Columns

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.

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?