Student Spotlight
Mathew Rindge
By Amelia DuBard, public relations student and departmental PR intern
When Mathew Rindge begins his day, the world is still quiet. Some mornings he is up at 3:30 a.m. for the gym, and other mornings at 4:30 a.m. to study before heading to work. It is a routine built from discipline and gratitude, shaped by the life he has rebuilt over the past five years. From his home in Biloxi, Rindge is pursuing a degree in Communication with a concentration in Communication & Media Studies through Mississippi State University’s online program, a choice that reflects both his love for storytelling and his desire to help others find hope in their own journeys.
Rindge grew up in Melbourne, Florida, and always enjoyed writing, but it was not until later in life that he realized how powerful stories could be. When he discovered the Communication & Media Studies online program at Mississippi State, he saw a chance to learn new ways to share his experiences and to understand the perspectives of others.
“I like to write and tell stories,” Rindge says. “The online degree program seemed like a great way to learn new ways to get my stories out there and find new stories to tell.”
The online format allows Rindge to balance school with full-time work, and it has become an important part of the rhythm of his days.
His work at the Home of Grace Addiction Recovery Center in Vancleave is central to who he is now. Rindge arrived there five years ago seeking a fresh start, and today he manages the kitchen and serves the men who are walking through the same struggles he once faced. He talks about his job with a mix of humor and sincerity.
“They literally pay me to cook and eat food all day,” Rindge says with a smile. “I just have to make sure I feed about a hundred other people at the same time.”
Beyond the meals, he values the chance to encourage men who are fighting for their lives and their futures. It is the first job he has ever had where he does not dread going to work. Instead, he feels thankful for the opportunity to grow, to serve, and to study.
Even though Rindge is an online student, he has enjoyed the moments he has spent on campus. He has only visited once, but the Chapel of Memories left a lasting impression with its quiet beauty. He also recently attended a football game at Davis Wade Stadium, a day he describes as exciting and full of energy.
His favorite class so far has been Mass Media and Society, and one of the best pieces of advice he has received from a professor is simple but meaningful: use fewer words.
Outside of school and work, Rindge’s life is full of creativity and movement. He enjoys reading, writing, riding his bicycle and playing guitar. He is currently teaching himself how to play a seven string, a challenge he has taken on with the same determination he brings to everything else he does. His cat Walter is his constant study companion, sitting beside his laptop and occasionally swatting at his mouse hand as if offering his own version of feedback.
Rindge’s dream job reflects his love for stories and exploration. He would love to travel and write about new places or even write from home. His communication courses have helped him understand conversations more deeply and how to be a stronger leader. The courses have also helped him develop discipline in his writing and see new directions he can take with his words. After graduating, he plans to continue with his education to earn his master’s degree in communication.
His advice for incoming students is straightforward: Plan out your classes ahead of time. For online students, he adds that working ahead is essential. Immersing himself in Spanish through podcasts, music, shows, and books has helped him succeed in his language courses, and he encourages others to find similar ways to stay engaged.
Rindge’s story is one of resilience, faith and determination. He shares openly that he is a three-time convicted felon who once believed he had no future. However, today he is preparing to graduate from Mississippi State University and apply to graduate school.
“There is no obstacle too big to let it stop you,” Rindge says. His motivation in life comes from wanting to help others who struggle with the same things he did and to show them there is a way forward. He hopes that by sharing his story, other students will see that hope can grow in unexpected places.
A day in his life is full but purposeful. He wakes up early to pray, studies before work, uses any downtime to read or complete assignments and spends evenings either in recovery meetings, relaxing with his fiancée or continuing his coursework. It is a routine built from intention, shaped by the belief that every day is a chance to move forward.
Rindge’s journey is a reminder that education is not only about classes and assignments. It is about growth, courage and the willingness to rewrite your story. And for him, Mississippi State University has become the place where that story continues to unfold.
Check out our website to learn more about the online and face-to-face concentrations offered in the Mississippi State University Department of Communication, Media & Theatre.