I am an Alabama girl, born and raised, but Mississippi State University stole my heart over a year ago when it came time to pick a college. How could it not have? The campus is gorgeous, the surrounding town is lively, and everyone there is kind. The campus is beautiful, but not boastful. Mississippi State just had that classic, Southern humbleness about it that had me head over heels. What I did not account for though, is the reality of out-of-state tuition while paying for school on my own. The first semester was everything a freshman dreams of it being, and now I have so many great stories. While I may not be attending the University, you'll still be hearing my cowbell in Davis Wade every fall.
1. Cowbell Antics
The experience of ringing a cowbell to cheer on the football team or ringing it along to "Small Town Girl" is unparalleled to any other university. After using a cowbell in every cheer or whenever we're on defense, going to another stadium where the most rambunctious thing they do is (maybe get to) sing along to "Dixieland Delight" just doesn't seem near as fun. Even the walk back to the dorm or to the car after a win just wouldn't feel the same without ringing cowbells back and forth within the crowd.
2. Walking Down Old Main Plaza
The Chapel of Memories added a little bit of sparkle to everyone's day as it would ring every hour, and the view of it alone made waking up for an 8 a.m. all the more worth it. Also the https://www.instagram.com/chapelsleepers/ is so relatable and so funny.
3. The Odyssey Babes
When I was first asked to join the Odyssey community, I was unaware of just how kind and glamorous this group of ladies is. We bounce ideas off of each other for articles, academics, and personal matters. I've never been so accepted from a group I hadn't even met yet. I am so thankful to be able to keep writing.
4. Laying In A Hammock By The Cotton Fields
Putting up a hammock right here in this spot was the best solution for a stressful week. Just looking out over it all was so peaceful and it erased any tenseness I had.
5. Ballew
I 13/10 would recommend taking Dr. Ty's class (Human Growth and Development) in Ballew Hall. The building is amazing and it was the #1 spot that I showed people when they came to visit me. It's one of the oldest buildings on campus and the class itself is pretty easy and full of laughs every single day.
6. Fried Chicken Wednesdays
There's a reason that the line at the Perry would stretch out nearly to the drill field, and that reason is Fried Chicken Wednesdays. I don't care what the health rating is, the macaroni and cheese they serve for Fried Chicken Wednesdays was to die for. I usually had quite a few exams on Wednesdays, but that didn't matter because I got to enjoy golden, fried deliciousness around 11:00 each day.
7. Campus Cats!
There are so many cats on campus! The Union cat (pictured above) was my absolute favorite. Every morning on the way to English, she would pop out from the bushes as if she was just waiting to see me. She was an absolute gem, and I will miss getting to pet her each morning.
