Spartan Nation.
Two words with so much meaning. When I started at MSU almost 4 years ago (holy smokes where has the time gone?), I never thought a place or a large group of people could impact my life so much. Spartan Nation is my family, my friends, my school, my education, and a huge part of my life. I honestly don't know what I would do without Michigan State University, and the Spartans that make up one of the best colleges in the world. There's a lot of things that make up The First Land Grant college and what makes it so great. Here's a little taste of what Spartan Nation means to me.
Spartan Nation means support. It means that no matter where you go, no matter what you do, no matter the wins or the losses, there will always be someone around to yell back "Go White" after you yell "Go Green". Spartans will be there in triumph and defeat, in celebration and in grief. The strength, emotionally and physically, that MSU has offered me is indescribable, and I never want to take that for granted.
Spartan Nation means dedication. Dedication to not only your school and work and relationships, but looking out for others, too. It means always being the greatest version of yourself, and to represent MSU in the best way possible. MSU has some of the best academic programs in the nation, and many greats have been produced from East Lansing. The sports teams and the clubs give 110% on and off the field or the court or the stage to represent the Spartans well. Volunteer work and mission trips and fundraisers are frequent, and every Spartan gladly lends a hand to anyone in need.
Spartan Nation means being surrounded by a sea of green and white in the Breslin Center, Spartan Stadium or Jenison Field house. It means shouting "see their team is WEAK!" at the opposing team during the fight song and "victory for MSU!" no matter what the scoreboard says. It means Izzone celebrations and rivalry games. It means shaking your keys on third down and watching "the wave" make its way all the way around a stadium of 70,000. It means tearing up when Paul Bunyan is raised in the air after Michigan week, and always keeping your eyes peeled for a Dantonio smile.
Spartan Nation means tradition. From singing MSU Shadows at sporting events to kissing underneath the Beaumont tower to painting the rock, Michigan State upholds a lot of tradition. The Midnight Scream during finals week allows everyone to let out their frustrations in unison, and their cries can be heard all through campus. The Dairy Store provides campus with ice cream not allowed to be sold in stores because of the high fat content, but that doesn't stop us. You have to get a photo with the Spartan Statue, and it's completely normal to ask a random person on the street to take that photo. Oh, and always be on the lookout for Johnny Spirit riding his bike with full body paint at MSU games.
Most of all, Spartan Nation means pride. I can't express how proud I am to be a Spartan. I am happy to be a member of a group of people I respect and value so much. From alumni to faculty to current students to future students, I am happy we all have one amazing thing in common. I am proud to see people thrive and grow in the MSU community. I love seeing our sports teams getting wins, seeing our debate team getting nationally recognized, and seeing Spartans achieving all of their goals. it all is truly inspiring. Spartan Nation, you mean the world to me.
Rep that Green and White Proud everyone.
#RIPMikeSadler3
