I could give you a mile-long list of advice from the lessons I learned during my four years as a student at Mississippi State University. Instead, I am going to give you one simple piece of advice: go to New Maroon Camp.
I have had the opportunity to be a part of several organizations during my time at MSU but none have stayed with me quite like my experience with New Maroon Camp. So for my very last Reflector opinion article as a student at MSU, I hope to persuade you to apply for the camp as soon as you set this paper down.
The very first New Maroon Camp took place in the fall of 2014. It was designed to welcome incoming freshmen to campus and ease their transition to college.
Throughout the camp, students are taught the history and traditions of MSU, how to get involved and given tips for navigating their first year on campus.
Most importantly though, students see first-hand what it means to be a part of the Bulldog family and leave with friendships which make the first day of college a little less nerve-wracking.
Oh and did I mention? New Maroon Camp is a blast.
New Maroon Camp makes MSU more than just a place you go for school. By learning all of the history and traditions of this university, you gain a greater appreciation of the community you are joining and the alumni you will soon be following.
My favorite tradition at MSU is the Alma Mater, which I learned while singing before every meal during New Maroon Camp. Now, my favorite part of football games is looking around the end zone to see all of the New Maroon campers linked up to sing the Alma Mater, win or loss. The Alma Mater is a tradition I may not have known had I not been a part of camp.
New Maroon Camp also teaches you how to get invested on campus. College can be overwhelming at first and finding ways to get plugged into organizations on campus can make the overwhelmed feeling start to fade.
I remember my first year as a counselor, there was a student attending who was very shy. He sat by himself in the corner so often it raised concerns among the counselors. However, by the end of the week, this student was a part of every group activity and eager to break out of his shell and get involved on campus.
Now, this student who began his time at New Maroon quietly sitting off to the side is one of the leading voices on campus and a leader in some of the university’s most prestigious organizations. New Maroon Camp equips you with the confidence and tools needed for getting involved on campus from day one.
Finally, New Maroon Camp is a family. At the end of the week you will leave with a lot of advice and knowledge for your first year, but, more important than that, you will leave with a greater appreciation of the people you will be walking alongside during your four years in college.
New Maroon gives you people to sit by in the cafeteria, even if the only connection you have is matching shirts from camp.
New Maroon gives you counselors who serve as mentors long after camp is over.
New Maroon makes this scary transition to living on your own a little less lonely.
At the end of the day, New Maroon Camp establishes a bond that remains throughout the entirety of your time as a student. New Maroon Camp is where I found my home and where I hope you can find yours. Now go apply!
