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MSU encourages expression and fosters unique communities

July 13, 2015

A few years ago when I was applying to college and making decisions of where to consider, I thought about the main components I wanted out of a university. Four years of my life is a big commitment and a wrong choice could have haunted me forever.

One thing I kept in the back of my mind through all of this was my outspoken nature. I wanted to attend a school where my opinion, thoughts would be respected and in certain aspects accepted. My opinion was nothing if I could not express it when I was passionate about something.

MSU has become a platform for my words and beliefs. It’s an incredible thing when speaking your mind is encouraged. It’s an even more incredible thing when you feel comfortable in doing so.

Sometimes it is hard to trust your environment and allow yourself to speak up. I feel confident enough to speak up whenever I see fit and that’s essential to education.

Incoming freshmen should understand that if they choose to express their passion and raise their voice, MSU is a place you can do so, taken from someone who has witnessed this.

Something to always remember is that MSU has flaws and if you care for the institution you attend then you should critique it. You will learn how to speak up here and how to articulate your opinions, so when you have your chance and you have something to say be sure to shout it from the rooftops.

However, it is hard to do all of this alone. Find a community within MSU and share your ideals with them. It can be easier to fight a battle or make a change when you have support.

I know from experience that support is needed in several aspects of college life particularly during one’s freshmen year.

Some universities seem to have restrictive ways of thinking (maybe that’s just me) ingrained in their systems. A sort of unwritten creed that attempts to silence their students, MSU has no such thing.

Respect is the essential word here. I feel that my opinion is respected here which is a lot less than what I can say about the rest of the world. People don’t always agree, but they allow me to speak my mind regardless of their own pride.

I’m incredibly lucky to be able to attend higher education especially at an institution that’s giving me a microphone for my voice.

Embrace your voice and use it often, you might surprise yourself this year.

Trust yourself and be true to what you believe. Welcome to MSU where it’s easier to do both.

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