Not every student comes here as a Cardinal. Not everyone knows the words to the fight song or attends all the games.
But this does not mean that Ball State students are not proud. Students here might not be so forward with their pride. They might show it by attending events or participating in activities. They show it by taking pride in their academic programs or the organizations they join.
They show it by telling people from other schools that they love Ball State.
Not everything about Ball State is perfect. This school is sometimes the butt of jokes. It competes with Indiana University and Purdue University for people's loyalty. Students make fun of Muncie, though they might miss it after they leave.
Most students do not want to pursue careers in Muncie after graduation. Though this can be seen as a hit to Ball State pride, it should not be taken as such. Students can love Ball State even if they do not love its home.
As the semester comes to a close, students might be left with more questions than answers regarding how they feel about Ball State. The year's events have tested the loyalty of tens of thousands of people connected to the university.
But the students will return next fall. They will still hold Ball State dear. They will still take pride in their majors and their organizations. Someday, they might even take pride in Muncie, if they do not appreciate it now.
The stands might not be packed at the football games. Some students might still retreat home every weekend. But they do so with their pride in the university they have chosen to attend.
No trauma, no crackdown and no campaign can take that away.
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