Freshman year brims with countless opportunities, some beginning before the first 8 am of the fall semester.
For many freshmen, this first opportunity is New Maroon Camp, where incoming students’ legacies begin with eardrum popping cheers, enthusiastic morning shows, encouraging counselors, jaw-dropping lip sync battles, and unique friendships.
For four days, battle cries representing five camp teams could be heard across campus. The Drill Field was filled with campers trying to navigate their way to the next activity. Phrases such as “Hi, my name is” and “where are you from” echoed off the walls of The Perry. Every corner of Mississippi State was bustling with excitement in preparation for the class of 2021.
Yet, for many hesitant freshmen, the question was, Why New Maroon Camp? Why move in a week early to spend hours outside under the sweltering Mississippi sun? Why sit in a history and tradition seminar when school seminars are just around the corner? For others, the question was why not? Why not meet hundreds of your classmates with sweat dripping down your back while wearing your team colors in the middle of a tug-of-war mud pit? Why not lose your voice singing Mississippi State’s alma mater with your arms wrapped around two strangers? Why not dance in front of 1,000 people on stage to early 2000s jams?
"Why not" poured from my lips this past Spring. And I am beyond thankful that those were the words. The friendships I made with upperclassmen who acted as my counselors, the countless laughs I shared with my neighbors, the discussions I had with my crew over Subway sandwiches were mere snippets of an incredible week.
To the freshman class of 2018, keep your eyes peeled for the New Maroon Camp application. It’s worth every penny, every drop of sweat, every bit of shaving cream that clings to your hair is worth it.