Scott Russell

3/26/2023

PR Feature Story Assignment

AD + PR Senior, Scott Russell, Shares his Experience and Advice for Underclassmen Moving Forward
After MSU Tragedy

Russell shares his experience the day of the tragedy and the importance of trying to get back to
normalcy on campus

February 13 is a day that will live on in the minds and hearts of Spartans worldwide for the foreseeable.
The experience of students on campus has altered ever since that day and will continue to be a struggle
for many. Every single student will view their time at Michigan State University in a different way and
healing takes shape in many forms. Many students have been brave enough to speak out on their
experiences and the impact it has had on their lives. Advertising Management senior, Scott Russell, was
willing to share his.

Russell was with his friends playing IM basketball like every other Monday night when the game was put
to a halt. Russell says he was put into lockdown in a racquetball court and felt an influx of emotions that
are impossible to describe. The days and weeks following were a time of reflection and grieving that
gave him a new perspective on his years at MSU.

“I think a lot of people including myself took for granted the opportunities and privilege we have to be a
part of this university,” said Russell.” These have been some of the roughest months of my life, but I am
so proud to be a part of the Spartan community. Everyone here is family and the whole world had an
opportunity to see and recognize that.”

Within the last few months, he says he has started to utilize more of the resources available on campus
for educational and mental well-being purposes. He says that by acknowledging and expressing that he
was willing to use those resources, he hopes other students won’t feel guilt or shame by doing the
same.

“The Department of AD+PR has been extremely supportive of their students during this time,” said
Russell. “I haven’t talked to anyone who hasn’t been willing to listen to their students. I hope
underclassmen don’t shy away from having conversations and putting themselves out there for years to
come while they work on finishing their degrees.”

With classes starting to turn back into normal at MSU, Russell says he’s starting to feel hope again. He
says he recognizes that it will take more time for some, but knows that the community will be there to
support one another however they can. There is a phrase that has unified the campus into one that he
has been holding onto in his heart. That phrase? Spartan Strong.

Additionally resources can be found for MSU students for crisis counseling at (517) 355-8270
AD+PR Senior, Scott Russell explains his experiences at MSU.