Sept. 18, 2013
Wonder Woman, Wonder Woman. All the world's waiting for you…and the power you possess. In your satin tights, fighting for your rights…
Yep, I used to sing that tune and spin around hoping I would miraculously turn into Wonder Woman and have a lasso of truth and an invisible plane.
Who doesn’t want to be a superhero? Whether it’s Superman, Wonder Woman, Batman, the Green Lantern or someone else, I’m guessing a lot of people think saving the world would be pretty cool. Heck, there are plenty of days now that I think I need superhuman powers just to get everything done—but spinning around in my office just makes me dizzy.
But guess what? You don’t have to be an actual superhero to be a leader, or a world changer or a lifesaver. You just have to be a Spartan.
Hang around campus and talk to students and faculty. Read about MSU research and learn about Spartan service projects. You’ll find Spartan superheroes everywhere you look.
Being a Spartan superhero doesn’t mean wearing tights and a cape or having a lasso of truth or being faster than a speeding bullet. The superpower of Spartans is the ability to take the experiences and knowledge they get at MSU and use it to make a difference. Use it to make a positive impact big or small wherever they are, each and every day.
Sometimes it means stepping in and actually saving lives—like MSU doctors and nurses do. Or even doing it when you least expect it, like an MSU Extension group did when they helped rescue a father and son from the water during one of their Summer Discovery Cruises. Read Extension director Tom Coon’s account in the Faculty Voice.
Sometimes it means being the best student you can be—learning everything you can, joining groups, becoming a leader, doing community service, immersing yourself in research and being a good role model. I met a group of these students this week at a reception for the Homecoming Court Ambassadors. What an amazing group of young Spartan superheroes—like Aubrey Mabiza who is originally from Zimbabwe and now a chemical engineering senior. Read her blog in the Student View.
Very fittingly, this year’s Homecoming theme is “Creating Spartan Superheroes.” MSU alumnus Geoff Johns, chief creative officer of D.C. Entertainment and comic book industry superstar, will be in town to serve as Grand Marshal. The event will even feature a new league of Spartan Superheroes led by Sparty, of course! Check out all the Homecoming information on the event website.
And while I said that real superheroes don’t really wear capes, sometimes it’s just fun to do it anyway, like students Sarah Brunner and Carl Snyder in the Glimpse.
Just remember no matter what superpower you possess, always use your power for good. That’s what Spartan superheroes do.
Spartans Will.
Lisa Mulcrone
Editor, MSUToday
Photo of the Spartan Statue by Derrick L. Turner