I am a junior at MSU. I am majoring in communication with a concentration in business and minor in public relations.

Last semester, I was the communications and marketing intern for Downtown Lansing Inc., an agency of the City of Lansing. We work to enhance downtown Lansing through supporting business development, planning special events and urban beautification.

I believe MSU students are not involved enough with our neighboring city. Students do not take advantage of the vibrancy and opportunities in Lansing. Students do not spend enough time giving back to another community.

Lansing is Michigan’s fifth largest city and has so much to offer, both professionally and culturally.

I love East Lansing with all my heart, but there is only so much a college town can offer. More MSU students should get involved in the Lansing community. It is silly for students to confine themselves to our small East Lansing community when we can branch out and experience all that Lansing has to offer.

I encourage all of my MSU peers to spend time getting acquainted with the Lansing community before graduation. Job shadowing or interning at a governmental organization, volunteering at one of the city’s various nonprofit organizations or spending a night out in downtown Lansing or Old Town would all be valuable, enjoyable experiences.

Exploring communities and cultures outside of our immediate comfort zone will set us up for future success after we graduate from MSU and have to move on from our little college town.

The City of Lansing supports East Lansing and Michigan State University in many ways. We should be giving back to the Lansing community.

Sincerely,

Jordan Marie Sweat

Michigan State University junior