If you’ve caught a taste of Auburn’s special identity, you’ll know it’s as blissful as sipping on the world’s greatest lemonade while you watch long strands of toilet paper flow in
the breeze, hanging from the strong branches of luscious oak trees. I love Auburn University, and my experienc- es here will undoubtedly impact me for the rest of my life.
I have gained inspiration, education and such special relationships from this place.
There is a deep-rooted sense of passion, meaning and joy in this place. However, we all know utopia is not a real thing on this earth. How is it that we can (mostly) come together over a football team but hardly ever be on the same page about what’s just, who to include or how to relate to each other?
So many times, the loudest voices are the only ones that get heard. The most common lifestyle is the one that gets recognized and turned into the status-quo. The quiet and unique stories get passed over or left on the outskirts.
As a staff, we want to bring a variety of stories, perspectives and identities into the spotlight as we acknowledge that the community of Auburn is not one-sided. It is multifaceted, deep and dynamic. Whether a socioeconomic category or a collegiate pursuit, these differences are important to see.
Seeing the way The Plainsman staff has run after people and sought to magnify their stories is an attitude we can all learn from.
When we take the time to listen, some of these differences might break our hearts and cause us to question the systems that separate us. Read anyway. Some of these differences might bring up strong emotions and confusion. Read anyway. Some of these differenc- es might quiet our internal voices as we realize something new, perhaps for the first time. Keep reading.
Ultimately, I hope these differences inspire us and give us a renewed hope in humanity. I truly believe witnessing each other’s differences is the key to unity; so, observe, listen and be curi- ous. Only through this pursuit can we truly paint a picture of what Auburn is: by listening to all the voices that call it home.
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Sami Grace Donnelly, senior in English literature, began writing for the Plainsman in the fall of 2021. She has served as a columnist, writer abroad, Opinion Editor, managing editor and is now Editor-in-Chief of the Plainsman.
