Columns

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 | Columnist | 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 .

Let's talk about etiquette: The importance of etiquette in college

By Noah Griffith | Writer | December 9

The fifth and final piece in this semester's student etiquette series displays the importance of etiquette on a college campus. Here are some takeaways from the series that show the impact proper etiquette can make.

Let's talk about etiquette: Student-athletes

By Noah Griffith | Writer | November 24

Seeing a student-athlete on campus often feels like spotting a celebrity, but it is important to address them as a student and not just an athlete. Here are some tips on how to improve etiquette for interacting with student-athletes on campus, compiled following conversations with several student-athletes at Auburn.

COLUMN | Why Auburn fans should have hope for the Iron Bowl

By Matthew Wallace | Assistant Sports Editor , Sami Grace Donnelly | Editor-in-Chief and Jacob Waters | Sports Editor | November 22

The Iron Bowl is one of the most eye-catching and emotional games in all of college football. Although Auburn fans may be tempted to give up on the Tigers this season, here are four reasons why they should have hope for the 2023 Iron Bowl.

COLUMN | Is Thanksgiving problematic?

By Maggie Randall | Culture Writer | November 21

The heart behind Thanksgiving is pure, but its practice has grown into something almost unrecognizable. This Thanksgiving season, hold yourself accountable and focus on gratefulness, generosity and community.

COLUMN | Why you should start celebrating Christmas as early as possible

By Hailey Smith | Culture Writer | November 17

The "right time" to start celebrating Christmas is always controversial. Some believe in the post-Thanksgiving doctrine, while others promote Christmas music as soon as the weather gets cold. Read one columnist's argument about why it is most practical in the economy and good for people's spirits to start celebrating Christmas as early as possible.

Front page of The Plainsman on Dec. 3, 1998.

COLUMN | When silence spoke ‘Lowder' than words

By Noah Griffith | Writer | November 16

The Plainsman is celebrating its 130th year of publication this year, but it didn't get here without trying times: such as the attempted censure of former Plainsman editor-in-chief, Lee Davidson Holt, in 1998.

COLUMN | The philosophy of ghosting

By Alba Sinusia Lozano | Columnist | November 13

Ghosting is the quickest way out of any situation, but have you ever wondered where it comes from? Whether you are the victim or the perpetrator, you can learn many lessons about what it means to be human from this online practice. Even though we live in a world permeated by screens, we must consider the internal values that our online behavior conveys.

COLUMN | Being an introverted college student

By Mallorie McCoy | Columnist | November 10

Introverted tendencies can make it hard to maintain close relationships in college, and there is a certain tact one must have as an introverted college student. Read one columnist's perspective on being an introvert and finding a balanced college lifestyle.

Let’s talk about etiquette: Students who deal with mental health struggles

By Noah Griffith | Writer | November 9

Here are some tips to improve etiquette when interacting with students who deal with mental health struggles, compiled following conversations with two leaders from Auburn University's Active Minds chapter. We need to break stigmas and cultivate empathetic environments when considering the topic of mental health.

COLUMN | Why you shouldn't have a type in dating

By Jakai Spikes | Writer | November 3

If you live in a bubble and only interact with specific people, you could be missing out on the other realities of the world — ones you might not even know to look for.