Columns

"Relationship with people with different perspective" graphic resubmit

COLUMN | Navigating conversations with people with different political beliefs

By Emily May | Operations Editor | October 22

With political divide being at an all-time high in the last decade, voters believe that this election is one of the most important to the future of the country. Election years heighten emotions and strengthen walls built to protect our personal values from attack, minimizing openings for dissenting opinions. Our generation and the generations before us have sowed a landscape that is treacherous for our country and threatens the greatest parts of humanity: empathy and human connection.

COLUMN | Flyover Country

By Gabriel Fox | Columnist | October 22

Over fifty percent of America’s counties account for rural, non-metropolitan areas, it is perhaps more important now than ever to consider how government policies affect these communities and work to protect them. As centers of American agriculture and industry, given the increased population following the COVID pandemic, coupled with recent environmental impacts such as hurricane Helene, it is perhaps more important now than ever to consider how government policies affect these communities and work to protect them.

COLUMN | Professors should eliminate pop quizzes

By Chase Morgese | Opinion Editor | October 21

Surprise assessments do not prepare students for life after school. In fact, they result in nothing but more onerous semesters. By eliminating pop quizzes, professors allow students to study in the manner most conducive to their success.

COLUMN | Should professors expect cheating when their exams are online?

By Lucy Rachels | Columnist | September 26

Auburn students, like all students, are opportunistic, when exams are taken remotely without proctors, an honor code demands becomes a challenge to enforce. Without an online test-taking structure, whether Lockdown Browser, in-person exams or both, students are left to their devices, literally and figuratively. So, should professors expect cheating when their exams are online and un-proctored, or should they expect students to uphold the honor code, even when no one is watching?

COLUMN | What's the point of dating apps?

By Brychelle Brooks | Editor-in-Chief | September 9

Gen Z daters in Alabama have been changing what it means to “date” in the age of technology. With 96.43% of Alabama Gen Z daters dropping dating apps, I ponder if dating apps bring along true, lasting love.

Plainsman's Pointers | Time management

By Sami Grace Donnelly | Editor-in-Chief | September 6

Managing your time is a topic that never goes out of style for any human ever. This piece discusses two parts of time management that help yield a lifestyle of value, importance and fun.

COLUMN | The power of the voice

By Brychelle Brooks | Editor-in-Chief | September 2

Widely known from Auburn's creed is the phrase “a spirit that is not afraid.” It's one I’ve grown to understand and love. I've learned that the best way to have a spirit that's not afraid is to use your voice. Your voice is the first step to success, and your voice opens doors.

Plainsman's Pointers | New friends

By Sami Grace Donnelly | Editor-in-Chief | August 30

This debut installment of Plainsman's Pointers discusses the process of finding new friends and building strong foundations to produce authentic and meaningful relationships.

Adventures Abroad: re-entry

By Sami Grace Donnelly | Editor-in-Chief | August 21

To close the "Adventures Abroad" mini-series, Sami Grace Donnelly recounts her journey of re-entry and adjusting to life back in the United States.

Adventures Abroad: world's best lemonade

By Sami Grace Donnelly | Editor-in-Chief | August 19

While studying abroad and traveling the world, Sami Grace Donnelly decided to find out if Toomer's Lemonade really is the "world's best lemonade."

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

COLUMN | Five tips for making an unfamiliar space feel like home

By Sami Grace Donnelly | Editor-in-Chief | August 1

“Home” is a word that has many personal connotations. Maybe “home” does not have the best memories associated with it and you are eager to start something new in college. Maybe you’ve never experienced a real “home” before. I truly believe you can find it here in Auburn. Here are five tips for making an unfamiliar place feel like home, from someone who has faced a lot of unfamiliar places in her day.

COLUMN | Don't be a catcher in the rye

By Brychelle Brooks | Editor-in-Chief | June 24

Reading has always been one of my favorite hobbies. Most of my favorite works have been challenged or banned, though they still have lessons to be learned. Here's some of the lessons I've learned from banned books and why I think you should read them too.

Adventures Abroad: traveling with an autoimmune disease

By Sami Grace Donnelly | Editor-in-Chief | June 20

One writer shares a personal experience about being abroad with severe dietary restrictions. It is not a curse, but it is rather an opportunity to grow, learn and gain a new appreciation for yourself and your circumstances.

COLUMN | The history and importance of Juneteenth

By Brychelle Brooks | Editor-in-Chief | June 19

As of June 16, 2021, Juneteenth was established as a federal holiday, one of 11 recognized nationally. Originally celebrated on June 19, 1866, in Texas to mark the date that enslaved people learned of the Emancipation Proclamation, Juneteenth should be observed as a major date in our history to commemorate the freedom of those enslaved.

COLUMN | Engineers should embrace the arts

By Chase Morgese | Opinion Editor | April 1

Engineering students spend most of their time immersed in science, often causing them to neglect the arts. However, engaging with art may bring them personal benefit and refine their ability to think critically.

Adventures Abroad: echar de menos

By Sami Grace Donnelly | Editor-in-Chief | March 29

How does the phrase "I miss you" translate back and forth from English to Spanish? What does "missing" look like while living countries away? Writer abroad Sami Grace Donnelly speaks about her experience "missing" people while she lives outside of the United States.

Sami Grace Donnelly during a study abroad trip

COLUMN | Being an Auburn exchange student

By Sami Grace Donnelly | Editor-in-Chief | February 19

The demographic of exchange students and international students is an important part of the Auburn Family. It's not always easy, but it is certainly a life-enriching experience. Read one writer's perspective about being an Auburn exchange student.

Plainsman writer Noah Griffith graduates from Auburn University

COLUMN | Goodbye, Plainsman

By Noah Griffith | Writer | December 26

One Plainsman writer recounts his experience at the newspaper and all the ways he has grown since his start. As he graduates with a degree in journalism, he thanks everyone who believed in him and the people who read and listened to his words throughout the years.

The Plainsman's opinions: favorite Christmas movies

By The Opinion Section | December 22

Members of the opinion section share their favorite movies to watch during the holidays. Ranging from "The Polar Express" to "This Christmas," our piece provides an assortment of holiday movies and our glowing opinions on them.

COLUMN | Reclaiming holiday joy as an adult

By Mallorie McCoy | Columnist | December 15

As a child, this season was the most magical time of the year. Now as adults, the holidays can easily take an emotional toll on us. Even though life changes, we still have the ability to find and to create that same childlike holiday sentiment for ourselves .