Thanks to Michigan State University, Sloane Barlow isn’t exactly sure what’s next. But she’s ok with that.
“I feel very confident in my skills to do whatever I want,” she said. “I’m not tied to any certain job or field, and that’s because of the exploration that MSU has allowed me.”
Originally from Rochester Hills, Michigan, Barlow is an Honors College senior double majoring in English with a creative writing concentration and Journalism with a concentration in writing, reporting, and editing. She’s also pursuing a minor in Media Photography. She’s also working on credits for a graduate certificate in Global Nonprofit Leadership, offered by the Department of Religious Studies.
“It’s a whole adventure,” she said.
That adventure makes for a crowded class schedule, but Barlow thrives on a full calendar. Throughout her MSU career, she’s racked up an impressive résumé, including scholarships for creative nonfiction and poetry writing as well as heavy involvement in the Campbell Hall renovation campaign. At the campaign’s close in Fall 2025, the group raised 110% of its $3.1 million goal to update the historic residence hall and create the Honors College’s first living-learning community.
“That meant a lot because my mom lived in Campbell Hall her freshman and sophomore years, and I lived there my sophomore year,” she said.
Most recently, Barlow was awarded the Stan Soffin Endowed Journalism Scholarship, an honor she found particularly energizing.
“I made a point of saying that I like doing journalism a little differently. I like to bring in creative writing and storytelling — a human aspect,” she said. “The fact that they awarded that scholarship to me meant a lot to know I don’t have to fit inside a box.”
This has been true throughout Barlow’s entire Spartan experience. She said programs at MSU allow her to be more experimental and explorative, rather than pigeonholed into a single discipline. In fact, it’s the reason Barlow has spent the last few years taking pictures for the Honors College, The State News, and MSU’s Yearbook, The Red Cedar Log.
Barlow picked up photography as a hobby eight years ago. In 2023, the Honors College hired her as a student assistant with writing duties in mind. But when they discovered her talent behind the lens, the college helped train her eye for event and lifestyle photography — skills that have impacted her off campus as well.
“Photographing people and events and students translates to my true passion: landscapes and wildlife,” she said. “It’s not just about taking pretty pictures. You’re trying to be authentic, understanding, and representative of the place. It’s a storytelling skill.”
“MSU is full of good people who really care about each other. Give Green Day reflects that community. We all come together to help each other grow.”
Through it all, Barlow is constantly reminded of the importance of donor support. From interdisciplinary study to scholarships, programs, and initiatives, donors make an impact on almost every aspect of the Spartan experience.
“If you’re an alum, you know firsthand the benefits MSU gives you that you can’t get anywhere else,” she said. “MSU is full of good people who really care about each other. Give Green Day reflects that community. We all come together to help each other grow.”
Barlow plans to graduate from MSU in Spring 2026. While she isn’t exactly sure what’s next, thanks to the generosity and support of the Michigan State community, she’s going to be ready for it.
Are you interested in helping students like Barlow or in supporting the kind of campus programs and organizations that help students have an incredible experience? Join Spartans near and far on Tuesday, March 10, 2026, for Give Green Day, which is a chance to make a difference and to impact current and future Spartans. Learn more at givingday.msu.edu.
By Tim Cerullo and originally published by Spartan website
