Columns

COLUMN | Everyone is dressing as Barbie for Halloween this year

By Sami Grace Donnelly | Editor-in-Chief | October 31

The top grossing movie of the year is making a resurgence this Halloween season. Not only is the Barbie movie extremely popular, but its message is incredibly valuable and worthwhile. There's a reason why people are obsessed.

COLUMN | Why does Halloween affect people?

COLUMN | Halloween can negatively affect mental health

By Jakai Spikes | Writer | October 30

Halloween is a fun holiday where people explore and experiment with bad, good and disguise. However, this holiday can have extremely negative affects on mental health. It's important to acknowledge the affects of our actions and thoughts when we partake in the All Hallows' Eve festivities.

COLUMN | A semiotic history of Auburn University's names

By Sami Grace Donnelly | Editor-in-Chief | October 26

Even though Auburn was founded in 1856, the name Auburn University was not even used until about 60 years ago. The university has actually claimed four different names throughout its history, and each of these conveys core, organizational values of the respective era.

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COLUMN | How working at The Plainsman inspired me

By Mallorie McCoy | Columnist | October 24

Read one columnist's perspective to hear how this beloved publication inspires and equips its members in the world of media.

COLUMN | The 60th anniversary of racial integration at Auburn University

By Jakai Spikes | Writer | October 20

This year marks the 60th anniversary of racial integration at Auburn University. Read about how far we have come and think about how far we have to go.

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COLUMN | An international student's perspective on a new culture

By Alba Sinusia Lozano | Columnist | October 17

An international student shares her perspective about transitioning from her home country to living in The United States and doing school at Auburn University.

COLUMN | Planning for retirement

By Stuart Dyos | Business Reporter | October 4

What is the importance of preparing for retirement even from a young age?

COLUMN | The secret history of pumpkin spice

By Sydney Babb | EETV Station Manager | October 3

The pumpkin spice flavor seems to be everywhere you turn during the fall season, but it has humble beginnings that might surprise you.

COLUMN | Coco Gauff and her American spotlight

By Sami Grace Donnelly | Editor-in-Chief and Jakai Spikes | Writer | September 27

America’s reaction to Coco Gauff’s success was sensational. While she is deserving of all the praise, our opinion section delves into the nuances of America’s reaction to her victory. Why did America come together to celebrate her? Will her social media presence fizzle out? What is the greater meaning of it all?

COLUMN | Not-so-typical gameday tips

By Sydney Babb | EETV Station Manager | September 1

With such an anticipated season ahead of us and so many new students on campus, there are a few not-so-typical tips that you might want to follow for the best college game day experience.

COLUMN | How to create healthy habits for your school year

By Sami Grace Donnelly | Editor-in-Chief | August 25

With the first week of class behind us, it's appropriate to be setting goals and casting vision for the semester. Create healthy habits as you settle into your groove.

COLUMN | Advice for finals week

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

It’s academic weapon season…or maybe academic comeback season. Here are a few tips to navigate this iconic week.

A student walks down an empty sidewalk on Auburn University's campus at 3 p.m., Wednesday, April 4, 2017, in Auburn, Ala. Classes have been cancelled for the day due to severe weather and tornado watches.

COLUMN | April is the cruelest month

By Sami Grace Donnelly | Editor-in-Chief | April 5

We must simultaneously hold the possibility of good and bad as we enter into April. Yes, it is the start of spring; but we cannot forget that sadness lingers on. Having this awareness will enable us to live — and do so with meaning.

COLUMN | Stop homophobic humor

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

The issue of homophobic humor is not one of a political stance, it is about showing respect to other humans — or it reveals a lack thereof.

COLUMN | Reject commercial Valentine's Day

By Sami Grace Donnelly | Editor-in-Chief | February 13

Rejecting commercial Valentine's Day can be extremely freeing. It advocates for a more authentic version of love or a more healthy relationship with your singleness; and it might even keep a few extra dollars in your pocket this year.

COLUMN | Is society becoming more tone deaf?

By Jakai Spikes | Writer | February 9

Social media and news expose people to sensitive and graphic content. This could eventually cause users to become "tone-deaf" to serious situations the more normalized it is to see this content.

COLUMN | Welcome to the Freeze

By Michael Floyd | Community Writer | January 31

There’s a new sense of excitement for football on the campus of Auburn University.

COLUMN | "How was your break?"

By Sami Grace Donnelly | Editor-in-Chief | January 10

With the week of "How was your break?" approaching, it's important to remember that this over-asked question doesn’t have to be meaningless. It might require some processing and preparation, but people will be more inclined to give a real answer when the question seems genuine.

COLUMN | You need to forgive yourself

By Sami Grace Donnelly | Editor-in-Chief | December 16

Forgiveness isn’t something college students think about often, but a lack of forgiveness in your life can be a silent killer — especially if the person you need to forgive is yourself.

COLUMN | It's never too late to change your major

By Jakai Spikes | Writer | December 15

Just because a student decides to change their major doesn’t make them less of a student. You should feel proud of yourself for making a change that will make you joyful in the future.