We all agree Mississippi State is the best university in the country, right?
Good, now that we agree, I’d like to reflect on why we feel that way. There is a deeper and more complicated reason for loving dear old State other than just, “It’s where I go to college.” For me, it is the sense of belonging I get from being a student of MSU and a resident of Starkville.
I have invested interests in many organizations around campus and throughout the community, which make Starkville and MSU my home away from home. I love my family and going home is a great break from the stress of college, but I smile every time I turn onto Artesia Road from Highway 45 because I know I am close to a very special place.
So why does MSU hold a special place in my heart? Is it the people, the scenery or the things to do? Well, it is a combination of all of these things.
The people you meet in college are one of a kind. The people you meet at MSU are even better. Southern hospitality rings true in Starkville, and for the most part, people are very easy to get along with. My roommate was a blast and people I met through the BSU, intramural sports and just hanging out became some of my very good friends last year. I love MSU because the people are amazing.
I have yet to see a campus with as much well-placed greenery which is as spotless as ours. MSU’s landscaping crew does an incredible job at making our campus look presentable to guests as well as comfortable and peaceful to students who are on it everyday. From the roaming grass of the Drill Field to the shrubs and trees surrounding the chapel, there are dozens of places to go for quiet time away from all the stresses of class.
Often, I hop on my bike and ride out past the Sanderson Center to the technology park just for scenic view. I love playing ultimate Frisbee at the old intramural fields or taking a run in front of the M-Club to Barnes & Noble.
Driving around Starkville is very relaxing on a stressful day as well, from going down Highway 182 to cruising around downtown by Main Street and the Cotton District – Starkville can be just as scenic as the campus of MSU. I love MSU and Starkville because the scenery is beautiful.
In college in general, but particularly around here, there is always something to do. Whether it is a weeknight study party at a friend’s apartment or late night shenanigans during the weekend, as long as good friends are involved, there is sure to be fun to be had.
There are plenty of places to eat and hangout in Starkville, from a delicious burger at Mugshots to the sweet and savory Big Bubba banana split at Bops – both are places where friends can gather for some good, unique food and equally good fellowship.
It is the random 3 a.m. trips to Taco Bell or the completely useless hour spent in Walmart which make some of the best memories. Of course, some of the best nights are spent not out on the town, but goofing off and relaxing either on campus or at home in an apartment.
Gathering 20 people around the TV for the latest football road win or the season premier of “24” is commonplace in Starkville, and it is the little things like this which make me happy to call MSU my second home.
MSU will always hold a special place in my heart, and I will never forget the years I have spent and will spend here. Cheering for the Bulldogs and wearing maroon and white are second nature to me now, and I do not understand why anyone would do it any differently. To me, MSU just seems like the perfect place to be. The people are second to none, and what a beautiful place to spend your days studying organic chemistry or working on the latest art project!
There is hardly ever a shortage of things to do here, unless everyone decides to go home on the same weekend. I simply love MSU, and frankly, it is rather foolish of me to attempt to sum up my feelings about it in a 3000-character article. For the best things about MSU are the unexplainable, indefinable feelings that come to mind every time I step on campus after a period of time away. It is simply home.
Ben Leiker is a sophomore majoring in biological engineering. He can be contacted at [email protected].