Columns

A group of six young adults poses cheerfully on grass in front of a large brick building with a clock tower.

COULMN | Tips for Incoming Freshmen

By Jordan Bynum Wright | Columnist | August 7

Many of you may have grown up in Alabama and always wanted to go to Auburn. Many of you did not and just so happened to end up here. No matter how you got here, you’re here now and about to embark on a new journey. As someone who has a whopping one year of college under their belt, I feel that it’s most fitting for me to write advice for the entire freshman class.

Plainsman's Pointers | Panhellenic Playbook

By Ally Northridge | Content Editor | July 24

From Toomer’s Corner to eagle flights to game day chants, Auburn adores its traditions, and as August grows near, the campus waits in anticipation for one of its most beloved: Panhellenic recruitment. Here are five pieces of rush advice from your big sister who has already been through it.

Letter from the Editor | Make the most of your season

By Sami Grace Donnelly | June 30

Whatever season you find yourself in, thank you for being here and spending some time with The Plainsman. People who know me know I have my roots as an advice columnist, so for my final letter, I am going to revisit those foundations. Here are five tips for making the most of your season:

COLUMN | Auburn’s own Medal of Honor Recipient: Celebrating General Jim Livingston

By Olivia Garrett | News Writer | May 23

General Jim Livingston is a Medal of Honor recipient, a retired U.S. Marine Corps Major General, but before all the medals and military accolades, he was just a young student on Auburn University’s campus, building a foundation that would shape his life and the lives of so many others.

COLUMN | How to deal with rejection

By Clara Herrero | Culture Writer | May 9

Rejection comes into our lives in all shapes and sizes — in friendships, relationships or academic experiences — and it is unavoidable that we will all end up experiencing this kind of feeling sooner or later. There are many methods one can use to cope with rejection, like focusing on new skills and enjoying different experiences.

COLUMN | Knowing I’m in the “write” place

By Sam Vise | Assistant Culture Editor | April 29

As I reflect on my time as assistant culture editor, I want to say thank you to The Auburn Plainsman for showing me that I’m in the "write" field. I have grown out of my shell and truly established myself as a writer and a journalist because of this organization. Thank you.

COLUMN | The Ups and Downs of the SEC

By Jordan Bynum Wright | Columnist | April 28

Whether it’s the chaos of Bama Rush or dominating showcases in just about every sport, the SEC draws a lot of eyes. While the spectacle that is the SEC is often glamorized, it is important to take a more holistic view of it. Though tailgates and Greek life may be fun, we should not gloss over the ways that the SEC, southern culture and our own campus culture often falls short.

Hiring Freezes and Funding Cuts in Academia Graphic

COLUMN | Ivy League scrutiny: How an Auburn student responds

By Isabella Hidalgo | Columnist | April 18

The Trump administration has threatened to withdraw hundreds of millions in federal funding to elite universities, and it shows little sign of letting up. With the crackdown on academia becoming more widespread, should Auburn students be worried?

Letter to the Editor | Research is under attack

By Bruce Gladden | Professor | April 18

Regardless of one’s political affiliations, leading the world in research is good for everyone. My request to Auburn students is to learn about the research going on at Auburn and other universities, what indirect costs are used for and then to educate their families and friends so that we can turn our leaders away from the dangerous direction we are heading with our precious world-leading research.

Letter from the Editor | Voices of the Loveliest Village

March 17

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.

LETTER FROM THE EDITOR | Shoring fragments of truth against our ruins

January 13

There’s not much The Plainsman hasn't done. However, when I sit here and wonder what I can do to contribute to this organization, I realize there is something we need more of: we need more people’s perspectives. Whether breaking news or treasured memories, we need to bring these genuine, human stories to the forefront of the media.

COLUMN | Staying mentally and physically in shape freshman year

By Mason Flynn | August 7

Freshman year can be overwhelming. It is helpful to find on-campus ways to maintain one's mental and physical health through this difficult transition.

COLUMN | Planting a jungle: Bruce Pearl's profound influence on Auburn's culture

By Chase Morgese | Opinion Editor | April 23

Bruce Pearl was hired as the Auburn men’s basketball head coach in 2014 after the team’s fifth straight losing season. His passion for basketball and his loyalty to players and the community formed the basis of a new culture — a culture which would one day solidify Auburn’s standing as a basketball school.

COLUMN | A senior perspective of storming the field for the Texas A&M takedown

By Sami Grace Donnelly | Editor-in-Chief | April 7

From The Plainsman sports print edition, Editor-in-Chief Sami Grace Donnelly gives an artistic impression of the meaning behind the historic, season-ending victory over Texas A&M.

COLUMN | Is Auburn really diverse?

By Brychelle Brooks | Editor-in-Chief | March 6

Is Auburn University truly the "Auburn Family" for all its students? A look at the university's demographics and history reveals a complex relationship with diversity and inclusion. From low Black student enrollment to a past marked by segregation, Auburn's present raises questions about its commitment to supporting marginalized communities.

COLUMN | What Auburn means to me

By Grace Heim | Assistant Sports Editor | February 17

Auburn is a feeling — a place where stories unfold, where people feel like family and where I’ve grown as a writer, student and person. Read on to learn what Auburn means to Grace Heim, Assistant Sports Editor at The Auburn Plainsman.

COLUMN | Cupid draw back your bow

By Brychelle Brooks | Editor-in-Chief | February 13

Love songs were a staple of the 1950s and the early 60s, these songs were commonly filled with lyrics of innocence and romance. One of Sam Cooke's most notable songs, was his single "Cupid," was released in May of 1961.Cupid became a figure of love and romance in the 18th century and Cooke's single projected the influence further for the holiday of love.

COLUMN | Alabama the Backward

By William Speigner | Legal Reporter | January 20

48 states honor the transformative legacy of Martin Luther King Jr. Yet, Alabama and Mississippi will instead celebrate Robert E. Lee, a symbol of the confederacy and its fight to maintain slavery. Deeming MLK Day a "cultural issue" while celebrating a confederate leader and looking past it should not be normalized.

COLUMN | Shift to a grateful mindset

By Lizzie McGlynn | Lifestyle Writer | January 1

Gratitude is not just a fleeting emotion, it's a mindset, a practice and a choice. Being grateful for a kind word, a sunny day or a warm meal reduces stress and increases overall happiness because it keeps you present.

Plainsman's Pointers | How do I deal with the holiday blues?

By Brychelle Brooks | Editor-in-Chief | December 30

Dealing with sadness this time of year is unfortunately common for people around the world. Being around people you love during this season is always meaningful, even if someone is missing.