Favorite MSU Moment in 2011

For me any time spent with friends and family is a good time.  In my 4 years here at MSU I have been able to spend a lot of time with old friends and make many new friends.  One of the fondest memories that I have is this past years win against Wisconsin in football.  I know that this is probably the same for many of my fellow students, but for me it was especially sweet.

My parents and little brother recently moved to Wisconsin and in the weeks before the game I heard a lot of "pro Wisco" talk coming from the other side of Lake Michigan.  I had guaranteed an MSU win to my family who were rapidly becoming Wisconsin fans.  So for me a win was a must.  Leaving out the epic last second touchdown and the win, the days tailgating events were amazing.  The win and the ability to rub it in my parents and younger brothers face was simply icing on the cake.  It was a historical moment for MSU fans everywhere, and being able to spend that time with wonderful people is unforgettable.  The win was actually enough to keep my family from becoming Wisconsin fans, which is a something they are still catching a lot of slack for.  Hearing that my little brother wore Spartan gear into school the following Monday put a real smile on my face, though I am worried what troubles his Spartan roots may bring him in the future.

Being a Spartan in 2011 has definitely had its ups and downs, but for sure the most memorable for me was the infamous Hail Mary during the Oct. 22 matchup. My roommate had been asked by his older brother to go to the game, but he declined because he was having too much "fun" tailgating. I pounced on the opportunity to go to the game because I knew it was going to be a good game and our seats were going to be great. We were sitting middle section at the 50 yard-line so we had to stand for the majority of the game. 

As soon as Kirk threw the ball up I had a gut feeling that something crazy was going to happen; and I'm glad my gut was right. The stadium went nuts over the initial catch, but the call for review quickly silenced the crowd. Waiting for the referee to reveal the decision was tense. In words, I will describe the reaction as chaos; I hugged my friends, gave high fives to some drunk guys behind us and yelled until my voice started fading. 

Even though they had our number in the conference championship, all the fans will remember that moment when Keith Nichol crossed the plane with no time remaining to win the game, and also score his second touchdown for the entire year. 

I would have to say that making the MSU Women's club volleyball team is by far my favorite moment at MSU. It's what started my college life off. It's where I made most of my friends. Most importantly it gave me a chance to keep doing what I love to do which is play volleyball. I have made the team three years in a row now and I could not imagine my college career without it. It has allowed me to travel to two places thus far, Louisville, KY and Houston, TX. This year we will be traveling to Kansas City, MO. I currently live with two girls on my volleyball team and most of my friends play or have played. It is an amazing experience that keeps me active. I will never forget the email that I got from the president my freshman year telling me I made the team. My father has always been a big part of my sports career and I couldn't wait to tell him. It was an honor and so much fun!

My favorite Michigan State memory from 2011 was going to London for Study Abroad this past winter break! I had never traveled outside of the United States before this and London has always been at the top of my "places to visit" list since I was a kid. Three friends, who were going on the trip as well, and I went to Paris, France a couple of days before the program started and had a blast navigating the metros by ourselves. When the program started in London, the two memories that stick out for me is spending New Years Eve in the heart of London and watching the Outback Bowl game against Georgia with our entire group of screaming Spartan fans. Both of those experiences were once in a lifetime events and I will always look back on that trip as an opportunity I would have never had unless I had attended MSU. For more pictures go to my Tumblr.

Something happened to me in 2011 that changed my life here at MSU.  Up until my junior year, I still had not found what it was I wanted to study.  I had made tons of friends and had a lot of fun, but my academic pursuits had not been completely satisfied.  After trying for a degree in psychology and then economics, I had come to the realization that business was what really excited me and specifically marketing would allow me to use some of my creativity as well.  I worked really hard during my junior year to improve my GPA so that I would have a better chance at getting acceptance into the highly revered business program. It was kind of risky switching into the prerequisite business classes, especially so late in the game, but I knew it was what I had to do. 

I applied in March of ’11, and the moment of truth finally arrived after spring semester, sometime in May. I remember it so well because my friends and I were hanging out in Detroit after seeing a Flaming Lips concert.  I checked my email on my iPhone and saw the scary “confidential message from the Office of Registrar” and immediately handed my phone over to my boyfriend because I knew the content of that message would determine my future.  He read the message and smiled, so I impulsively grabbed it out of his hand and scanned the message multiple times. I was very happy with the results of my hard work.  After seeing an awesome concert and then finding out that I got accepted into the business school, I can say, hands down, that was my best memory of 2011.

My most memorable MSU moment from 2011, like most, was the MSU vs. Michigan football game. This game was extremely memorable to me not only because of our amazing victory, but because of the Nike Pro Combat jerseys. They made our team look like real Spartans dominating the field. The energy and excitement about the game and the new uniforms was unforgettable. I am sadly graduating in May, making the 2011 football season my last and most memorable football season here at MSU.

                It is difficult to pinpoint one particular MSU memory in 2011, that I would consider my favorite.  I have attended Michigan State for over two and a half years, and have made countless memories.  However, one of my most recent favorite memories occurred days before 2011 came to an end.  I received a phone call that would impact my future more than I could have ever imagined.

                I am now interning at Hungry Howie’s corporate office as a marketing intern.  I consider this a favorite 2011 memory of mine because it is Michigan State that has helped prepare me for the business world I have recently entered.  I now have the opportunity to use the knowledge, skills and abilities I have obtain from Michigan State, and potentially benefit the company throughout my internship.  With this, Hungry Howie’s has provided me with “real world” experience.  I am constantly learning new things and meeting new people.  I’ve had the opportunity to sit in on marketing meetings, see what it takes to construct successful media plans, assist with Hungry Howie’s fundraising and sponsorship programs, etc.    

                This memory stands out to me because it is my first internship; my first step into the professional business world.  It is those “first” memories we will always remember; this I recall for a lifetime.  Following my internship this semester, I anticipate exploring the advertising field, and finding the profession that fits me best. 

Many Spartans may recall OCTOBER 15th, 2011. This was the day of the Michigan vs. Michigan State game. This was the day that MSU beat Michigan for the 4th time in row! Graduating seniors have never seen a football loss against Michigan in their college career! Although, I will always remember the game-- I didn't get a chance to watch it. This date is even more memorable to me because it was the day that changed my life forever.

I had just got home from work and was about to start drinking for the game. Right before kick-off, I decided I was going to make popcorn and while I was standing in my kitchen a huge dead tree that was in my back yard fell and came crashing through my kitchen. I heard a huge crack and I ducked and braced myself. I was literally inches away from death.  My living room was no longer there; all you could see was tree. I was left covered in debris and my boyfriend was screaming from the other room because he thought I had died.

Within seconds many neighbors were beating at our door.  My boyfriend and I had lived and walked out of a disaster with only scratches.  It was a miracle.  If the fridge didn’t explode and take the impact of the tree, I would be dead for sure.  No words can explain how grateful I am that we made it out alive (Our two cats made it out alive too—thank god!).

What doesn’t kill you makes you stronger right? I sure like to think so. 2011 was a very hard year for me and I could not have made it through without the support of my family, friends and most importantly, MSU!!  After staying in a hotel for over a month, we finally have a new town house. I know I will never forget how supportive the Michigan State community was during this hard time in my life. THANK YOU AGAIN MSU!

My favorite MSU moment happened in the day of Chinese New Year's Eve in February 2 in 2011 (a normal day for American people). It was the first time that I did not celebrate that Festival with family, so did most of my Chinese friends here. To get rid of the homesick, some of my friends decided to get together to count down (at 11:00AM EST) with online TV programs and video chat with our families in China. We also planned to make dumplings and enjoy a sweet dinner in that afternoon... Everything seemed perfect...

But guess what? We all got classes at that day... as I said, that was a normal Wednesday in the United States. Frustrated just like the Christmas were cancelled...

Well, dramatically, MSU encountered a sever snowstorm on Feb 1, thick snow blocked all the main streets overnight, and all the classes were cancelled... I would love to attend classes in the Festival, but, thanks God let that snow fall...

 by Yue GAO

2011 was a great year for me at MSU, filled with both triumphs for the school and my own personal successes. But my favorite moment in MSU this past year was changing my major to Advertising.

I transferred to Michigan State in 2009 from Grand Valley to attend James Madison College; I spent my first two years studying political theory and kicking myself constantly for hating it. I was passionate about people, business and art, but didn't know how to combine these i a way that produced a career, especially one that is growing and provides real opportunity. Advertising was the solution. 

I changed my major to Advertising at the end of the Spring 2011 semester and I have never been as happy to be going to school. This change has transformed my attitude and has motivated my studies; I'm incredibly excited to be entering the job market in this field.

As a sports fan and a Spartan, it is easy to say that the 2011 football season provided many memories. From the season opener on a Friday night, to the thrilling bowl game win against Georgia, there are so many that are favorites. However, it is safe to say that the Hail Mary to Keith Nichol to win the night game against Wisconsin is my favorite 2011 MSU Memory. With the atmosphere and hype, this was the most exciting game I have ever been too. This single play made spending the $151 on student section tickets worthwhile. Being present at this game and celebrating with my fellow Spartans will be something that I will remember for the rest of my life.

Throughout this last year at MSU I have had many wonderful times with friends. I would have to say that my all time favorite memory was my MSU study aboard trip over the summer. During this time I was able to see many amazing sites in Paris, Florence, Rome, and Brussels, and I was able to make wonderful friends along the way. This experience taught me so many new things and expanded my comfort zone. It was a four week experience that I will never forget.

 2011 was a big year, but truthfully I think my best MSU moments are coming in 2012. Although I had a lot of great times in 2011, 2012 is going to be "my year".

I am transfer student and this is my second year here at MSU. I've really enjoyed (most) of the changes in my life that came along with transferring to MSU , but I think I am finally finding my place here and ready to really make some memories. Sadly, during my first year here I was uninformed of all the greatness MSU has to offer, I missed out on many opportunities to take advantage, well no more I say! I am a Spartan!

I've made some friends, created some networks, learned a ton, and now I'm nearing that graduation date where it all will come together. 2012+MSU+Me= success!

2011 was filled with so many amazing MSU moments, just as every year here has been. Like many of my fellow classmates, my top MSU moments from 2011 revolve around sports, especially because I work for the MSU athletic communications department.  I know it’s pretty repetitious, but of course one of my top MSU moments was standing next to the end zone when Keith Nichol caught the Hail Mary pass from Kirk Cousins to win against a top-ranked Wisconsin team on homecoming. Another top moment would have to be traveling down to Indy with some of my best friends and my sister to watch MSU play in the inaugural Big Ten Championship game. I would have to say though, my number one 2011 MSU moment was when I got the chance in July to travel to Chicago with work to attend the Big Ten Football Media Day. I was able to watch Kirk Cousins deliver his infamous speech on what it means to be a student-athlete in the Big Ten. It was an amazing opportunity to attend the media day and to hear such a great speech by a fellow Spartan. I didn’t think it was possible, but it made me even prouder to be a Spartan.

It's hard to choose a favorite moment, but I could narrow it down to two. Like most other MSU Football fans, one of my top MSU memory from 2011 was the last second win over Wisconson. Having it as a night game and being such a huge competition added more excitment to the game. I went with my parents and a friend and it was the most intense atmosphere and changed to craziness in the matter of seconds. It was an instant rush of adrenaline that took over my entire body. My second favorite 2011 MSU memory  was when I was accepted to the Sudy Abraod program in Italy last summer where I had the best experience of my life and met an amazing group of students that are now my best friends. I was fortunate enough to travel through parts of Europe and have the summer many would dream about and I think about being back in Roma every single day from here on out. 

My favorite moment of 2011 was getting to know my new roommates.  After my freshman year of college, I had decided pretty quickly that I was not a huge fan of living in the dorms.  My current roommate wasn't ready to live on her own in an apartment, so I sucked it up and signed a lease at chandler crossings blind.  I went into a 4x4 and met three of the best friends I could have asked for.  I've had a ball getting to know them, and I'm so glad that I pushed myself to sign a lease blind.

I had so many great memories in 2011! I think my favorite MSU moment was when when I moved into my house in August. Previously, I had lived in the dorms my first two years. But I was more than ready to move on. I moved into my house with three girls that I had just met. Although I was nervous, it ended up being amazing. Some of the best memories of my college experience so far have been with my current roommates in my house. Many movie nights, tailgates, birthday parties and other events have occured so far. 2011 was great, and it opened up many new opportunities in 2012!

This is my first year at MSU, and I love the campus, the people, and everything about it. One magical moment of 2011 for me was when summer turned into fall. I clearly remember one day walking back from SnyPhi after a satisfying meal, and noticing how all the trees along the river turned to a brilliant orange color. I could not stop staring at the beauty of the nature and almost got run over by a biker. I think its the little things that make life more enjoyable, all it takes is to stop and notice the beauty. As I walk through the MSU campus in the bitter cold of winter, I still pause to admire how the wind blows the trees side to side, and listen to the crunches of people trudging through the snow. 

My favorite moment at Michigan State University has to have been when we beat the Georgia Bulldogs in the Outback Bowl this year.  On top of the fact that it was one of the most entertaining games I have ever watched as a Spartan, it was a game that meant more than just our bowl victory.  It was also a Georgia Bulldogs loss, which is the school that two of my cousins are attending right now.  It is a game that sort of split my exterior family into Spartan or Bulldog fans.  

My younger cousins that look up to us as older role models try to follow our footsteps.  They are from pittsburgh so they are mutual fans of both Michigan State and Georgia because they want both of our teams to be succeed.  Although, it put them in a position where they had to root for one or the other.  Since I am a biased MSU fan, I decided to send both my younger cousin Riley and Jack MSU apparel to cheer for the Spartans.  When the game was all said and done, I got a voicemail from my cousins singing the fight song and that meant a lot to me because of the influence I impacted onto them.  I was glad to be a spartan that day, and I am glad I have a family that can have friendly rivalrys on the teams that we decide to root for.  

My favorite memory of Michigan State in 2011 was cheering at the first Big Ten Championship game against Wisconsin in Indy.  Walking onto a professional football field, especially one that is home to the Indianapolis Colts was a dream.  I have never been so excited for a game before and could not wait to represent the university from the sidelines.  It was such an experience and something I will never forget, especially since we played such an amazing game.  This was definitely one of my top memories from 2011.   

·         This may not be the Best moment but it is definitely the most memorable.  I am talking, of course, of the Homecoming game with the Hail Mary pass for the win against a high ranked, high powered Wisconsin team.  I love night games for a variety of reasons but mostly because they’re just more fun to go to and watch our Spartans play under the lights.  I remember the entire game being a giant, edge of your seat roller coaster ride.  First they were up by two or three touchdowns, then we were up by two or three touchdowns and then we were tied.  My heart really couldn’t take anymore, and then Cousins chucked up that Hail Mary pass.  I probably broke world records with how long I held my breath between the throw, the review and the ruling.  Once they called it a touchdown, the stadium exploded with cheers and my friends and I were going insane.  I hadn’t hugged that many strangers since the hook and ladder play against Michigan, freshman year, or little giants against Notre Dame last year.  It’s a great memory and one I’ll remember forever because it was an awesome play, and game, overall.  I’m just excited to see what crazy play they come up with next year, because the last three have been amazing.         

My favorite moment at MSU in 2011 goes all the way back to January 2nd.  My trip to Winter Park, CO with the Spartan Ski Club was awesome.  Skiing is my all time favorite thing to do and it doesn’t get any better than taking a trip to Colorado.  It was a long bus ride to get there, but it was worth the wait.  I made many new friends, making the trip even more fun.  To top it all off I woke up the last morning to a lot of new snow.  There is nothing like a powder day.

Hands down my favorite moment of 2011 was aboard the USS Carl Vinson on November 11^th 2011. Watching the Spartans play the Tar Heels on an aircraft carrier was one of the neatest events I have ever experienced. It was such an honor to sit alongside all of the brave men and women who dedicate their lives to ensure my freedom. The outcome of the game, although not great, gave me hope for our basketball season (and all that really matters is what happens in March, right?). I will never forget listening to the President thank our troops, standing next to Magic Johnson, watching an outdoor college basketball game, talking to a sailor who was aboard the USS Carl Vinson when Bin Laden was dropped at sea, but most importantly I will never forget what November 11^th stands for and the heroes that serve our country.

I would probably have to say that the one of the best memories that quickly comes to mind was the MSU vs. UofM game. I did not attend the game in person but I was watching the game with my girlfriends family, which her sister and fiance are avid Michigan fans, through out the entire game I was able to gloat about how MSU was kicking UofM's ***. I still remind them everytime I see them, and we talk about sports, about the last 4 years. My other memorable moment at MSU in 2011, was landing a job at MSU's student government. This job has given me the opportunity to talk with students, faculty and administrators, as well as put on events for students and student groups and document diversity on campus. It has felt great being able to give back to the campus and community which has given me so much throughout my four years as an MSU undergrad.

It is hard to pinpoint my favorite Michigan State moment of 2011. It was a great year, filled with great memories and even better friends. Even though the question was our favorite moment, I will have to categorize the year as a single moment. Freshman year was filled with many trips home and even more trips to UofM (I know, gross right?) I had a hard time leaving my family and friends from home and building a new family at MSU. It was in 2011 that I really started to appreciate everything that Michigan State had to offer. I became closer with my new group of friends, more involved in my extracurricular activities and was able to build my Spartan pride. Needless to say, I LOVE Michigan State and cannot get enough (I hope to pursue my Masters degree from MSU as well). I have high hopes that 2012 brings just as many memorable moments as 2011. 

I'm having trouble thinking back to last spring and what happened then. I feel like in 2011 a lot of great things happened for me especially at MSU. I live in EL year round so campus life is embedded in me. I am going to be truly sad when I no long live here. That being said, one of the moments that really stands out to me was from this fall. My whole family came up to visit and we went to a football game. Sure my family comes to visit me a lot, but for the first time they got to experience Spartan football and just the whole mass of spartans and green and white pride that comes alone with saturdays (or every day for that matter.) I got to show them everyones passion for our school and it was cool! I especially liked showing my little brother around. He comes each year for lil sibs weekend but it was cool to watch his face light up being in the stadium, experiencing the excitement and watching Zeke, which he thought was awesome. It really makes me look forward to coming back when I'm all grown up with my own family like so many of the alumni you see on game day. (I'm also secretly hoping my brother becomes a Spartan too 6 years from now)

The past four years have given me so many memories, looking back the one memory that stays vivid in my mind is the Michigan State football game agaisnt top ranked Wisconin. Unfortunately I wasn't able to go to the game because I had to work at Lou & Harry's. I was very bummed out that I had to work, and even during the game I was so busy that I couldn't watch the game. Thankfully I got to watch the last couple minutes of the game. The atmosphere and cheering when Cousins threw a hail mary to Nichol was ridiculous, it was like nothing I had ever seen! Here is a picture of the bar during the game. Even though I was working that game will still remain the best game I watched in 2011.

My favorite memory from 2011 surprisingly revolves around MSU basketball. It wasn't the greatest season per say, with two losses to Michigan and a short trip in the NCAA tournament, but there was one game that made the whole season for me. That was the last home game for Kalin Lucas. Occasionally there are certain players you cheer for even when they are having a bad game, but Kalin Lucas never had a bad game. I have been in the IZZONE for the three years I have been here, and each year it is hard to say goodbye to the seniors. Although, in 2011 what I believe to be one of the hardest working players in MSU history "kissed the S". When Kalin Lucas was presented with his framed jersey and followed tradition by "kissing the S" I couldn't help but smile and I even cried.

Having another season where we make it to the Final Four would have been great but it wouldn't have made Kalin Lucas' career at MSU any better for me. This year I have a blast cheering for "De De" Draymond Green. Yes, I want another trip to the Final Four, but that final home game where each senior "kisses the S" will still be my favorite game of the year, and most likely my favorite memory of 2012.

Like others have mentioned, the Wisconsin game this past football season will always stand out as one of my favorite moments. I was working for MSU Athletic Communications that day, so I was in the press box. It was an incredibly unique experience. Many of my other favorite moments were definitely at athletic events, like the "Little Giant" play against Notre Dame. One moment in particular that stands out was during a basketball game my freshmen year during March Madness. I was watching the tournament game against Maryland with a lot of my friends - it was March 21 and Korie Lucious helped us escape with the win and advance in the tournament when he scored a fade-away 3-pointer at the buzzer. It was such a crazy second in basketball - I had never felt so excited.

Since my freshman year, I have looked forward to the fall because fall means football season. This sports season takes up most of my favorite memories here at MSU. From tailgates to attending games to yelling at t.v. screens, football season is my absolute favorite time of the year. All of my friends and their families join the MSU campus to cheer on the Spartans, and every time its a blast. 

While I football season at MSU is a great time and there are other countless memories from my three years here that rank as well, another one of my all time favorite memories was seeing my sister graduate. Witnessing her hard work at MSU pay off with a degree made me realize our years here fly by. Having the chance to see my sister walk through the Breslin center with all her friends for a final goodbye was amazing. Later that day, everyone's friends and families met in East Lansing for a farewell bonfire and celebration. It was a very long but entertaining weekend that I will never forget. I love every moment of being a Spartan and will be incredibly sad when its over.

Being an avid MSU fan and a student-athlete on the volleyball team, it’s tough to pick just one MSU memory as my favorite. Unfortunately for as much as I love football, I didn’t get a chance to follow our football team as closely as I would’ve liked this year because our season is also in the fall and we play on the same day. But I guess this is good in order to offer a new favorite Spartan memory to the blog! Thinking back on the year, I don’t think I was never filled with more pride than when we tipped off on the Carrier Classic. To be not only the first team to ever play on an aircraft carrier, but also to be playing on Veteran’s day, when we honor all of our armed forces, was remarkable. It reminded me of what a privilege it is to live in a free country, what a privilege it is to wear my own green and white jersey for a school that is a national leader, and how proud I am to forever be a Spartan!  

Honestly, I don't spend as much time at MSU as I'd like. I own my own house in Lansing, so I only commute to campus when needed. With that said, my fiance & I try to get out here and enjoy the campus life as often as we can. This includes football games, basketball games, restuarants, shopping, etc. But I have to say that my favorite time was last fall, when we came to campus on an absolutely gorgeous fall, Sunday evening. We brought our dog Sophie and started out at the engineering building and walked for a good hour or so. It was so peaceful, and our campus is absolutely beautiful all year around, much less during my favorite season, fall. We enjoyed walking by the Red Cedar and seeing the geese, as well as stopping for some photos with Sparty!

MSU has provided me with countless memories over the years.  When I hear my friends talk of their college experiences it affirms that nothing else compares to Michigan State’s campus, academia, athletics and overall atmosphere.  Top memories from 2011 include Biggby coffee to get me through all of the late night study sessions and the Michigan vs. Michigan State game in October!  It was a great day with friends, some of which had graduated last May and were coming back to East Lansing for the first time as alumni.  The pro combat jerseys grew on me and ended up being pretty sweet along with our win!

Alright, not one to copy people I've been trying to think of a favorite MSU moment that didn't involve football in 2011... and I just can't!  Nothing beats that MSU vs. Wisconsin game for me.  I'm not even that big of a football fan.  But, being in the stands when that Hail Mary pass was thrown - and caught!- was amazing. The excitement in the air was contagious.  I wasn't in the student section at the time, but you never would have known it.  Even the senior citizens around me were jumping for joy.  It was great! It's moments like those - among others - that make me proud to be a Spartan!

My top MSU memories were all about Sparty’s coffee and the library. 2011 was truly a busy year. I have met several great but tough professors. To gain a satisfying GPA and show good performances in class, I almost went to the library everyday. In such situation, I had no time to cook by myself. Chicken wrap and caramel latte became my daily meals. Although it was hard to go through, after I accomplished it, I felt good about myself and I indeed learnt a lot from the high-pressure life. I believe that a little pressure will push people go further. This semester, I want to continue to challenge myself. So I enrolled this class and hope it would enrich my MSU memories. 

Like a lot of people, my top moment of 2011 was the Wisconsin football game. I never thought the excitement and atmosphere of the 2010 Notre Dame game could ever be topped, but the Wisconsin game managed to do just that. I heard somewhere that the Wisconsin game was the highest recorded decible level ever at Spartan Stadium, and if you were there, I'm sure you would agree with that. Even though we didn't beat them a second time around, I'm certain that the 2011 game became an instant classic and a memory that Spartans will cherise forever.

My top MSU memory from 2011 was the February snowstorm that turned into a snow day. Not only was I excited to not have class and sleep in, but also to act like an elementary school student and participate in snow day activities. This was the first time MSU had cancelled classes since 1994. After sleeping in and eating a delicious pancake breakfast, my roommates and I set out to explore campus. Everything was covered in snow and Farm Lane was deserted. We went sledding and played in the snow near the Shaw dorms, two of my roommates were interviewed by the State news for their creative idea to use a cardboard box as a sled. It was great to enjoy the snow and feel carefree for 24-hours. I will never forget reading the email that school was cancelled; it was too good to be true. Here is to hoping that 2012 brings a snowstorm causing another snow day! 

My favorite MSU moment of 2011 was the football team's win over Wisconson this past fall. The game was unreal and it was great to see all the MSU senior football players win one of the biggest home games of the year in front of such a great crowd, and also on national television. I am a huge MSU football fan, and to see them take down who was very likely the best team in the big ten football at the time was very exciting. Especially the fashion in which they did it and how the game ended. The Hail Marry pass is the most exciting play in football, and to see the game end on a touchdown reception that was deflected and then caught by a Michigan State University senior wide receiver was the most exciting way possible for the game to end. Also the fact that the touchdown went into official review added to the excitement. It was one of several great games to end my career here at MSU as a fan and also my favorite MSU moment of 2011. Another great moment that is associated with this, is the bowl game win that took place against Georgia, but that took place in 2012. This was a great moment in 2011, not only for me, but mostly for MSU as a whole, and I was fortunate enough to share it with many other happy Spartans.

My favorite memory from 2011 was the weekend of the Michigan State vs. Michigan football game. A bunch of my roommates' friends from home came up and my best friend Kelsey, who goes to Michigan, stayed with me for the weekend as well. The night before the game we stayed at my apartment, but we had a lot of fun. The day of the big game was even better! My dad came up in the morning because as a gift I bought him a ticket to the game. It was really nice to let him see what Michigan State is all about. Kelsey and I went to the game together. Like every football game, the student section was crazy and full of spirit. The best feeling in the world was winning that game and having bragging rights for another year. Nothing like being a spartan!

A great memory of mine from 2011 was recieving two awards on behalf of my sorority for our public relations efforts on campus and within the Greek Community. For the past year, I served as my sorority's Vice President of Communications, and supervised two websites, creating a parent newsletter, and communicating with other on-campus organizations. While holding the position, I implemented new public relations tactics and helped to improve the image of sorority women on campus. As I applied for the Public Relations Excellence Award and the Community Relations Award for the 2011 Greek Gala awards ceremony, I knew I was facing stiff competition and that other sororites had accomplished great goals while on campus during the past year. While at the awards ceremony, I heard the presenter listing off all the tactics I had implemented over the past year, and felt such a great sense of pride for my sorority. It was an accomplishment that I am very proud of, and a great moment in 2011.

My favorite moment at Michigan State in 2011 would be going to the Mike Posner concert in the auditorium with my friends. The year before four of us had gone to see Drake perform live and he had a surprise performance by Mike Posner. Since then the four of us had been counting down until the Mike Posner concert. It was extremely special to me because two of the people who were attending the concert with me were graduating in the spring so it was one final time we got to do something special together. Not to mention the concert was amazing. Mike Posner really knows how to put on a show. 

MSU's Homecoming win against Wisconsin definitely one of my top memories from 2011 - even though I couldn't be at the game - but my absolute favorite memory was the Spartan victory against Georgia at the Outback Bowl. (I know that was technically early 2012, but I associated it with fall semester.) I was watching the game at my best friend's house, surrounded by other Spartan fans, and everyone jumped up and screamed when we blocked that last field goal. The noise was deafening. My two favorite players are graduating this year (BJ Cunningham and Keshawn Martin) and it felt so good to watch them end their season with such an amazing win. 

My top MSU memory from 2011 was the homecoming game against Wisconsin.  Not only was it a night game, but the Spartans made an amazing win!  I remember getting all hyped up in the stands with friends and the night ended successfully with another visctory for our Spartans!  Granted the crowd was on edge, which is exactly what made the final score a sight to see.  It was definitely a night to remember and regardless of how late it was after the game had ended, it was never too late to continue celebrating!

The best moment of 2011 while at school had to have been when we beat Wisconsin with the hailmary pass with only seconds remaining on the clock.  I was bartending down at the Land Shark and the place just erupted.  So much joy in the air, I dont think I have ever seen a more happy group.