Without a doubt, being students at Mississippi State University has changed our lives. When we first arrived to campus as freshmen, we never could have imagined having the opportunities we have at the People’s University. MSU radiates school spirit for more reasons than football games. We really are a part of something special at State. 
Think about the great state of Mississippi: how many of you have the mindset of being ready to leave as soon as you graduate? Did you grow up in Mississippi? Do you feel trapped in the Deep South and suffocated for escape? Do you buy into the idea of Mississippi being the poorest, fattest, most pathetic state in the United States?
If you do, we, as the editorial board of The Reflector, challenge you to something. Ask yourself, “why am I here?” What is your purpose at this great institution? Why did you choose MSU over other schools? While reasons and circumstances may differ, ultimately, you made a decision to come to this university.
Think about where you are. You are at arguably the best college in the state taking the opportunity to obtain a higher education.  Mississippi is full of culture, history and hospitality. Natural beauty exists from the coast to the Tennessee state line.  Mississippi is a wonderful place to be. 
Think about what your parents or loved ones have sacrificed for you to go to college. Whether you realize it or not, going to college isn’t a four-year vacation you are entitled to. You aren’t the only person who worked hard to get you to MSU. Why then, would you not want to take every opportunity MSU has to offer?
Our university is about more than SEC football, clubs, organizations and even academics. MSU was founded on service.  If you don’t believe us, check out the seal of the university on the floor in the Union. For four or more years, we are part of an institution that molds us to be servant-minded.
We are surrounded by professors and instructors who dedicate their lives to helping us become the best possible versions of ourselves. That’s why we are passionate about the concept of “True Maroon.” That’s why we carry out the “We Believe” campaign. And, most importantly, that’s why we believe in Our State.
The 2012 presidential election is less than a week away. For many of us, Tuesday will be our first time to vote. We hope each of our readers intend to vote next Tuesday with informed opinions in mind behind their choice.
Voting is a conviction and privilege many of us take lightly. Casting your vote is a small step in the direction of a much bigger picture. We are exercising our hard-fought rights of democracy and freedom. Thousands of people have sacrificed their lives, many to the point of death, so we can vote next week. You may think your voice doesn’t matter, but it does. Your vote matters.
We have the opportunity to make a difference in our nation as well as our state. State elections are also taking place on Tuesday, not just presidential.
If we want to claim Mississippi as our state, we have to start by giving back to it. If you want to see change and reform, then do something. You could stay in our state and dedicate your life to helping the obesity problem; you could work your way up to serve in state government to help the economy.
Casting your vote on Tuesday is a step toward creating a better future for Mississippi. Voting is part of a bigger picture, and that’s why we believe so passionately about having an informed opinion on matters that matter.
The opportunities to give back to Mississippi are endless; but running away as soon as you get your degree will not help solve anything. Take pride in Mississippi, and give back to something bigger than yourself.