At The Big Green, we strive to put together comprehensive, well-written feature stories that spark interest, create debate or just make our readers stop and think about a topic in a slightly different manner and perspective. Our readers are the major vehicle of our magazine’s existence, and the editors want to hear your thoughts. If you need a clarification, have an objection or just find something that tickles your fancy, we want to hear about it. Here are the contact addresses for the 2007-2008 editorial staff…e-mail away!

Jessica Sipperley, Editor in Chief
sipperl1@msu.edu
Cara Binder, Managing Editor
State Side, Arts & Culture
binderca@msu.edu
Kim Bale, Managing Editor
Global View, Sex & Health
balekimb@msu.edu
Trisha Poling, State Side Section Editor
polingtr@msu.edu
Katie Sulau, Global View Section Editor
sulaukat@msu.edu
Nicole Nguyen, Arts & Culture Section Editor
nguyenni@msu.edu
Lexi Biasell, Sex & Health Section Editor
biasella@msu.edu
Megan Sistachs, Photo Editor
sistachs@msu.edu

From the founding of this country, the news media has been heralded as a means to disseminate information to a multitude of readers. But one newspaper did not do the job for long. Competing publications sprang up as the American borders expanded, both to one-up those other publications and to fulfill the public’s desire for more than one source of news. In the same way, our campus, with its thousands of students and hundreds of faculty members, contains a great variety of opinions and perspectives. One publication, attempting to present news coverage relevant to all of the members of this campus community, would never suffice. This is the niche of alternative media, and this is where The Big Green establishes itself in a frenzied college atmosphere.
The idea for TBG began in early 2002 with the thoughts and dedication of journalism student Beth Desy. From there, TBG emerged in 2003 as a magazine accessible through allmsu.com, that familiar Web site used by students to praise and bash professors, warn others against taking certain courses and sell spare athletic tickets. It is difficult to imagine how TBG could have existed without its own site, and it is likely our increased exposure is directly correlated to our Internet move. Our magazine earned a personal URL in the fall of 2004, and soon transitioned from a weekly publication to a monthly magazine.
Our goals as a publication are extensive, but our first priority lies with our audience. The readers are what make TBG go ’round, and the readers are why we exist. As a staff, we try to put together feature stories that matter, about topics and subjects that might not get the glory from mainstream media coverage. Everybody knows who Drew Neitzel is, but what’s the story behind the intramural facilities on campus? Without top-of-the-line weight rooms and committed trainers, the major athletic teams could not prepare as well for competition. Most students hear about major protests on campus, fueled by strict political views or brimming controversy, but who are the people behind these protests? How does a protest come to fruition? Why do these people burn so passionately about an issue? TBG aims to go behind surface topics and answer questions about deeper issues. An unlimited Internet platform and an editing structure allowing for time and story cultivation enable this to happen.
Now, it is understood every issue of TBG is not going to be ground-breaking. We’re not going to uncover some major campus scandal or unearth a media gem in every issue. But we’re striving to create a credible, multi-faceted magazine, containing feature articles that are compelling, well-written and interesting. The reporters gather the information and work closely with editors; the editors reorganize, stylize and grammar-ize each story. The upper editorial staff polishes the pieces, clarifying and organizing, and then they edit the pieces again. The design staff tops off the pieces with photos and graphics, making each piece visually appealing and attention-catching. Our readership is increasing, and we’re gaining credibility within the campus arena as a legitimate publication with talented writers and motivated editors. But this progress isn’t causing us to plateau…we’re just getting started.

At The Big Green, we strive to put together comprehensive, well-written feature stories that spark interest, create debate or just make our readers stop and think about a topic in a slightly different manner and perspective. Our readers are the major vehicle of our magazine’s existence, and the editors want to hear your thoughts. If you need a clarification, have an objection or just find something that tickles your fancy, we want to hear about it. Here are the contact addresses for the 2007-2008 editorial staff…e-mail away!

Jessica Sipperley, Editor in Chief
sipperl1@msu.edu
Cara Binder, Managing Editor
State Side, Arts & Culture
binderca@msu.edu
Kim Bale, Managing Editor
Global View, Sex & Health
balekimb@msu.edu
Trisha Poling, State Side Section Editor
polingtr@msu.edu
Katie Sulau, Global View Section Editor
sulaukat@msu.edu
Nicole Nguyen, Arts & Culture Section Editor
nguyenni@msu.edu
Lexi Biasell, Sex & Health Section Editor
biasella@msu.edu
Megan Sistachs, Photo Editor
sistachs@msu.edu

At The Big Green, we strive to put together comprehensive, well-written feature stories that spark interest, create debate or just make our readers stop and think about a topic in a slightly different manner and perspective. Our readers are the major vehicle of our magazine’s existence, and the editors want to hear your thoughts. If you need a clarification, have an objection or just find something that tickles your fancy, we want to hear about it. Here are the contact addresses for the 2007-2008 editorial staff…e-mail away!

Jessica Sipperley, Editor in Chief
sipperl1@msu.edu
Cara Binder, Managing Editor
State Side, Arts & Culture
binderca@msu.edu
Kim Bale, Managing Editor
Global View, Sex & Health
balekimb@msu.edu
Trisha Poling, State Side Section Editor
polingtr@msu.edu
Katie Sulau, Global View Section Editor
sulaukat@msu.edu
Nicole Nguyen, Arts & Culture Section Editor
nguyenni@msu.edu
Lexi Biasell, Sex & Health Section Editor
biasella@msu.edu
Megan Sistachs, Photo Editor
sistachs@msu.edu

From the founding of this country, the news media has been heralded as a means to disseminate information to a multitude of readers. But one newspaper did not do the job for long. Competing publications sprang up as the American borders expanded, both to one-up those other publications and to fulfill the public’s desire for more than one source of news. In the same way, our campus, with its thousands of students and hundreds of faculty members, contains a great variety of opinions and perspectives. One publication, attempting to present news coverage relevant to all of the members of this campus community, would never suffice. This is the niche of alternative media, and this is where The Big Green establishes itself in a frenzied college atmosphere.
The idea for TBG began in early 2002 with the thoughts and dedication of journalism student Beth Desy. From there, TBG emerged in 2003 as a magazine accessible through allmsu.com, that familiar Web site used by students to praise and bash professors, warn others against taking certain courses and sell spare athletic tickets. It is difficult to imagine how TBG could have existed without its own site, and it is likely our increased exposure is directly correlated to our Internet move. Our magazine earned a personal URL in the fall of 2004, and soon transitioned from a weekly publication to a monthly magazine.
Our goals as a publication are extensive, but our first priority lies with our audience. The readers are what make TBG go ’round, and the readers are why we exist. As a staff, we try to put together feature stories that matter, about topics and subjects that might not get the glory from mainstream media coverage. Everybody knows who Drew Neitzel is, but what’s the story behind the intramural facilities on campus? Without top-of-the-line weight rooms and committed trainers, the major athletic teams could not prepare as well for competition. Most students hear about major protests on campus, fueled by strict political views or brimming controversy, but who are the people behind these protests? How does a protest come to fruition? Why do these people burn so passionately about an issue? TBG aims to go behind surface topics and answer questions about deeper issues. An unlimited Internet platform and an editing structure allowing for time and story cultivation enable this to happen.
Now, it is understood every issue of TBG is not going to be ground-breaking. We’re not going to uncover some major campus scandal or unearth a media gem in every issue. But we’re striving to create a credible, multi-faceted magazine, containing feature articles that are compelling, well-written and interesting. The reporters gather the information and work closely with editors; the editors reorganize, stylize and grammar-ize each story. The upper editorial staff polishes the pieces, clarifying and organizing, and then they edit the pieces again. The design staff tops off the pieces with photos and graphics, making each piece visually appealing and attention-catching. Our readership is increasing, and we’re gaining credibility within the campus arena as a legitimate publication with talented writers and motivated editors. But this progress isn’t causing us to plateau…we’re just getting started.

From the founding of this country, the news media has been heralded as a means to disseminate information to a multitude of readers. But one newspaper did not do the job for long. Competing publications sprang up as the American borders expanded, both to one-up those other publications and to fulfill the public’s desire for more than one source of news. In the same way, our campus, with its thousands of students and hundreds of faculty members, contains a great variety of opinions and perspectives. One publication, attempting to present news coverage relevant to all of the members of this campus community, would never suffice. This is the niche of alternative media, and this is where The Big Green establishes itself in a frenzied college atmosphere.
The idea for TBG began in early 2002 with the thoughts and dedication of journalism student Beth Desy. From there, TBG emerged in 2003 as a magazine accessible through allmsu.com, that familiar Web site used by students to praise and bash professors, warn others against taking certain courses and sell spare athletic tickets. It is difficult to imagine how TBG could have existed without its own site, and it is likely our increased exposure is directly correlated to our Internet move. Our magazine earned a personal URL in the fall of 2004, and soon transitioned from a weekly publication to a monthly magazine.
Our goals as a publication are extensive, but our first priority lies with our audience. The readers are what make TBG go ’round, and the readers are why we exist. As a staff, we try to put together feature stories that matter, about topics and subjects that might not get the glory from mainstream media coverage. Everybody knows who Drew Neitzel is, but what’s the story behind the intramural facilities on campus? Without top-of-the-line weight rooms and committed trainers, the major athletic teams could not prepare as well for competition. Most students hear about major protests on campus, fueled by strict political views or brimming controversy, but who are the people behind these protests? How does a protest come to fruition? Why do these people burn so passionately about an issue? TBG aims to go behind surface topics and answer questions about deeper issues. An unlimited Internet platform and an editing structure allowing for time and story cultivation enable this to happen.
Now, it is understood every issue of TBG is not going to be ground-breaking. We’re not going to uncover some major campus scandal or unearth a media gem in every issue. But we’re striving to create a credible, multi-faceted magazine, containing feature articles that are compelling, well-written and interesting. The reporters gather the information and work closely with editors; the editors reorganize, stylize and grammar-ize each story. The upper editorial staff polishes the pieces, clarifying and organizing, and then they edit the pieces again. The design staff tops off the pieces with photos and graphics, making each piece visually appealing and attention-catching. Our readership is increasing, and we’re gaining credibility within the campus arena as a legitimate publication with talented writers and motivated editors. But this progress isn’t causing us to plateau…we’re just getting started.

Maybe it\’s because the American presidential debates have been running all summer long, or maybe it\’s because most of us have been around East Lansing long enough to dream up how it could be a little better, but this year\’s new editorial staff decided to introduce ourselves by musing about what we would each do as the president of MSU. We would all have big plans for this university, but don\’t get too excited. For now, we\’re happily sticking to our roles as the editors of TBG.
Jessica Sipperley, Editor-in-Chief
I’ve never really thought about what I would do if I were the “president” of a large institution. (Being the “president\” of TBG doesn’t exactly wield the same kind of power.) Being in charge of MSU would certainly be a rush, but such a role would also come with intense pressure. I can’t even pick a movie for a group of friends to go see, much less make decisions that would affect thousands of students.[sipperley]
But if, by some miraculous event, I became the president of this university, I would seek to spark interest in the student body: to experience everything this campus has to offer. I recognize that this is close to impossible, but MSU has such a range of resources, diversity and special events, and these things cannot possibly go unnoticed. I’m just as guilty of apathy to some degree, but I still want students to relish the chance to care about so many things that they might not initially be interested in. We’re not just here to attend classes and take exams and write papers; we are exposed to a college experience that many people in this world are not lucky enough to have. And as the president, I’d show off this idea, all while wearing my professional best.
As the E-in-C, I want students to care about the issues on our campus as well. Our magazine is a vehicle that has the capacity to reach the entire campus. All of our lives are fully integrated with technology, whether it’s a personal computer or a convenient handheld device. The Internet is quite pervasive, and there is a huge opportunity for TBG to do the same. Our print issue from last year (and the one set to come out this year!) will certainly help, and so can our readers. I want our magazine to give exposure to extraordinary groups and events; I want to cover things that will make our readers stop and think. I know we can’t possibly write about everything on this campus, but this is certainly a start.
Kim Bale, Managing Editor
People say that while you\’re in college, the most important lessons are learned outside of the classroom. I completely agree with this and believe that\’s how it should be, but if I were president of the university, I would tweak the theory a tad. University requirements are meant to broaden your horizon and make you a well-rounded scholar, but when the back of your eyelids are studied more than the projector screen in a lecture hall, valuable time and money are being wasted.
[bale]I would propose an end to the required classes that many advisers suggest you \’get out of the way\’ your freshman year and replace them with classes designed to specialize your interests and generate knowledge and skills that appeal to you and will be helpful in the future. As for undecided freshmen, maybe set aside a handful of credits to be used for any general classes deemed necessary in declaring a major. When students are being told they have too many credits in the field of their major and they need to take more outside of the specified topic, I believe there is a serious problem.
Just as important, I believe I would require a test be administered to all students at MSU regarding modes of transportation on campus and the correct way to use or navigate them. This would hopefully help eliminate confusion when the walk sign switches to the flashing hand, or in understanding the correct direction to drive on a one-way-street. While I applaud the many new bike lanes on campus streets, I think more arrows are necessary as many bikers have a problem driving on the right side of the road.
So, my goals are a little far out, but so are the odds of my occupying the president\’s desk. There will always be university requirements and there will always be people confused by crosswalks and traffic circles, but l rest easy knowing TBG will be there to pass on these concerns to \”Dear Lou Anna…\”
Cara Binder, Managing Editor
Alright, I will be trite…but absence really does make the heart grow fonder.
I packed up my favorite possessions in May, moved out of my wonderful East Lansing neighborhood and settled down (for a little while) in a studio apartment in Minneapolis. Because of an internship I decided to skip out on my first semester of senior year and see what it’s like in a real journalism environment. The decision to give up part of my senior year was a hard one, but at the time I was jonesing to get out of E.L.
That said, if you would have asked me last May what I would change if I were president of MSU, I might have a nice-sized laundry list for you. It probably would have been filled with ways to make the campus more environmentally friendly, getting an independent movie theater in town and banning tank top-clad bar hoppers in December. Having been away, these things that MSU lacks become part of the city’s charm. On top of that, MSU was just named Campus Sustainability Leader of 2007, so apparently Lou Anna already has that under control.
On the other hand, we could definitely use a few alterations.[binder]
I was talking to a close friend of mine who goes to Kalamazoo College about the differences between K-College and MSU. Although I wouldn’t quite want to go to such a small school, Lou Anna could definitely take a few tips from their president. Two things stuck out to me, and they are realistic things, happening at a college near you. First of all, they have Random Acts of Kindness Days; this involves a truck driving around campus giving away free ice cream. Second, they have Day of Gracious Living. This is only once a year, and it happens on an unspecified day each spring. All of the students get an e-mail at about 8 p.m. announcing the next day of class is cancelled. For fun. What’s really impressive about this is not the day off, but the fact the college sets up bus rides for all of the students to go to a beach in South Haven. The whole college closes up shop and everyone goes to the beach.
If nothing else, I would certainly implement a Day of Gracious Living if I were president of MSU.
Trisha Poling, State Side Editor
The closest I have ever been to owning the title of president was my senior year of high school, when I was president of my school’s student council. While it was fun, and certainly a learning experience, I don’t think it quite qualifies me to run a university. However, in my fourth and final year at MSU, I definitely know what I would do if I was in Lou Anna K. Simon’s shoes.
After four years and at least 20 parking tickets, I’d have to say parking on this campus would be the first thing I’d change. I mean, what college student can afford the fortune this university charges us to park? Okay, I may be exaggerating a little, but still. The next item on my agenda would be the nearly 10 percent tuition increase that occurred this year. Seriously Lou Anna, it’s got to go.[poling]
Now on to my more extravagant (or less realistic) changes. First and foremost, Michigan is too cold in the winter. I know the name Michigan State University wasn’t an accident, but if I were president, I would move all of campus south for the spring semester – somewhere in the Caribbean would be good. Also, having a Friday morning class during my last year here is just plain silly. I try to avoid Friday classes like the plague, but for some reason, it just didn’t work out for me this semester. Therefore, during my presidency I would outlaw all Friday classes. I think most college students would agree with me that we need more than just a two-day weekend.
Being the president of MSU might be fun for a day, but I think that’s the longest I would last. After all, I don’t think the MSU Board of Trustees and I would exactly see eye to eye. For now, I’ll stick with my post as State Side section editor for TBG this year.
Katie Sulau, Global View Editor
When I was first presented with the prompt “If I was president of MSU…” I immediately reverted back to a favorite childhood poem of mine, “If I Were in Charge of the World.” The girl in the poem asserts that in her world, an ice cream sundae would be a vegetable, hamsters would be healthier and bedtimes wouldn’t exist. She talks about the cancellation of Monday mornings, cleanliness and oatmeal. All of her assertions rang true to me as an eight-year-old, especially when the threat of a bedtime seemed more like imminent doom. Twelve years later I find it easy to relate to most of her demands. Except for healthier hamsters – while I definitely do not wish an unhealthy life upon the hamster population of the world, I have always found rodents difficult to warm up to.
[sulau]I don’t have the audacity to presuppose that I will be nor ever wish to be “in charge of the world,” but just for a second I’ll agree to entertain the possibility of “being in charge of MSU.” In that case, classrooms would be a thing of the past and instead our learning environments would be full of corduroy recliners, sectional couches and the occasional loveseat to accommodate the cutest couple in class. Everyone would be required to accessorize their bikes with streamers and horns only because traveling like you’re in a Fourth of July parade every day has got to be more fun. And whenever it rained, raindrops falling from the sky would be accompanied by fortune cookies, because who doesn’t like the course of their life decided in a single crack of a cookie? And we all know those days where getting out of bed to go to class seems like someone is demanding you walk to the end of the earth and back, so on those days I’d like the marching band to identify those poor souls and become their posse for the day, following them to class while playing any tune off of “Jock Jams” or maybe even “Eye of the Tiger.”
Maybe that’s a lot to ask, but I can’t help but be ambitious when it comes to my hopes and dreams for this campus. And since becoming “in charge of MSU” is not on my horizon, it looks like they will stay that way, only as hopes and dreams. But I know that one cold November morning when I’m hauling my sorry self to class, I’ll search through my iPod, find “Eye of the Tiger,” maximize the volume and know it is possible for parts of my dreams to become part of my reality.
Nicole Nguyen, Arts & Culture Editor
When we came up with the “If I were president of the university” theme for our introductory messages, my first thought was I wouldn’t want to change anything about MSU. I love this university and everything about it – almost. I could definitely do without some of the snow and cold weather. I’m a Texan, born and raised, and even though this is my third year living in Michigan, I still think that anything below 50 degrees is cold! But weather aside, there are a ton of things to love about MSU. My best experience with MSU was participating in a study abroad program the summer of 2006. The six weeks that I spent in London studying English literature were absolutely fantastic, and well worth the many thousands of dollars it cost me as an out-of-state student. (And I have my fellow study-abroaders to thank for introducing me to TBG – I wouldn’t be here without them!) I’d love to go again before I graduate in 2009 and experience a new place – perhaps someplace a little less like home where I can step outside of my comfort zone – but unless I receive some scholarship money I don’t think I’ll be able to go.[nguyen]
So, if I were president of the university and could make any change, I would make study abroad more affordable. The benefits of living in other countries and learning about new and different cultures are immeasurable – it allows you to come back to MSU with a fresh perspective about being a member of the global community. It tests your ability to adapt, even if you are only adapting to riding the Tube instead of CATA and using different currency. I truly believe studying abroad is one experience no student should miss out on – what better way get more students participating than by making the trip cheaper?
Lexi Biasell, Sex & Health Editor
[biasell]If I were president of the university, I would address those cafeterias immediately. Their menus have more fat than a liposuction clinic. Each dinner would offer several vegetables, every fruit in season, and nothing – NOTHING – fried. Everything would be fresh and the layouts would be organized by nutrient or mineral provided. For example, the protein table would include grilled chicken and several kinds of fish. Red meat would only be offered occasionally, and the salad bar would occupy the biggest space in the room. Dessert would include carrot-cake (as at least a nod to health) and zucchini cookies (want a preview? Check out Healthy Twist in the Sex & Health section!). Either way, our cafeterias should contribute to the overall well-being and health of the student body, not beef it up.
This year, I hope you add more green to your news diet, too!
Megan Sistachs, Photo Editor
Hi! My name is Megan Sistachs. I am currently attending MSU and pursuing a degree in studio art. What has led me to this major is my love for photography and the dream to some day be a photographer for a high-end fashion magazine. Even though I get homesick every now and then, my dreams have led me to move to Michigan from Miami (as a child I also spent a couple years living in Chicago). Although Miami is my home, MSU has a place in my heart as home away from home. This will be my third semester as being a part of TBG. Last year I started off being a staff photographer for TBG, and this year I am the photo editor.[sistachs]
If I were president of the university the only thing I would do would be to put air conditioning in all the dorms. This is my second year living in the dorms and in the summer time it gets insanely hot in these small rooms. With all the money I am paying for out-of-state tuition, they could at least install some kind of cheap air conditioning system. Even though it is cold through out most of the year, in the summer time and springtime of the year, it gets stuffy and humid in the rooms. It is hard trying to study in a room that feels like a sauna.

Thanks for reading,
The Big Green Editorial Staff

Maybe it\’s because the American presidential debates have been running all summer long, or maybe it\’s because most of us have been around East Lansing long enough to dream up how it could be a little better, but this year\’s new editorial staff decided to introduce ourselves by musing about what we would each do as the president of MSU. We would all have big plans for this university, but don\’t get too excited. For now, we\’re happily sticking to our roles as the editors of TBG.
Jessica Sipperley, Editor-in-Chief
I’ve never really thought about what I would do if I were the “president” of a large institution. (Being the “president\” of TBG doesn’t exactly wield the same kind of power.) Being in charge of MSU would certainly be a rush, but such a role would also come with intense pressure. I can’t even pick a movie for a group of friends to go see, much less make decisions that would affect thousands of students.[sipperley1]
But if, by some miraculous event, I became the president of this university, I would seek to spark interest in the student body: to experience everything this campus has to offer. I recognize that this is close to impossible, but MSU has such a range of resources, diversity and special events, and these things cannot possibly go unnoticed. I’m just as guilty of apathy to some degree, but I still want students to relish the chance to care about so many things that they might not initially be interested in. We’re not just here to attend classes and take exams and write papers; we are exposed to a college experience that many people in this world are not lucky enough to have. And as the president, I’d show off this idea, all while wearing my professional best.
As the E-in-C, I want students to care about the issues on our campus as well. Our magazine is a vehicle that has the capacity to reach the entire campus. All of our lives are fully integrated with technology, whether it’s a personal computer or a convenient handheld device. The Internet is quite pervasive, and there is a huge opportunity for TBG to do the same. Our print issue from last year (and the one set to come out this year!) will certainly help, and so can our readers. I want our magazine to give exposure to extraordinary groups and events; I want to cover things that will make our readers stop and think. I know we can’t possibly write about everything on this campus, but this is certainly a start.
Kim Bale, Managing Editor
People say that while you\’re in college, the most important lessons are learned outside of the classroom. I completely agree with this and believe that\’s how it should be, but if I were president of the university, I would tweak the theory a tad. University requirements are meant to broaden your horizon and make you a well-rounded scholar, but when the back of your eyelids are studied more than the projector screen in a lecture hall, valuable time and money are being wasted.
[bale]I would propose an end to the required classes that many advisers suggest you \’get out of the way\’ your freshman year and replace them with classes designed to specialize your interests and generate knowledge and skills that appeal to you and will be helpful in the future. As for undecided freshmen, maybe set aside a handful of credits to be used for any general classes deemed necessary in declaring a major. When students are being told they have too many credits in the field of their major and they need to take more outside of the specified topic, I believe there is a serious problem.
Just as important, I believe I would require a test be administered to all students at MSU regarding modes of transportation on campus and the correct way to use or navigate them. This would hopefully help eliminate confusion when the walk sign switches to the flashing hand, or in understanding the correct direction to drive on a one-way-street. While I applaud the many new bike lanes on campus streets, I think more arrows are necessary as many bikers have a problem driving on the right side of the road.
So, my goals are a little far out, but so are the odds of my occupying the president\’s desk. There will always be university requirements and there will always be people confused by crosswalks and traffic circles, but l rest easy knowing TBG will be there to pass on these concerns to \”Dear Lou Anna…\”
Cara Binder, Managing Editor
Alright, I will be trite…but absence really does make the heart grow fonder.
I packed up my favorite possessions in May, moved out of my wonderful East Lansing neighborhood and settled down (for a little while) in a studio apartment in Minneapolis. Because of an internship I decided to skip out on my first semester of senior year and see what it’s like in a real journalism environment. The decision to give up part of my senior year was a hard one, but at the time I was jonesing to get out of E.L.
That said, if you would have asked me last May what I would change if I were president of MSU, I might have a nice-sized laundry list for you. It probably would have been filled with ways to make the campus more environmentally friendly, getting an independent movie theater in town and banning tank top-clad bar hoppers in December. Having been away, these things that MSU lacks become part of the city’s charm. On top of that, MSU was just named Campus Sustainability Leader of 2007, so apparently Lou Anna already has that under control.
On the other hand, we could definitely use a few alterations.[cara2]
I was talking to a close friend of mine who goes to Kalamazoo College about the differences between K-College and MSU. Although I wouldn’t quite want to go to such a small school, Lou Anna could definitely take a few tips from their president. Two things stuck out to me, and they are realistic things, happening at a college near you. First of all, they have Random Acts of Kindness Days; this involves a truck driving around campus giving away free ice cream. Second, they have Day of Gracious Living. This is only once a year, and it happens on an unspecified day each spring. All of the students get an e-mail at about 8 p.m. announcing the next day of class is cancelled. For fun. What’s really impressive about this is not the day off, but the fact the college sets up bus rides for all of the students to go to a beach in South Haven. The whole college closes up shop and everyone goes to the beach.
If nothing else, I would certainly implement a Day of Gracious Living if I were president of MSU.
Trisha Poling, State Side Editor
The closest I have ever been to owning the title of president was my senior year of high school, when I was president of my school’s student council. While it was fun, and certainly a learning experience, I don’t think it quite qualifies me to run a university. However, in my fourth and final year at MSU, I definitely know what I would do if I was in Lou Anna K. Simon’s shoes.
After four years and at least 20 parking tickets, I’d have to say parking on this campus would be the first thing I’d change. I mean, what college student can afford the fortune this university charges us to park? Okay, I may be exaggerating a little, but still. The next item on my agenda would be the nearly 10 percent tuition increase that occurred this year. Seriously Lou Anna, it’s got to go.[poling2]
Now on to my more extravagant (or less realistic) changes. First and foremost, Michigan is too cold in the winter. I know the name Michigan State University wasn’t an accident, but if I were president, I would move all of campus south for the spring semester – somewhere in the Caribbean would be good. Also, having a Friday morning class during my last year here is just plain silly. I try to avoid Friday classes like the plague, but for some reason, it just didn’t work out for me this semester. Therefore, during my presidency I would outlaw all Friday classes. I think most college students would agree with me that we need more than just a two-day weekend.
Being the president of MSU might be fun for a day, but I think that’s the longest I would last. After all, I don’t think the MSU Board of Trustees and I would exactly see eye to eye. For now, I’ll stick with my post as State Side section editor for TBG this year.
Katie Sulau, Global View Editor
When I was first presented with the prompt “If I was president of MSU…” I immediately reverted back to a favorite childhood poem of mine, “If I Were in Charge of the World.” The girl in the poem asserts that in her world, an ice cream sundae would be a vegetable, hamsters would be healthier and bedtimes wouldn’t exist. She talks about the cancellation of Monday mornings, cleanliness and oatmeal. All of her assertions rang true to me as an eight-year-old, especially when the threat of a bedtime seemed more like imminent doom. Twelve years later I find it easy to relate to most of her demands. Except for healthier hamsters – while I definitely do not wish an unhealthy life upon the hamster population of the world, I have always found rodents difficult to warm up to.
[sulau2]I don’t have the audacity to presuppose that I will be nor ever wish to be “in charge of the world,” but just for a second I’ll agree to entertain the possibility of “being in charge of MSU.” In that case, classrooms would be a thing of the past and instead our learning environments would be full of corduroy recliners, sectional couches and the occasional loveseat to accommodate the cutest couple in class. Everyone would be required to accessorize their bikes with streamers and horns only because traveling like you’re in a Fourth of July parade every day has got to be more fun. And whenever it rained, raindrops falling from the sky would be accompanied by fortune cookies, because who doesn’t like the course of their life decided in a single crack of a cookie? And we all know those days where getting out of bed to go to class seems like someone is demanding you walk to the end of the earth and back, so on those days I’d like the marching band to identify those poor souls and become their posse for the day, following them to class while playing any tune off of “Jock Jams” or maybe even “Eye of the Tiger.”
Maybe that’s a lot to ask, but I can’t help but be ambitious when it comes to my hopes and dreams for this campus. And since becoming “in charge of MSU” is not on my horizon, it looks like they will stay that way, only as hopes and dreams. But I know that one cold November morning when I’m hauling my sorry self to class, I’ll search through my iPod, find “Eye of the Tiger,” maximize the volume and know it is possible for parts of my dreams to become part of my reality.
Nicole Nguyen, Arts & Culture Editor
When we came up with the “If I were president of the university” theme for our introductory messages, my first thought was I wouldn’t want to change anything about MSU. I love this university and everything about it – almost. I could definitely do without some of the snow and cold weather. I’m a Texan, born and raised, and even though this is my third year living in Michigan, I still think that anything below 50 degrees is cold! But weather aside, there are a ton of things to love about MSU. My best experience with MSU was participating in a study abroad program the summer of 2006. The six weeks that I spent in London studying English literature were absolutely fantastic, and well worth the many thousands of dollars it cost me as an out-of-state student. (And I have my fellow study-abroaders to thank for introducing me to TBG – I wouldn’t be here without them!) I’d love to go again before I graduate in 2009 and experience a new place – perhaps someplace a little less like home where I can step outside of my comfort zone – but unless I receive some scholarship money I don’t think I’ll be able to go.[nicole2]
So, if I were president of the university and could make any change, I would make study abroad more affordable. The benefits of living in other countries and learning about new and different cultures are immeasurable – it allows you to come back to MSU with a fresh perspective about being a member of the global community. It tests your ability to adapt, even if you are only adapting to riding the Tube instead of CATA and using different currency. I truly believe studying abroad is one experience no student should miss out on – what better way get more students participating than by making the trip cheaper?
Lexi Biasell, Sex & Health Editor
[lexi2]If I were president of the university, I would address those cafeterias immediately. Their menus have more fat than a liposuction clinic. Each dinner would offer several vegetables, every fruit in season, and nothing – NOTHING – fried. Everything would be fresh and the layouts would be organized by nutrient or mineral provided. For example, the protein table would include grilled chicken and several kinds of fish. Red meat would only be offered occasionally, and the salad bar would occupy the biggest space in the room. Dessert would include carrot-cake (as at least a nod to health) and zucchini cookies (want a preview? Check out Healthy Twist in the Sex & Health section!). Either way, our cafeterias should contribute to the overall well-being and health of the student body, not beef it up.
This year, I hope you add more green to your news diet, too!
Megan Sistachs, Photo Editor
Hi! My name is Megan Sistachs. I am currently attending MSU and pursuing a degree in studio art. What has led me to this major is my love for photography and the dream to some day be a photographer for a high-end fashion magazine. Even though I get homesick every now and then, my dreams have led me to move to Michigan from Miami (as a child I also spent a couple years living in Chicago). Although Miami is my home, MSU has a place in my heart as home away from home. This will be my third semester as being a part of TBG. Last year I started off being a staff photographer for TBG, and this year I am the photo editor.[megan2]
If I were president of the university the only thing I would do would be to put air conditioning in all the dorms. This is my second year living in the dorms and in the summer time it gets insanely hot in these small rooms. With all the money I am paying for out-of-state tuition, they could at least install some kind of cheap air conditioning system. Even though it is cold through out most of the year, in the summer time and springtime of the year, it gets stuffy and humid in the rooms. It is hard trying to study in a room that feels like a sauna.

Thanks for reading,
The Big Green Editorial Staff

Ashley K. Symons, Editor-in-Chief and Acting Sex & Health Editor
[ashley2] I’ve been hyper emotional these last few days. Graduation is finally hitting me and I’m not quite ready for it. Everything I’ve done this week seems to be the last of some sort – the last time I attended class, the last time I took an exam, the last time I stayed up late trying to finish this issue of The Big Green. And I’ve enjoyed every minute of it.
I will always feel nostalgic about my four years at MSU, especially my time working on The Big Green staff. This magazine has given me a purpose on campus and I am forever grateful for that. I will miss the staff, especially the editors, who have become more like friends. Molly, Caitlin, Cara, Kim, Jessica S. and Jessica Y – I couldn\’t have done this without you. To all the staff, thank you for your time and dedication each month.
Next year, Jessica Sipperley will be serving as E-in-C, and Kim Bale and Cara Binder will be Managing Editors. Alexis Biasell, Nicole Nguyen, Trisha Poling and Katie Sulau will be the new additions to the editorial staff. I leave TBG knowing it is in good hands.
To our readers, thank you for believing in and supporting our efforts to bring you an alternative media voice on campus. The goal of this magazine has always been to bring forward thoughtful stories and I hope we\’ve been able to do that this year.
Well, here\’s my final goodbye to The Big Green. Here\’s goodbye to MSU.

Molly Benningfield, Managing Editor
[molly3]I realized about halfway through my final day of classes in college that I would probably never go to a real class again. I hadn\’t noticed as I was stretching during my gymnastics class (a put-off wish to take a FUN class at least once in the four years I was at MSU.) The realization sparked when I was in environmental journalism, and I suddenly had this overwhelming urge to burst into tears. No worries, I restrained myself. But with a rather anti-climatic ending to the day (although we did receive cookies and juice from our professor), I found myself wandering out of the Comm. Arts building alone, wondering why people weren\’t hugging, signing yearbooks and saying, \”H.A.G.S.\” (Have A Great Summer, for those who can\’t remember middle school acronyms). So, I did what any normal college student would do – I went to another class.
That\’s right. I put myself through more lecturing professors and uncomfortable seats because I had no idea when I\’d experience those pleasures again. The class wasn\’t my own, but I had been invited. (I\’m not sure if I could be a class crasher.) It was the advance poetry writing class I was signed up for at the beginning of the year, excited with the other classmates about continuing our poetry love from the year before. However, I dropped the class the day before it started, overloaded with other work. But my friends Zach and Randall pleaded with me to come, since they were reading a special poem. I felt loved and wanted and had to oblige. And to be honest, I loved every minute of being there. I can\’t help it – I\’ve always liked school.
And now, as I\’m halfway through finals week and about ready to graduate, I can\’t help but feel like college as a whole is anti-climatic. College graduation is nothing like high school\’s. There are hardly any graduation parties, I tried my cap and gown on by myself on the second floor of the Union, and I don\’t even get to sit next to a friend at my college\’s ceremony. To be honest, I feel let down. But I suppose that getting a degree in four years is nothing to be sad about, and I can miss the fun classes all I want, but I will no longer need to argue with a professor about an unfair grade, walk 40 minutes in the morning through snow or put up with University rules. I\’ll just step into the real world, thank you.

Caitlin Dobson, Managing Editor
[caitlin] I\’d like to think that The Big Green is like a fine wine. Balanced and uncorked, it has matured with age, yet has still maintained its \”kick.\” You can sometimes only take it in small doses, while other times you chug it
down as if you just can\’t ingest enough of it to soak your intellectual pallet. Now granted, I may not be your run-of-the-mill wine snob, but if there’s one thing I have learned throughout my years with The Big Green, this
magazine has and will continue to develop and ripen as the fruit of MSU’s alternative media. And I’ll continue to get drunk on every word of it.

Kim Bale, Global View Editor
[kim] As the school year comes to an end, so does another great term with TBG. This magazine continues to grow and improve each year, and 2006-2007 was no different. We\’ve increased our readership, provided more diverse articles ranging from photo essays to creative non-fiction, and worked hard to release our first print issue. Our staff this year became one of the most talented, steady groups TBG has seen in awhile. Next year, things can only get better. We\’re saying goodbye to three staples in TBG history as they graduate and we\’re welcoming four new section editors that will become the future of the magazine. Edgy stories, in-depth reporting and creative styles will still remain, however, no matter who may come and go. It\’s sad saying goodbye, but I am very much looking forward to TBG \’07/\’08.

Cara Binder, Arts & Culture Editor
[cara]I have been talking a lot lately with my friends and family how life-changing this past April to April has been for me. It has been strangely equally very hard and absolutely wonderful. I’ve been to Europe and back, lost a friend and two animals I adored, had a whirlwind of a splendid-turned-disastrous relationship, moved next door to a group of people who quickly became some of my best friends, got a job at a bookstore where I continue to be inspired by coworkers and customers, watched TBG go to the printing press and then decided to take next semester off to go to Minneapolis and work for my favorite magazine.
These past 12 months have been some of the most important in my life, but as I think about it, I don’t see an end to all of these “life-altering” experiences. It sounds ridiculously cheesy, but I really feel like this is about the point in your life when things really begin. I only have 15 more credits to complete and then God only knows what I will be doing. Depending on which hour you ask me, I will reply very confidently with “I’m going to do a volunteer journalism program in Uganda” or “I really want to go to New York. I’ve always pictured myself there” or “It would be nice to have a tiny place on a quiet lake.” Yes, I suppose this last year has been memorable, but I can’t imagine that moving to Minneapolis and deciding how to use 18 years of proper education will be any less incredible, but I can sappily reflect on that later.
In the meantime, I know that I have only one more year of being a member of TBG. We’ll continue to bring our readers the most comprehensive stories on issues that affect those in the Lansing area. We will miss Ashley, Molly and Caitlin terribly as they decide how spend their lives, but be assured that the new editorial staff we’ve mixed up is no less than rockin\’.

Jessica Sipperley, State Side Editor
[jessicas]TBG has given me the means to reach the community; first with words as a writer and then with molding other staff writers to produce meaningful, comprehensive stories about this vast campus as an editor. I never anticipated the growth of our magazine, with the end result being a print issue that is a monumental achievement. As our campus continues to grow, and the interests of its students become more diverse, our alternative media is not going to be an option, but a necessary way to bring us together. In the next year, I will be taking over the Editor-in-Chief position from a line of remarkable and motivated writers, and I couldn’t be happier.

Jessica Yettaw, Photo Editor
[jessicay] Upon arriving at MSU two years ago as a transfer student, I knew right away that I wanted to become involved with a student-run organization of some sort where I could put to use my love of photography. I also knew I wanted to be part of something that had a great group of people who could talk, work and laugh together. The Big Green has not only been a great outlet for me to take pictures and gain organizational skills by being an editor, but has also been a fun way to meet some really interesting and extraordinary people. These people are what make TBG such a success, and their hard work and dedication can be seen in every issue. I know next year will bring about more great stories and advancements within the publication and I\’m excited to see everything that I know the great team of editors and writers will accomplish. I wish my fellow editors and the new editors the best of luck next year and I know TBG will always remain a great place to get an interesting, fresh perspective on stories. With graduation and wedding plans in my future next year, I am ready to move on to the next point in my life, but I\’m happy to have been a part of such a great publication and team of people while here at MSU.

HAVE A GREAT SUMMER!

The Big Green launched its first-ever print edition in April 2007. The issue features some of the best articles from the 2006-2007 academic year. Get your copy by contacting letters@thebiggreen.net or check the following locations:
-Curious Books, Grand River Avenue
-Barnes & Noble, Grand River Avenue
-Union Building, Grand River Avenue
-Espresso Royale Cafe, Grand River Avenue
-Schuler Books and Music, Meridian Mall

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