As a kid from just outside of Chicago (on the Illinois side), there's a lot of traveling back to Ball State University after the summer. Hours are spent driving on one of the most traffic-filled highways in the United States, I 80/94. As the traffic lets up, speeds increase and I get to see my favorite sign in the Midwest. Posted at the boarder between Illinois and Indiana is the sign that says, "Welcome to Indiana, the crossroads of America."
Now I don't know about you, but the name "Crossroads of America" does not scream out "Visit Indiana; it is exciting!" Unfortunately, to me this motto sends the message "Drive in and get out." What's worse is that most students at BSU abide by this particular motto.
During the first few months of college, freshmen come in with an enthusiasm that is unparalleled. They will jump at the opportunity to involve themselves with anything that is presented to them. Unfortunately, by the time Winter Break rolls around, pacifism takes over.
When beginning college hunting and racking my brain about which school to go to, I went to get advice from one of a mentors. She said she didn't care what college I chose. Her response was simply, "It doesn't matter where you go to college; what matters is what you do when you get there."
In turn, here's a question to all who are reading this... what are you doing here? Are you trying to "drive in and get out?" or are you trying to actually absorb the college experiences?
Freshman; Are you going to genuinely try everything that is made available to you? Or are you going to stay in the comfort zone of going out to the same party with the same people from your hall every weekend? Get involved with something you've never had the guts to do. Meet new people every week at a place different than that same old party. Also, make sure you voice your opinions to the Student Government Association. You are the ones who will be here the longest, so go tell them what you want!
Sophomores; Are you still here? That's a pretty good start. You've made it past the weed-out year but staying active as a sophomore is rare at Ball State. It's never too late to start trying out something new that you've always wanted to do. Why not do something a little crazy? Join Ball State's water ski club or sky diving team for instance.
Juniors; You are over the hill. Finally you are past the halfway point with less than two years to go (hopefully.) Have you experienced all Muncie has to offer yet? Did you know that there is a scuba diving shop in Muncie? You can get your scuba diving certificate in the middle of Indiana. Tom, the shop's owner, also will rent kayaks to anyone looking to use them. Take a weekend to go kayaking down the White River or one of the many other rivers available in the area.
Seniors; Hopefully you have taken all that Muncie has to give at this point. If not, go to an elegant dinner at Vince's at the Airport. Go swimming in the abandoned quarry south of campus. Go to the horse track in Anderson and let it ride on number six.
Do anything. Absolutely anything. Learning is not about books. Learning is about experiencing life for all it has to offer. Believe it or not, BSU and Muncie have a few things to offer as well; you just have to go look. It is completely up to you. Do you want to gain experience and actually live college or "drive in and get out?"
Write to Ray at rchart@bsu.edu
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