From Mississippi to Madison: Out of State Perspective

“Where are you going to school?” “Michigan State.” “Oh wow, that’s far. It’s cold up there, isn’t it?” Now, if I had a dollar for how many times I had this conversation my senior year of high school, I probably would far from the mark of the typical broke college student. Unfortunately, that’s not how the world works, so here I am in Michigan…in the cold…and far from home. I am from Hattiesburg, Mississippi! Most people haven’t heard of this city, but if you’re at least familiar with the Gulf Coast (Gulfport/Biloxi), it’s an hour north of there. You might be wondering, “Why is she at Michigan State?” Well there are a lot of answers to that question, but the biggest things for me were the Honors College and James Madison College. I knew that between the two, Michigan State was the place for me. The decision to come here was pretty easy after I visited here a couple of times. I literally fell in love with campus and everything that MSU was about. I knew I couldn’t see myself anywhere else. Fortunately, everything worked out, and here I am having the time of my life. 

I believe that being an out of state student has shaped my experience here at MSU by pushing beyond my limits and out of my comfort zone. These two things are something that anybody should aim to do during their college years, but I had to do so from the very beginning. I didn’t know anybody here, and I also knew as much about MSU and East Lansing as I was told during my visits. When I first got up here, I had the choice to either put myself out there to try and make friend while getting familiar with the area or keeping to myself. I chose the former, and I am glad I did. Beyond all this, being from Mississippi definitely makes breaking the ice easy! I already have so much to talk about with someone because Mississippians aren’t all over the place here in Michigan. 

Of course, with any good comes the bad, but it’s not too bad. As an out of state student, most of my time is spent here in East Lansing during the school year. Some out of state students go home for thanksgiving break, but since it is so short, most choose to stay on campus. The other breaks are lengthy enough, but the issue comes in when you just want to get away from campus for a weekend- you really can’t. With that comes tip number #1, make friends who live in Michigan!!! It can really come in handy sometimes, but I believe the lack of ability to have a regular change of scenery made the madison transition a little harder because being around JMC, Case, and other madison students is already a regular thing, but it is even more of a big deal if you’re out of state because you’re around it 99% of the time. For me, it took some adjusting to that because sometimes I would just want to get away for a bit, so I’d end up just getting frustrated with having the same scene all the time. This is probably the worst thing that comes along with being an out of state student in Madison. Other than that, it’s pretty cool! As an out of state student, especially since I’m from the south, I bring a different perspective on issues that are being discussed in class. You could do the exact same!

I know that when planning to go to school out of state from wherever you live, there are always a lot of people who don’t think it’s the best idea or even try to talk you out of it. Tip #2- Do what you think is best for you! I know would have missed out on so much had I let the distance or fear of the cold or anything else keep me from attending MSU. That being said, if you’re out of state and considering coming to Michigan State, I highly recommend it (no surprise there!). I do have some suggestions though. 

1- Allow yourself to miss home. You don’t need to act like to don’t miss it in order to stay afloat here. It’s natural, so let nature run its course!

2- Try to make friends and get involved/plugged in as soon as you can!

3- Try joining clubs or groups that feature some traveling because it’s nice to get away from East Lansing whenever you can (Ex. I joined MSUIRO which is the competitive Model UN team here, and I was able to go to Philadelphia last fall for a conference! It was great)

4- Don’t forget about friends back home! It’s hard to manage the friendships from far away, but they are essentially your easily accessible to key to home next to your family. It’s definitely manageable to balance friendships here and at home.

5- Don’t let being an out of state student hold you back from ANYTHING! Once you come to MSU, you are just like everybody else here- an MSU student. The fact that you’re not from around here shouldn’t mean at thing!

6- Finally, this is the biggest thing. Remember that you’re at MSU because you want something from MSU. Whatever that might be go and get it and chase after it constantly! You’re here for a reason, so shine bright :)

Florence 

Sophomore 

International Relations and Comparative Cultures & Politics 

Easing the Transition: Freshman Seminars Abroad

                In the August before I started my freshman year at Michigan State University, I decided to apply to go on a Freshman Study Abroad to Salvador, Brazil. I wanted to the chance to meet professors, especially because the two professors going on the trip taught for James Madison College, where I would be attending. I also thought it'd be helpful to get to know other new students who shared similar interests, like traveling, as me. The application process for the FSA wasn't very difficult, but I had developed convincing arguments about the benefits of study abroad to persuade my parents into supporting my trip. I was accepted into the program, and convinced my parents studying abroad would be largely advantageous for me. I quickly grasped that my dream of traveling outside the country (further than Canada, that is) would soon become a reality. I was very nervous in the weeks leading up to my departure; I didn't know anyone else who I would be traveling and spending two weeks with. However, I realized that this mirrored what my transition to MSU would be like.

                My time in Brazil was filled with the befriending of my fellow students, many who were also entering James Madison, exploring the city and culture of Salvador, and building up a relationship with my professor. The schoolwork was not overwhelming, but it gave me a fair idea of the level of writing that was expected of students in James Madison. It definitely helped to prepare me for the work in college.  I loved the opportunity to meet and talk with students who were in the same place in their lives as I was. We were able to discuss what we were excited about for MSU and our fears about roommates and classes. This helped to dilute my own worries about the future, since I knew that other people were also nervous. When I returned back home, and had to wait two weeks before entering college, I could hardly wait. Traveling independently abroad gave me a taste for freedom that made me even more eager to come to MSU. Now being a freshman at MSU, I realize more than ever how beneficial my study abroad to Brazil truly was. It gave me the confidence to explore an entirely new place on my own, which smoothed my transition into college and also made me more open to trying new experiences.

Ellery

Freshman 

Student Government at Michigan State

A little about me - I was elected to represent my class all four years of high school and I took it quite seriously. I was honored to represent my class and achieved leadership positions because I love getting involved. Even though I graduated with a class of about 400 students, the student governments at MSU seemed overwhelming because I would be representing thousands of people in my colleges, not hundreds. As a sophomore, I currently hold seats on the James Madison Student Senate and on ASMSU. 

During the end of the Spring semester of my freshman year I had the privilege of running for an elected position in James Madison Student Senate and earned a seat in the International Relations Caucus. Although I felt compelled to change my major to Comparative Cultures and Politics, I represent my Madison colleagues by exercising basic responsibilities like running the office for an hour or more every two weeks, attending the General Assembly meetings and reporting on ASMSU (Which I will explain later). James Madison Student Senate is just like Student Council in high school, but there is a caucus for each major in Madison. One person from each caucus and more contribute to committees such as social programming, academic programming, university community alumni relations, and community service network. JMC Student Senate organizes events for Madison students and communicates with groups in Case Hall and faculty to bridge the gap. 

ASMSU, which stands for Associated Students of Michigan State University, is a much bigger version of JMC Student Senate. It is similar to my high school student council in the set up where we have a faculty supervisor and then there is an elected executive board and committees. Depending on the number of admitted students in each college at MSU there is at least two or more representatives for each college. I was appointed to represent the College of Communication Arts and Sciences because I am a double major inside that college. I am supposed to represent the college of Communication Arts and Sciences and also serve in the Academic Affairs committee where we start resolutions or bills on anything related to Academics. As a member of the Academic Affairs committee it is required of us to attend University Council meetings once a month which include the presence of the President of MSU, the Provost and deans of the colleges across campus. The President, Lou Anna K. Simon, usually speaks about her visions and things going on at MSU through her perspective. Attendees are welcome to speak their opinions about new ideas and goals.

As an ASMSU representative it is my responsibility to make my constituents aware of the resources available to them as well as vote on bills or resolutions on various topics. We have passed a few bills to advocate for more gender neutral bathrooms across campus, post bills online so students can read them and share their opinions, and advocate for freezing tuition rates. Even though it may seem intimidating, ASMSU has many resources to help representatives and students are never alone. 

In college I think it's hard to sit back and let everything figure itself out. Although sometimes I felt like I was thrown into these positions, I asked many questions and learned that students do have a voice in academic governance at this university. Unfortunately I will be leaving my seats this spring semester because I will be studying abroad and missing re-elections. However, I will never regret trying it out in the first place. I have gotten to know some amazing peers from my college to the outside of JMC and these student government opportunities are rewarding experiences within themselves. I have gotten to meet more faculty, and learn about a lot of the things that go on behind-the-scenes, and I'm proud to be Spartan leader and stick with my Spartans to the end.

Monica
Sophomore
Comparative Cultures & Politics and Media & Information Technology

Love of Languages

Like many students who enter James Madison College, a love of learning languages and cultures was a motivating factor in the direction of my higher education. While I have always intended to major in International Relations and Comparative Cultures and Politics, I knew that I wanted to continue learning the foreign language that I had developed a love for: Spanish. Upon arriving at the university, I completed my Madison language requirement using Spanish and continued to take Spanish classes for my first two years at MSU.

However, I made a drastic decision and picked up a new language for the Fall of my 2^nd year: Portuguese. As a language that is rarely (if ever) taught at the primary and secondary education levels in most American school districts, Portuguese may appear as a random decision for many. However, for others it makes complete sense. Brazil is a rising nation in every aspect of today’s world, which will be very visible in the upcoming FIFA World Cup and Summer Olympic Games that the South American nation will host. In addition to this growing importance, the similarity yet difference that the language had to Spanish was enticing, as was the fact that it is a rarely studied language in American society, which I hope will set me apart when I begin applying for jobs after graduation.

Like many other languages at MSU, Portuguese is fortunate in that it has a smaller more intimate department at the University, meaning a strong community is formed and a support network is personalized. This fact, in addition to my love for learning the language, encouraged me to adopt Portuguese as a minor despite the fact that I had already studied a different language for a full year.

This decision, however, will not force me to stay over four years in undergraduate education and in fact opened an entirely new opportunity to me: studying abroad in Brazil. While the program that James Madison College offers in Brazil is conducted in English, the fact that I was learning Portuguese and would have a year under my belt during the program encouraged me to apply and really enjoy my time spent abroad. I had the valuable experience of both attending a Madison study abroad program while emerging myself in a culture that I hope to one day become a part of. This had many benefits, including background and contextual education that allows me to both use my Madison class in my language courses as well as the other way around.

My decision to adopt Portuguese as a minor is a decision that I continue to be pride of and I hope will pay off in the future. While every student is different and has unique ambitions, I would encourage any student who wishes to further round out their education to pursue a language they enjoy beyond what is required of them.

Danny B.

Junior, Comparative Cultures & Politics and International Relations

Mixing Madison & Business

They say you're not supposed to mix business with pleasure, right? Well in my case, I mix the two every day! I am a senior double majoring in social relations & policy and accounting. While I have been a James Madison Student since my freshman year, I decided about halfway through my time at MSU that I did not want to pursue a career in public policy. However, I enjoyed my JMC classes so much that I didn't want to give them up! That's when I decided to double major in accounting and SRP. It added a year on to my graduation date, but the benefits of two strong degrees made the extra time worth it.

Freshman Year Schedule - MC 201/202 & MC 111/112 are first year JMC courses

In the spring of my freshman year, I officially declared myself a double major in social relations & policy and political theory & constitutional democracy. I had enjoyed my first year Madison courses and I really liked some of the PTCD professors. However, after taking my first full PTCD course, I decided that the topics in that major didn't suit my interests. I decided to drop my PTCD major, but still wanted to pursue two majors at MSU. At my mom's suggestion, I tried out an accounting course in the spring of my sophomore year. I really enjoyed my introductory accounting course and decided to pursue my second degree in accounting.

Sophomore Year Schedule - MC 280/281 are SRP, MC 270 is PTCD

The Eli Broad College of Business is a separate college from James Madison (although it is still a part of Michigan State University). This means they have a separate admissions process for their college. Students must take five prerequisite courses (Accounting 201 & 202, Economics 201 & 202, and Computer Science 101) in addition to filling out an experiential profile and completing a case study. Once students reach junior status and have completed these prerequisite courses, they can apply to be official members of the college. I had already completed honors classes in Economics 201 & 202 for my JMC requirements, so I only had to complete the accounting and computer perquisites before I could apply. I submitted my application in the fall of my junior year and was accept over winter break. Now I am officially a member of James Madison College and the Eli Broad College of Business, which means I will get two separate B.A.s when I graduate.

Junior Year Schedule - I crammed in a TON of classes. In retrospect, this was a little bit too much!

It's important to note that in taking on two rigorous programs like JMC and an accounting degree, I added a full year on to my academic plan. I will be graduating after 5 full years at MSU. This happened for a couple reasons:
1) I decided late in my sophomore year that I wanted to add a business major.
 2) I would like to be a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) when I graduate, which means I had to take some extra classes to qualify to take the CPA exam.
3) After taking 17 credits per semester my junior year, I decided that I did not want to overload myself with coursework, so I spread out my remaining classes in a way that I will only take 12 credits per semester my last two years.

1st Senior Year Schedule - I backed off a lot on the credits. This is giving me more time to focus on harder classes!

If you're interested in combining JMC and a degree from a different college, there is probably a way you can still finish in four years. If the four year plan is something you want to stick with, make sure you're constantly meeting with your advisers in JMC and in the Business College to keep track of your progress and your requirements!

After completing an accounting internship with Marathon Petroleum this past summer, I decided that when I graduate I would like to pursue accounting full-time. This does not mean that my SRP degree is pointless! The main reason I continued with Madison is because of the critical writing and thinking skills that are taught in the college. My Madison courses have helped me become a very strong communicator, which is valued in every job. During my internship this past summer, my supervisors complimented my communication skills and my professionalism when conveying information in the work place. My technical accounting skills came from my accounting coursework, but my ability to breakdown a problem, analyze it, and then convey it in an email when asking for help was all thanks to JMC. I believe these communication skills will be even more helpful when I complete a tax internship with Plante & Moran (a regional accounting firm) next summer.

Taking on an additional major outside of JMC definitely comes with its challenges. It forced me to be very organized and creative in the way I planned my schedules. I meet with advisers in both of my colleges at least once per semester to make sure I am still on track for graduation. However, the benefits of being part of two very strong programs at MSU have helped me solidify my career path and attain multiple internships. These benefits are not reserved only for students double majoring in Madison and Business; they apply across all of the other colleges at MSU. Students are free to double major between any two colleges they wish. So if you prefer International Relations and Music Education, or Political Theory and Biology, go for it! The key is being aware of the programs you're entering and making sure that you truly enjoy both of them. I love both of my majors - accounting satisfies my need for problems that have concrete solutions and can be figured out logically, SRP allows me to be creative when I try to analyze and solve problems in social policy. This is what works for me, so don't be afraid to go after the combination that works for you!


Becky B.
Senior, Social Relations & Policy and Accounting

Graduate School

Applying to graduate school is something few think of when they begin their career at Michigan State University. Most students are overwhelmed with their new environment, new roommate, and the rigor of the classes. I was no different in my first year at Michigan State. Yet, now, as a senior, I am in the midst of applying to graduate programs and the once far off possibility of going to graduate school is now very much real.

About 40% of Madison alumni go directly into a graduate or post graduate degree program. The number is even higher when you look two years after graduation. Why is this? As I sit, looking over my application materials, I immediately realize why I am seeking another degree and why so many of my peers will do so as well. The rigor, support, and desire to learn that Madison students gain in their time here, is something few students are able to say they gained. James Madison College has prepared me greatly for graduate school.

From my first day in James Madison College, much was expected of me. My professors held me to a standard that seemed incredibly high. I was expected to write at a level that most university seniors will be at the time they graduation. As a freshman, I was incredibly nervous as writing at that level seemed incredibly difficult and something only professors were capable of achieving. Yet, now as I begin writing my graduate school essays, writing is something that is second nature and easy. Because of the expectations that Madison placed on me, I know going into my graduate applications that I am a step ahead of others applying because of my own skills at writing and that my professors are looking them over.

The relationships that I have with my professors are also a great asset to have when applying to graduate schools. Not only do they read over my application materials, but they are more than willing, rather they are excited, to write me letters of recommendation that truly speak to my academic abilities and how I was prepared for a graduate degree.

Coming to Madison was one of the best decisions I have made. I have been taught how to write well and have relationships with professors that are enhancing my application materials and truly speak to my academic abilities. Few undergraduate students have relationships with their professors like Madison students.

Stephen H.

Political Theory and Constitutional Democracy, 2014