I’m not too sure if I’m ready to leave BSU for the summer just yet. I won’t see a lot of my friends until the fall and I’ll have to spend an entire summer working. Don’t get me wrong, I am certainly ready for the sunshine and warm weather! Muncie always seems to be so windy! I want to finish this year as strong as I can and make sure I am getting the most out of my first year at Ball State.

Finals are quickly approaching….too quickly if you ask me. Bracken Library will be full of students studying and finishing up class projects last minute. Besides just the busy schedule of finals, I have volunteered for one final event on the Wednesday of finals week. As an education major, I am very excited to work at the Ball State Teacher Fair.

Even though I may be a little sad this year is drawing to a close, it makes me that much closer to graduating and finally getting to work full time in a classroom. My teaching portfolio is growing and everyday I get more excited to start my career as an educator. Here’s to a fun summer break and an even more exciting future!

-Katie D.- 2014

   This past weekend was one of the final weekends before we head home for the summer. On Friday night I helped work the NREM awards dinner at the Alumni Center for St.A.R.T. The event started at six with a reception until dinner which was at seven. I helped pass out name tags and was able to meet the NREM alumni. The group was fun, laid back, and you could tell that they were passionate about Ball State. The dinner was followed with an awards portion and PowerPoint of pictures that were taken at the River Clean up and other NREM events.  Overall the event was a success and I think the NREM alumni seemed to have a great time catching up.

     After the dinner I was planning to head to Late Night’s Annual Carnival, but the rain had pushed the carnival to the following evening. Instead I met up with a few friends at the men’s volleyball match at Worthen Arena. The team defeated the Number 9 Penn State team in a 3-0 win. Although Penn State is not in the conference, the weekend matches were called the Don Shondell/Active Ankle Challenge. On Friday night the team played Penn State, while on Saturday they played Saint Francis. Before the Friday match the team honored a professor of their choosing. Following the match, the team greeted fans and signed posters. I was glad to see a win for the team on their last weekend of home matches before the tournament starts.

-Erica W 2014

This year has flown so quickly! It seems like just yesterday I was unpacking all of my things and settling into my residence hall room, but now it all has to go back home! St.A.R.T is getting ready for its annual Senior Congrats Party on Friday, May 7. The pirate theme is going to be a lot of fun for us decorate and even more fun for the graduating seniors attending the event. We’ll have a DJ, pirate-themed games, prizes, and delicious food from Papa John’s Pizza and Carter’s Hot Dogs!

St.A.R.T. is also putting together Finals Survival Kits for students. Last semester the kits had Sudoku puzzles, a stress ball, hand sanitizer, and a lot more. This spring we decided to not only help students survive their final exams, but we wanted to help them get ready for summer!

It has been a wonderful first year here at Ball State, but I am ready for summertime and to officially start my sophomore year of college!

Congratulations Ball State University Class of 2011!

-Katie D. – 2014

                So, we end up actually purchasing a leather couch and recliner. We haven’t bought anything regarding the bed yet. Here’s the dilemma we’re facing now though. We bought the furniture in Cincinnati… We both live in Indiana (me – Muncie, Jord – Frankfort). So, where are we going to get it delivered? We won’t get it delivered because the store will hold it for us. When are we going to pick it up? That is a good question. Also, where will we put our furniture until we get married (which is in July)? Yeah… we got a good deal though!

The male version of Vanna White - Jord is showing us the look of a leather couch.

As for the bed, we haven’t bought anything which is good considering I’m sure one of us will change our mind before we head back to Ikea to have another look at “our bed” again. (If this happens do you know what that means for me? It means two more days of looking, imagining, and testing. Oh geez! I should start planning for that adventure now. I’ll need to pack a lunch, extra pair of socks, water to stay hydrated, a pillow and I might as well wear my pajamas. Why not make this fun! On second thought I would rather not go through this whole best-bed-for-us selection process again.)

Despite my winter break being filled with days of lying in floor model beds that numerous unknown people have laid in before me, I was able to get a lot done when I was home. I completed and submitted my graduate school applications. I attended a bridal show which got pretty overwhelming at times. I got to spend time with family and friends. Spending time with my family had to be the best part of being home. Coming home after being away at college is a funny thing. It’s like the first three days are awesome then you realize most of your independence is pretty much gone? Coming home from school is a transition in itself. It was hardest when I was a freshman. I would come home from BSU and wonder why it was a problem how long I stayed out. “At school I can stay out as late as I want,” is what I would say to my parents… “You’re not at school right now are you?” This was the answer I usually got. In other words what my parents said meant one of two things, 1) It’s my house and my rules, or 2) If you want freedom go back to school then. Number two, they knew, was not an option considering the dorms close during break. So, unless I had a house or apartment of my own, number one was what I had to go by. 
       So they are the parents and the house belongs to them. So, needless to say, their rules are the laws you must abide by if seeing light of day is something you would like to do in the near future and is high on your agenda. Understanding this concept of obedience shows respect which leads to maturity. Maturing is an interesting thing as well. As I grew older and came home I realized coming home at a decent time (“decent” meaning between 11 p.m. and midnight) was a way of showing my respect to them. Please don’t misunderstand me, I didn’t become some zombie kid who stayed indoors all hours of the day and night. But when it got reasonably late and I wanted to stay out a little later, I would call and let my parents know when I would be home, where I was, who I was with, and what we were doing. Honesty is a beautiful thing. (Man, I’m just hitting all the virtues today, huh?)

Ok, ok lecturing is over. Promise.

Although break had its rough patches, the time off is really a wonderful thing. It’s like I get a chance to breathe again. Not that I’m not able to breathe  when I go to school but when I have the time off I can relax and compose myself. I like hectic schedules because I view myself as a chaotic organizer, but sometimes those hectic schedules just become too much. You know those people, the more chaotic their life is the better he or she functions. I am one of those people. I think I do pretty well at it. Others might disagree and if that’s that case… well…. umm…. we all have flaws!

Well, I am filled with passion about 2011. I will be graduating, getting married, and beginning graduate school hopefully. My wish is that each reader finds life deals them a good hand this year and we can give thanks in the good and the bad. Remember, things could always be worse.

Sally P.

Although I joke about the cold and snow I must be completely honest with you… I just don’t like it. But I ONLY don’t like it when I have to go start my car early, walk to class, take out the trash, go to work… so, yeah basically I’m not snow’s biggest fan whenever I have to go outside. Here is a picture of me before trecking into the wilderness of Muncie’s streets to head to Cooper Science Building…

After two scarves, two pairs of gloves, two pairs of socks, jeans over leggings, and a parka I think I am ready…  I’m not. Despite my hopeful idea of staying warm after all my preparation, my eyeballs still froze from the intense light snow flurries! Good thing I had brought my sunglasses with me to combat this wintery attack. Genius! I beat the snow. Snow – 27 points… Sally – 1.7 points.

Although I freeze all the time, I am completely THANKFUL for my jacket, my home, the little amout of heat I can find, etc. This time of year has to be the worst time for those who are homeless and in extreme need.  Athough I kid about all the measures I go through to stay warm and still end up being cold, on the way to class I repeat to myself to, “Be thankful Sal…Be thankful for your jacket, your gloves, you are able bodied,” etc. I just try to keep life in perspective, you know?

Life can always be worse than what it is. Be thankful this holiday season. Tell those that you are thankful for that you care about them.

Be blessed!
Sally

The trip started off on a sour note when we looked at our tickets and they were actually for Sunday instead of Saturday. Our Hall Director corrected the error and we ended up sitting in the box seats on the third terrace. It was an interesting perspective from which to see the show and we all quickly forgot of the theater’s mistake when the performance started. The show featured three mute blue men making music with drums, pipes, and paint while visually pleasing the audience with lights and movement.

The highlight of the show was at the end when the men threw giant neon-colored balls into the crowd and covered the audience with streamers. The music and crowd interaction all made for a show that left us amazed and giggling.

What trip to Indianapolis would be complete without a stop to Buca di Beppos? It was my first time to this famous family-style restaurant. My group ordered ravioli, gnocchi, and a pesto dish that was shared among six of us. After dinner we ordered a dessert with a free coupon that proved to be a lot bigger than what we thought it was going to be. The twelve layers of brownies did not stop us from eating the whole sundae though.

Overall the trip was a success and I hope to see Blue Man Group again in the future. My roommate, Katie D. (also a St.A.R.T member) and I are already talking about going back to Buca di Beppos for dinner sometime.

Erica W.       2014

I’m continuing to thoroughly enjoy my life at Ball State. Many memorable events have happened over the last few weeks. One of the more memorable events so far was the tornado scare that we had earlier in October. That was something that I have never been through while at school.

I’ve been waiting very patiently for Thanksgiving break to arrive and was doing so well until last week when my stress level was at an all-time high. I had four tests and a paper to write, but somehow I made it through to the weekend. Making it to the weekend was definitely a plus because my dad came up to visit! We spent the weekend in Indy and went to see a movie. It was such a nice break away from school to hold me over until Thanksgiving. Even though I’m anxious to spend time at home with my family, I’m also disappointed that I won’t be able to see all the new people I’ve met in my short time here for what will seem like more than a few days. I hope everyone reading this has a great Thanksgiving.

-Jordan O.  2014

What a memorable few months it has been! I couldn’t be more happy with my decision to come to Ball State University. I’m getting to know so many new people from all over Indiana, from bordering states, and even across the country and the world. I’ve met people from New Jersey, China, England, and occasionally I’ll get to see some familiar faces from my home in Noblesville that I had not seen since graduation.

Besides meeting new people, I am amazed at how involved I am able to be in such a short period of time. I’m a member of the Student Honors Council (SHC), a group of students in the Honors College that represent a larger student body to host events, provide activities, and accomodate to a more enriching experience in college academically and socially. I am a liaison for SHC to the Honors Living-Learning Community Committee. Once a month I meet with hall directors from DeHority Hall and Park Hall, the Dean of the Honors College, and the director of the Living-Learning Communities and resident life to discuss what events SHC plans to host. These events create a living environment conducive to the Honors community’s goals as well as an opportunity for Honors students to become involved outside of the classroom. I have another meeting this afternoon to inform the group about a spaghetti dinner SHC is hosting for the Honors College students. An Honors professor will be coming to talk to a group of students about her classes for the coming semester as well as her experiences around the world as a global traveler.

I am also a member of BSCTM, the Ball State Council of Teachers of Mathematics. I was just elected as a NCTM, National Council of Teachers of Mathematics, representive for Ball State. In April of 2011, the national conference for NCTM will be held in Indianapolis! The conference is about 4 days long and will showcase featured speakers, different teaching techniques, and presentations on today’s education in mathematics. I feel so lucky to only be in my first year of college and already having so many great opportunities to enrich my future.

Besides being a mathematics education major, I am also a dance perfomance minor. For any major or minor in the Department of Theatre and Dance, freshmen are required to take a one credit hour class named Practicum. Essentially, every freshmen signs up for a job in the department, whether that means ushering a show, selling tickets in the box office, working on costumes, or playing in the orchestra for a show. For the past two weeks I have been working as part of the general backstage crew for the musical Company.  Before the show I help sweep and mop the stage and set, during the show I help with hand-offs of props to the actors and the moving of furniture, and at the close of the show I am responsible for making sure every prop used by the actors is returned to its correct place. Sadly, tomorrow is the last performance of such a wonderful show. I have met so many new people in the theatre department that I normally would not get to meet, and the experience has helped me appreciate a live show even more than I had before. The next performance in University Theatre this semester is The Nutcracker. Instead of only featuring classical ballet to tell the story of Clara and the Nutcracker Prince, the Department of Dance has decided to feature other forms of dance including jazz, tap, and modern. The show runs from December 8-12. I’m excited to see the new adaptation to such a classic and loved story!

Thus far, my experience at Ball State has been extraordinary! I am meeting new people, enjoying new activities, and becoming a part of wonderful communities created by programs just like St.A.R.T. I can’t wait to see what else Ball State University has in store!

Go Cardinals!

Katie D.      2014

My name is Erica Wurst and I am a freshman accounting student here at Ball State with a minor in computer science. It is hard to believe that a year ago I was applying to colleges, and here I am now more than half-way through my first semester. As for my classes, they are all going pretty well and I am enjoying my pre-business courses the most.

My extra-curricular, on-campus activities include: Student Honors Council, MCOB Honors Pre-Business program, Hall Council, and St.A.R.T. For Student Honors Council we planned a Halloween party that was located in the DeHority exhibition hall last week. Party goers could decorate pretzel sticks as “witch’s wands” and make caramel apples. That day I baked 150 cookies that were shaped as ghosts and pumpkins for the party. The party was not complete without a costume contest and wrapping a “mummy” with toilet paper. Another highlight of the party was a race to see who could eat the most donuts that were hanging from a tree. Overall the party was a hit and about one hundred people attended.

Off campus I volunteer at Ball Memorial Hospital on Tuesdays. Working there is definitley the highlight of my week and I like getting away from my room and campus for a while. My job is at the front desk in guest relations. My favorite part about the job is interacting with different people and talking with the other information desk workers. Some of my duties include transporting people in wheelchairs, answering the phone, delivering flowers, and giving directions to locations in the hospital. At first I was uncertain whether I would have time to fit a whole semester commitment into my schedule, but it was definitely worth it. I even had to get a TB test which was frightening on its own. Despite the hesitance at first, I love the unpredictability of the hospital and the break it gives my week.

-Erica W.    2014

I can’t believe how fast this semester has gone by. I feel like only a few weeks ago I was moving in. Even though I haven’t been able to take any of my major classes, I really enjoy the ones I am in now. Recently in Theatre class we had to write our own plays. I wrote mine about a NASA scientist who discovers a new planet and holds a contest to name it. Our professor said that he would end up reading about six “exceptional” plays for the class, and mine ended up being one of those six. I couldn’t believe that he picked mine out of the two hundred that were turned in.

Since I am a freshman, I am a new member to St.A.R.T. We have only had one meeting so far so I’m still learning about it. However, I do know that we are planning and putting together the survival kits for finals and I couldn’t be more excited to get started on my first project with St.A.R.T. I decided to join St.A.R.T. because I really hadn’t found the right organization for me to get involved in. When I heard about St.A.R.T from a previous member I decided to apply. I like being a member of St.A.R.T because I get to not only network with the people that attend Ball State now, but also many Ball State alumni. I look forward to getting more involved with St.A.R.T as the academic year progresses.

Besides classes and St.A.R.T., I also work in dining on campus. I enjoy working an on-campus job because of the flexible scheduling and understanding that the people there have. This job is nothing like my summer day care job, but I don’t mind. So far, I’ve been really happy here at Ball State and I can’t wait to see what the rest of this semester and year hold for me.

-Jordan O.