Ball State Alumni Association Blog

Open up a newspaper, turn on the evening news, click open msn.com. It is all over the headlines. It is our current economic state, and the outlook does not look very promising. As of April 7, 2008 the U.S economy has lost 232,00 jobs and that is in just the first quarter of 2008. With the rising cost of living and the downward trend in the job market many graduates will be returning back to their parents homes in order to try and pay down some of their college loans and save money so that they at least have a chance of survival in the “real world”.

On the other hand some students will choose to remain in school in order to attain their masters degree. While there are some professions that require graduate degrees even for entry level positions ( for example: psychology) is it a good idea for other soon to be gradutes to stay in school? For example, should business majors continue and get their MBA first before getting any real job experience? Or should communication students continue and get their graduate degrees without any job experience? Or should they all stay and get their graduate degrees while they are young and independent? Are internships enough to compensate for real experience?

Coming from a student (me) who considered going to graduate school right out or undergrad, I am glad I waited. Research shows that most people who graduate higher education rarely get a job in what major they studied in college. I can attest to this statement as I studied journalism in undergrad and upon graduation went right into sports marketing. During my time spent in the sports industry I cannot say I really used any of my journalism skills I honed in my undergrad course work. Now, I always knew I wanted to go back and get my masters degree but in what changed like the wind. I looked into sports administration and then sports marketing then back to sports administration and then I even thought about getting my MBA. I am now 29 and I have left the sports industry. I am currently a full time graduate student in the journalism program here at Ball State.  My advice to the graduating class of 08…go out there experiment with your job choices. Enjoy your 20s and then if you still desire the graduate degree go back. You will be much more marketable with experience (any) and a graduate degree.

Not sure how I did it, but somehow I’m only 12 days away from graduating from Ball State University!  I BARELY SQUEEKED BY…not in terms of passing classes, but in terms of getting all the necessary requirements completed.  At BSU, everyone is required to pass a writing competency exam before they are allowed to officially graduate.  You have two chances to pass the exam but if you are unable to, you must take another English class to satisfy the requirement.  Being the master procrastinator that I have evolved into, I OBVIOUSLY waited until the absolute last chance to take the exam. Mind you, you are able to take the exam as a junior so basically I have procrastinated for 2 years!  Luckily, I passed, but soon after found out that you had to register for graduation.  Register for graduation?  Why would I have to do that?  Doesn’t Ball State know that I want to graduate?  I guess you were supposed to “register” back in September …so I’m only like a half a year late, no biggie! 

Long story short, I’ve got all that behind me.  I’ve passed the writing comp, I’m registered for graduation, and I finally bought my cap and gown.  I AM READY. 

It’s so cliche, but it really does seem like only yesterday that my parents moved me into Lafollette.  I can remember every detail about my freshmen year.  Being in a fraternity, I have always heard “it goes by fast, make every day count” whenever alumni would come back to town.  Ignorantly, I would dismiss their remarks, but now I see exactly what they meant.  It has gone by quickly, it seems like in a blink of an eye my college career has passed.  I can’t believe its over.

Time to be a “big boy” now.  It looks like I’m going to have two offers on the table by the end of the week.  401k plans? health benefits?  LIFE INSURANCE?  I dont even know what that stuff is!  O well- here I come, watch out world!

Goodbye Ball State! 

CHICAGO HERE I COME!

It’s that time of year, graduation! As seniors pick up their caps, gowns, announcements, and thank you cards, students of all grades begin to reflect on what their futures will hold. Seniors think of new job opportunities; juniors think of what it will be like when they graduate; and sophomores and freshmen think of how much they want to be seniors.

Graduation can be such a hectic time for the senior class. There is so much to do and remember. For instance, getting through finals, sending resumes, and thinking about where their lives will lead them next can make anyone go through life without stopping to take a break every now and again.

My advice is to stop and smell the roses. Enjoy being a senior and spending your last few weeks as a student. After all, this is the only time you will be an undergraduate. Speaking of enjoying yourself, seniors, have you thought about coming to the St.A.R.T. Senior Congrats Party?

The Senior Congrats “Fiesta” Party is one of the best (and last) ways to celebrate graduation here at Ball State. It is held at the Alumni Center on the Friday before Commencement. There will be the infamous Carter, Papa Johns, nachos, music, games, dancing, free t-shirts, give-a-ways, and did I mention FREE T-SHIRTS? This is one of the coolest parties on campus, everything is free, and it is just for you, senior class.

So, take my advice. Stop and smell the roses. Come out to the Senior Congrats party. Say goodbye to your friends, enjoy free stuff, and take advantage of what this great opportunity has to offer.

By: Arica T.

4.11.08

Yesterday Chelsea Clinton visited Ball State University and Butler University.  Based on the current reports from the media, her visit to Butler proved to be more memorable than her visit to Ball State…and not for the right reasons.

A student at Butler University asked Ms. Clinton about the Monica Lewinsky scandal while her father was in office, and her retort was simple, yet effective, “None of your business.”  Before giving this simple answer Chelsea said that in the eighty-plus schools she’s visited so far, no one had the gull to ask her such a personal question.  So of course, this infringement on her personal life and the personal life of her family has now hit every major TV station locally and made national news.  Channel 8 News has a public poll today online about what happened, and the guy who asked the question was already on a national morning television show today!  This whole “ordeal” leaves me wondering, “Is it really that big of an issue?”

 I agree that the personal lives of the Clinton family, especially when talking about an affair, should stay personal.  However, this scandal was already made public when it happened, and Chelsea (as well as her family) should know that questions such as the one the Butler student asked are going to arise.  Not to mention, the question wasn’t asked to be spiteful.  He said that he was a strong supporter of the Clinton campaign and planned on voting for her in the upcoming election.  The question was asked in order to gage how the former First Lady and upcoming presidential hopeful would handle tough situations that would be brought to the light of the media if she won.

Personally, I think this is just another example of the media taking what may deserve to be a five o’clock news story and turning it into a week-long, drug out, unnecessary mess.  The Clintons have been in the media for long enough now to know that unwanted questions may arise, but they are going to get asked and often.  I guess a good way to look at it is that at least the question wasn’t asked here at Ball State.

-Cassie Derado

Spring break is over. The break that I looked forward too since my last break which was for christmas. As of today, I have 25 days until I’m done with my freshman year. FRESHMAN YEAR! Goodness I feel so old, even though in reality I’m not. I am only 18 but I guess dealing with college (I.e. homework, class, work, volunteering, school activities and trying to juggling my time between family and friends.) seems to take it’s tole on me. But I must admit, I can honestly say I’ve enjoyed my first year here at Ball State University.

This week (3/21-3/28) I have many things to do such as attend many meetings, go to events and study for exams. For example I’ve was just assigned my very own soccer team through the Muncie Area Career Center (MACC). Dealing with the set up of practice and being labelled as a “coach” is somewhat intimidating but I can do it! It’s all about having fun right? (I thought so too) This weekend I also have an opportunity to go the the Indianapolis Childrens Museum with the Student Alumni Relation Team (St.A.R.T.).  It will be an all day event and I can’t wait! Other than my meetings and activities, school work is my priority right now. Studying for exam after exam and writing and revising paper after paper! It happens, right? Oh well git r done! Well I must bid farewell because political science is screaming my name saying, “Sally, please read me. Just do it.” Needless to say but, I’m overjoyed I can’t wait (Hope you caught the sense of saracasm is my voice!) Summer here I come! Sophemore year here I come! Life-let’s rock and roll!

 Sally Prosen- Ball State University-Freshman. Majoring in Telecommunications with a focus in News Media and a minor in Leadership. Hometown: Cincinnati, Ohio

Over the weekend we found out that Ms. Clinton would be visiting our campus. Without much time to prepare Ball State set her up a spot to speak in the AJ building. Sean Astin came with her. In case you are wondering who this Sean Astin is… he was Rudy! Need I say more? He also was in Lord of the Rings and one of my all time favorites Goonies. He spoke for about 15 mins before Chelsea took over. 

Putting politics aside, as I know everyone has their own opinion and of course everyone is right… she did a really good job. She spoke confidently with poise and perfectionism. She was asked some very tough questions about health care, financial aid, the war in Iraq and NAFTA and didn’t stumble once. I cannot imagine how much time she has to spend sharpening her skills to make sure she can perform at the top of her game every time she does a Q & A. One never knows what question will be asked next.

Considering her performance and her family I have a feeling this is just the start to what could be a long career for her.

s fulton

Starting the day after Spring Break Ball State University will be considered a “smoke free campus.”  What does that mean for us students?  Well for those of us that don’t smoke it is a breath of fresh air, literally.  However, the students who happened to fall into that bad habit, which is not the easiest to break, are now put into a quarantine type situation and forced into the worst parts of campus.  Some areas are in unlit spaces, on the cow path, and in numerous other places which are not exactly deemed “friendly.”

I’m sure that those people who do smoke are not happy about this.  In fact, the most they can be is understanding.  I’m not sure exactly the percentage of students that are smokers but it’s not a small number!  If it was then they wouldn’t be a “problem” and Ball State wouldn’t have had to put so much money into forcing them into their little pens called “designated smoking areas.”

So all I’ve done so far is complain.  I’ve talked about how the smokers are being treated, basically, with cruelty and how Ball State has spent so much money on this new initiative.  Quite frankly I’m not too happy because I think it could have been done in a much friendlier fashion which would have skipped violating the rights that any American should…especially outdoors!

Here’s what I suggest.  We talked about this problem in my Cultural and Social Issues class and we decided that the university looked at this problem on too large of a scale.  Yes, it does affect all of campus but why not look at it on a building to building scale?  Having a smoking area designated outside of each building would not only be a fair compromise, it would allow those people who happen to light up a cigarette every once in a while to have their dignity back.  Honestly, making someone walk from the Architecture building at 3 am, while they are stressed about their project, to the cow path is NOT going to make them a happy camper  If anything it might cause them to just say “screw it” and smoke right then and there under the lights of the front doors of the building.

I think I’m seeing something here while writing this blog.  Maybe Ball State is just looking for a way to make a little extra money.  Charge a smoker $50 here…charge them $50 there.  Why not, right?  Well it’s because we go to a public university and because those smokers deserve to have their rights.  I’m sorry, but I think this has gone too far.

 -Devin Hillsdon-Smith

A fellow Scotty’s employee informed me at work last night that I only have 55 days (including weekends) until I graduate from Ball State University.  That countdown has kind of snuck up on me, and leaves me with mixed emotions.  On one hand, I’m ready to get out of Muncie, Indiana and break into the real world.  On the other, I’m pretty sure that I could get use to the sleeping in till noon, going to an hour or two class every day then going back to sleep.  Alas, those days filled with freedom, lacking responsibility are numbered…The only thing left to do is to brace myself, and find a job!

This summer I was an intern at two advertising agencies in Chicago and loved it so much that I made it my goal to get back to Chicago and get a job at a leading agency. In early December, I began writing the executives and my bosses at the two agencies asking each their opinions of the top agencies in the Chicago area and if there was anyone that they could put me in contact with. 

I was fortunate enough to have a very strong response and was put in contact with some very prominent names in the Chicago advertising scene.  As of now I spoken with agencies that do work for companies such as McDonald’s, Bud Light, Gatorade, and Wrigley.  As you can imagine, Chicago can have a very competitive job market.  Any college graduate who wants to work in advertising would most likely focus on one of two cities; Chicago or New York. 

In addition to the fierce competition, the economy isn’t helping.  Threats of another recession has left many companies carefully monitoring their expenditures (i.e. advertising dollars)  Without ad dollars being spent, there is no room to open up new positions in advertising agencies…meaning no jobs for Ryan!

Right now, I would characterize my position as ”actively waiting”.  I’ve been keeping in touch with the agencies I have interviewed with, while exploring my options in other cities.  Hopefully I’ll have a job by May 1…if not, I guess it wouldn’t be too bad moving back up to the lake and working at the ski shop for a while!

Recently, head football coach and BSU graduate, Brady Hoke signed an enhanced contract keeping him at Ball State through the 2010 season.  According to a press release the contract that increases his salary to $240,000 a year, includes enhanced incentives, and a buyout clause.

“We are very excited to have this completed and to have Brady Hoke continue as the head football coach at Ball State,” Collins says. “We are pleased with the leadership Coach Hoke has provided our football program, and with the positive direction the football program is headed under his guidance.”

Hoke, who led the Cards to their first bowl game since 1997 looks to continue on his success saying, “My family and I are very excited to have the opportunity to continue as the head football coach at Ball State University and to have the new contract completed. We owe a lot of thanks to the university administration, especially President Gora and Tom Collins, for their show of commitment to our staff and what we are accomplishing here at Ball State. This school is my alma mater and to be able to continue to see this program grow is very special. We still have a lot of work to do at Ball State, but the commitment the university has shown to help us reach our goals has been outstanding. We are pleased to have the business portion of this job taken care of, and we will continue to move forward each and every day to make Ball State Football the best it can be.”

Ball State will open the 2008 season with a home game vs. Northeastern Thursday, Aug. 28, in Scheumann Stadium.

Who needs to travel all the way to New Orleans to celebrate Fat Tuesdays when you can stay in good ole’ Muncie and attend MUNCIE GRAS!  This past Saturday, thousands of Muncie residents and college students alike gathered on Walnut Street to dance, sing, and party. 

Raising $35,000-40,000 annually, Muncie Gras benefits Muncie’s Downtown Developments.  Though a bit colder than I imagine Mardi Gras to be, I managed to stay warm in the huge heated tents that lined the streets.  The Go-Go dancing, great bands, and stage shows hold your attention and keep the party going strong early into the morning. 

The street was absolutely packed, and I found it strange to notice that most of the patrons seemed to be residents as opposed to college students.  Don’t get me wrong, there were a ton of college students there,  but I would say only about 30%.  Which is odd considering many students already frequent the bars on Walnut and there were multiple trolleys and bus routes circling between campus and downtown Muncie.

It was one of those things that I felt like I had to do before I graduated, so I went and had a great time.  Another event to cross off of my list.