Williams said the program is available for students with a passion for leadership and service. "We are looking for freshmen that are established leaders already or those that have an interest in being involved and learning more about leadership, but haven't found their niche yet," Williams said. The Day One Leadership Program applica-
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File Photo | The Reflector
The Day One Leadership Program office in Moseley Hall showcases new wall art of popular Starkville and MSU locations.
tion is open to any student. According to Williams, student selection is not based on GPA, ACT scores, or any other academic qualifications. "We do ask what their major is going to be, but that's not a factor in selection. We really are just looking for incoming freshmen who have an interest in learning more about leadership and doing community service," Williams said. "Basically, if they take the application seriously, we are going to accept them into the program." Williams explained how the program works toward increasing community outreach. Day One has a capac-
Leadership Program in fall 2019. She said the program changed the trajectory of her life. Although she began her college career as psychology major, Ybarra started to reevaluate her choice after her group was assigned to serve at an after-school program. "I ended up changing my major to special education because I really found my calling," Ybarra said. "Without the program, I feel like eventually I would have found my calling, but because of it, I was able to find it sooner rather than later." Like Ybarra, Zac Clay, a junior majoring in agribusiness, also participated in the program in fall 2019.
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Hailey Storey | The Reflector
In 2019, a group from the program served students at the English Language Institute.
ity of two hundred students; however, students are broken down into groups of 25 per classroom. From these 25, project groups are broken down into five to seven students. The project groups are assigned a community partner. Partners are chosen based on groups in the community needing additional assistance. The students meet with this partner and decide on a semesterlong service project. Additionally, each student is required to do 20 hours of service with their project partner during the program. Gabriella Ybarra, a junior majoring in special education, was a student in the Day One
SPORTS
Clay said the program helped the students step out of their comfort zone. "The class was really to help us be more outgoing and take charge of things," Clay said. "This class really helps you become extroverted and to put yourself out there." Clay said the program could show students the reality of college life. "It's a great way to make friends and get out in the community and to get your name out there," Clay said. As stated on the Day One's website, the program strives to "do right, do good and do well." Associate Director Williams said one Day
One's most important goals is to assist and guide the program's incoming freshmen. He said he wants all of the Day One students to be successful at MSU. "The focus really is leadership and community service, but we also want to make sure that they are going to be successful as college students," Williams said. "We have students that have issues come up that are stress related or dealing with just being a college student away from home for the first time. We also help them navigate those things as well." For more information about the Day One Leadership Program, visit the program's website.
Diamond in the lead: Senior Bulldog races with the best When he was laid off from his job after his birthday, Jonathan Diamond knew what he wanted to do Tanner marlar sporTs ediTor
If you're an absolute gear-head like me, chances are you're probably also a racing fan. You might like torqued up muscle cars with that make the walls thump, or you might like a Japanese import with enough turbo boost to suck start the Titanic. No matter what your preference, if it goes fast, you probably can't get enough of it. If that's the case, you and senior software engineering major Jonathan Diamond have something in common. Diamond is a member of the MSU esports team, and he competes in an event that is taking
the motorsport world by storm– iRacing. IRacing is an extremely accurate racing simulator anyone with a computer and enough money for a subscription, a gaming steering wheel and gear shifter can play. The game features races and cars like those found in the NASCAR Cup Series, IndyCar Series, V8 Supercars and even Formula 1– not to mention an entire rolodex of tracks, paint schemes and other niche things to make any motorsport fan's mouth water. The game is taking the racing scene by the horns, and for very good reason. The average cost to enter any form of racing is higher than
Landon Scheel | The Reflector
Senior Jonathan Diamond
ever, whether that's gokarts, dirt track oval racing or the big leagues like stock car racing. A simply competitive gokart can run an interested party upward of $5,000, and the numbers only go up from there. For an iRacing rig, however, a player can buy in for less than half of that and earn money while doing so.
Courtesy Photo | Jonathan Diamond
Diamond runs a custom Mississippi State- themed iRacing skin when he competes in the Champion Power Equipment Truck Series.
Diamond competes at the national level against other college students in a league that pays out thousands of dollars to series winners. Competitors will compete in several different races throughout a season with no risk of rain-outs or weather delays, and Diamond himself has raced against some of the sport's biggest names. "I actually race in a league that's hosted by Champion Power Equipment that's sponsored by Grant Enfinger. So he, Dale (Earnhardt) Jr., Chad Knaus– they all raced with us in a 100 lap race," Diamond said. When asked about racing Dale Jr., Diamond had an anecdote that even Earnhardt might recall. "I actually wrecked him," Diamond said with a laugh, "and I actually got wrecked by Chad Knaus at Auto Club (Speedway)." Knaus, as some race fans may recall, was the long-tenured crew chief
for Jimmie Johnson, one of the winningest NASCAR drivers of all time. The two won 81 races together before they split. When asked how he got involved in iRacing, Diamond gave a heartfelt reminder that the COVID-19 quarantine period might have been a blessing in disguise to some. "Well, with COVID, NASCAR did their own (iRacing) series ... then I got my unemployment money because I got laid off the week before, after my birthday too," Diamond said, "So I took that money, and since iRacing was offering 50% off of their two year subscription, I bought my iRacing rig and subscription ... I just jumped in. I didn't even know about iRacing until like a month before." The game has gotten so big the main NASCAR iRacing series, sponsored by CocaCola, offers a $300,000 grand prize to the winner, and Diamond
said he hopes to be that winner one day. He's not just in it for the money, though. For Diamond, like so many of us other racing fans who don't have the capital to live out our dreams, it's as close as he can get to flying around a track in front of thousands. "The thrill of being in the lead, your heart starts beating, and it feels like you're actually racing. It's great." Diamond said with a smile. Diamond is doing what all of our parents told us to do: try to live out your dream. And he didn't let something as small as being let go from his job stop him. Diamond will graduate this May with a bachelor's degree in software engineering from one of the most highlydecorated schools in the country for his program. He likely will have steady job offers with plentiful salary accommodations, but he'll still be doing what he loves whenever he can– racing.
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SPORTS
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SPORTS
Smith: A look ahead to the 2022 football season Charles Cross taken 9th to Seattle
david sMiTh sTaff wriTer
Welcome to year three of the Mike Leach show, which is on a steady climb with improvement throughout the first two seasons. Mississippi State University went 3-7 in the all-SEC regular season schedule 2020 provided us, while gaining a fourth win in the Armed Forces Bowl over Tulsa. In 2021, MSU went 7-6 overall (4-4 in conference play) but closed the season with two losses. One of those was to Ole Miss and the other to Texas Tech in the Liberty Bowl. We can only hope the improvements keep coming this season, as the schedule is the toughest yet. Outside of conference play, MSU will host Memphis, Bowling Green and East Tennessee State, while traveling to Tucson to face off with Arizona. It's not far-fetched to say MSU should go 4-0 in nonconference play. Losing on the road last year to Memphis, MSU should be out for revenge. Since they hold a 16-5 record playing the Tigers in Starkville, expect a win against Memphis. Bowling Green and East Tennessee State are both considered "buy" games. MSU is paying them to come play in Starkville, and these games should never be lost. Arizona's football program is not in great shape at the moment, going 1-16 over the past
two seasons. Leach holds a 4-1 record against Arizona, all coming from his time at Washington State. MSU should be able to handle 4-0 outside of conference play, but this is one of the tougher conference schedules in recent history. The Bulldogs will be tasked with facing off against Alabama, Auburn and Georgia over a four week stretch and will play Ole Miss in Oxford to end the season. Alabama and Georgia could be the top two teams in the country this season, and MSU gets the pleasure of playing both. MSU is hosting Arkansas and Texas A&M and will go on the road for Kentucky and a new-look LSU. There's no certainty as to how good any of these four teams will be. Texas A&M has high expectations as always, but there's no telling if they pan out. MSU is bringing in the No. 31 ranked recruiting class according to 247 Sports. MSU's top recruit is Trevion Williams, a fourstar defensive lineman from Crystal Springs, MS. Defensive line coach Jeff Phelps said he is excited about Williams. "He's definitely a guy who's gonna be exciting to watch on Saturdays and a guy we anticipate getting on the field pretty quick in his career," Phelps said. MSU has a history of commanding one of the top defensive lines, and defenses in general, in the conference, and adding a player like Williams will
assist in continuing that level of expectation. Defensive coordinator Zach Arnett saw good defense in practices this spring. "Anytime you go spring, you've got to find some guys who've taken the next step in their game, and they show that they're ready to be big time contributors, and potentially win starting jobs," Arnett said with a smile. "We've had a few guys that have flashed all the potential and that's the reason you recruited them. They're playing really good football and I'm excited to see them come fall." So, what's the realistic expectations for MSU this fall? Quarterback Will Rogers from Brandon, MS, is back for his third season, and he's got high expectations around him. The offense seemed to be a let down spot at times last season, but another year of experience will benefit the junior signal caller. In his third season at Texas Tech, Leach led the Red Raiders to a nine-win campaign. It's realistic to expect the same now. This MSU team is poised with loads of potential and experience and looking to make some noise in the SEC West. It's hard to compete with the two teams that made the national championship last season, but outside of that, everyone is beatable with the talent on this roster. A big season could be coming for the Bulldogs, so buckle up and enjoy the ride.
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Charles Cross, along with his family and head football coach Mike Leach, were present in Las Vegas, NV, when his name was called by NFL commissioner Roger Goodell this past Thursday night. The former five-star prospect out of Laurel, MS, was drafted ninth overall by the Seattle Seahawks in this year's NFL draft. Cross became the highest drafted offensive lineman out of Mississippi State University and the
Landon Scheel | The Reflector
school's highest draft pick overall since running back Michael Haddix was drafted by the Philadelphia Eagles all the way back in 1983 with the eighth overall pick. Cross was recruited under Joe Moorhead but became the starter when Mike Leach took the helm as head coach. The offensive lineman made a major impact on the Bulldogs football team, allowing only 16 pressures on 719 pass-blocking snaps and two quarterback sacks on 919. In addition to his performance, Cross was named a first team AllAmerican and earned the
Kent Hull Trophy for being the best offensive lineman in the state of Mississippi. Leach was very pleased to see his player drafted into the top ten, but he also highlighted the impact Cross had both on and off the football field. "He's a total buy-in guy, and he leads by example, and lead by example is probably the most important thing," Leach said to Seattle Sports Station after the first round of the draft. "With Charles, you get a guy that's doing his job the right way every single time, and then you can go back, watch film and a number of
times say (to his teammates), 'OK, you see how Charles does it? This is how we want it.'" Leach becomes one of two active head coaches to have at least one player drafted in the first round at three different schools. Seattle Seahawks head coach Pete Carroll also spoke very highly of Cross during the draft. "He is a really, really good athlete with an attitude of wanting to do something special," Carroll told NFL Network on Monday. "We loved the whole makeup and we were very fortunate enough to get him. Thanks to Mike Leach and the Air Raid.
Those guys throw the heck out of the football." The addition of Cross fills a void for the Seahawks that traded franchise quarterback Russell Wilson to the Denver Broncos this offseason and offensive tackle Duane Brown's future with the franchise stuck in limbo. "It was very exciting to hear my named called," Cross said in his introductory press conference with the team. "I'm very glad they took a chance on me just being part of this organization. It's a blessing. I'm just excited come in and compete and get ready to work."
Landon Scheel | The Reflector
Cross prepares for the snap in earlier action.
Landon Scheel | The Reflector
MSU starting quarterback Will Rogers slings the pigskin in action this past season. Rogers is returning for his junior year in 2022.
Charles Cross was one of the best pass blockers in the conference this past season. In Seattle, Cross will be charged with protecting the blindside of former Missouri quarterback Drew Lock at the moment, as the Seahawks passed on every quarterback.
Hail State! Things to know for your first SEC Weekend
Marlar: What happened to the Diamond Dawgs?
Tanner Marlar sporTs ediTor
Want to talk ball? Email the editor at sports@reflector.msstate.edu
Welcome to the Hail State family, new Bulldogs. During my time at Mississippi State University, athletics has played a huge role in shaping my career and college experience. Now, it's your turn to experience the maroon and white family for yourself. First, though, there are some things you'll need to know before strapping up your
cowbell and taking to Davis Wade Stadium for this fall's home opener against the Memphis Tigers. Wear the right color: Each weekend, the football team social media accounts will put out a schedule of what color to wear for the game. You can find them on Twitter @hailstatefb. Make sure you're not the odd one out, and you're doing your part to make Davis Wade Stadium a place other teams don't want to be. Tailgating is essential: "Malfunction Junction" used to be an intersection of several different roads that gave students headaches on the way to their morning classes. Now, however, it is one of the best spots to be in the SEC as far as tailgating goes. The Junction is located between Dorman Hall and Davis Wade
“Hail State” Hail, dear ol’ State! Fight for that victory today. Hit that line and tote that ball, Cross the goal before you fall! And then we’ll yell, yell, yell, yell! For dear ol’ State We’ll yell like H-E-L-L! Fight for Mis-sis-sip-pi State, Win that game today! Stadium, and there you can find some of the best fans in the country shoulder to shoulder most weekends. Get a group of friends and get there early on Fridays to wait and secure your spot. It's the best time to mix
and mingle with all kinds of other students from Greek life to other clubs and organizations. Tents can be set up at 4 p.m., and spots fill up fast. You don't want to miss out on the great food and atmosphere the Junction has to offer, so
get there as early as possible to secure your spot for game days. Always ring responsibly: The cowbell is said to have come about in the early days of MSU football when a cow wandered onto the field during a game. Now, the cowbell is one of the things that makes Mississippi State University what it is– one of the best places to be on Saturdays in the SEC. It makes opposing coaches and teams shudder at the thought of that much noise inside our stadium, but it is something that must be enjoyed responsibly. Only ring your bell after a play has concluded. Once the center places his hand on the ball, the jumbotrons in David Wade Stadium will let you know to "Rest your bell, just yell." Once MSU defensive
coordinator Zach Arnett's crew has sacked the quarterback or made that big third down stop, continue ringing to your heart's content. Oh, yeah, speaking of yelling, there's one more thing. Know the fight song: I might be a little biased, but I believe MSU has the greatest fight song there is, and it's important to know the lyrics when the Bulldogs topple their foes on Saturdays. The Bulldog faithful will sing the fight song before, during and after each game, so make sure to learn the words. That's covered everything you should know ahead of your first big weekend, and I can't wait to see all of you in Davis Wade Stadium come Sept. 3 when the Bulldogs host the Tigers in a rematch of last year's game.
Adam Sullivan | The Reflector
Tailgating at the Junction is an experience like no other. Football fans can find some of the best atmosphere, food and games the SEC can offer. On some game days, the “SEC Gameday” morning show can be found in front of Dorman Hall.
Tanner Marlar sporTs ediTor
Almost one year ago, Mississippi State University baseball fans were rampaging around the streets of the Cotton District like it was the best day of their lives. Heck, for some, it probably was. Fast forward to now, and the state of affairs for the MSU baseball team is in disarray. The team sits barely above .500 and is on the outside looking in as far as the postseason goes. So, why the fall from grace? How exactly did fans wind up here, and what can they expect going forward? Let's
dive in and find out. Last year, Landon Sims was arguably the best pitcher in the country. His closing efforts in the College World Series were nothing short of immaculate. Those pitches, coupled with Will Bednar's starting efforts, carried the Diamond Dawgs to the the mountain top in 2021. Sims was slated to return to the bump this season and take over the ace slot on Friday nights, and things were going well until an early season tilt with the Tulane Green Wave. Sims took the mound and performed well until he had to retire for the
night due to an elbow injury. To add insult to injury (quite literally), closing pitcher Stone Simmons suffered the same fate later on. Fans awaited the news, fearing the worst, and that's exactly what they got. Both Sims and Simmons required the season-ending Tommy John surgery—the worst news to hear for a pitcher. From then on, it was downhill for the Bulldogs. Pitching hasn't been the only concern for MSU, though. The hitting has been just as streaky, although it has bounced back in some recent efforts. Highly-touted
Ivy Rose Ball | The Reflector
Before the season, Logan Tanner was a favorite for the Golden Spikes award— the award for the best player in college baseball.
slugger Kellum Clark started the season in one of the coldest hitting slumps in recent memory, going hitless in his first 16 at-bats. Strikeouts were at an alltime high early in the season as well, as Bulldog hitters struggled to find the zone and hit varying fastball speeds. Now, with only a few series left in the season, postseason hopes look bleak but not impossible. The Bulldogs will face the Florida Gators, Texas A&M Aggies and Tennessee Volunteers back-to-back-to-back in the coming weeks, a schedule no team wants to see in the twilight
weeks of their season. Florida has been streaky at best this season, but they still boast a top-20 ranking in the College Baseball Rating Percentage Index (RPI). The good news? MSU plays them at home this weekend. If the Bulldogs want to keep their slim postseason hopes alive, they'll have to start with a sweep of the Gators on their home turf. If they succeed, they'll carry some momentum with them into the next series against a hot Texas A&M team. They'll be traveling to College Station, TX, this time, and a good road series win late in the year will
give the Bulldogs' lackluster road resume a much needed boost. If the "Cardiac Kids of Dudy Noble" manage both of those feats, they'll then return home to face the even hotter Tennessee Volunteers before the SEC Baseball Tournament. The Vols boast a ridiculous 41-4 record at the moment and are the odds-on favorite to win it all this year under head coach Tony Vitello. The future looks bleak for the Diamond Dawgs, but it just wouldn't be right if Mississippi State baseball fans didn't still believe. And, who knows, maybe that will be all the boys need.
Ivy Rose Ball | The Reflector
At the beginning of the season, the Diamond Dawgs could be found in every top-25 poll in the country. Now, they’re on the outside looking in.
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