Bracken Library is usually emptier on Friday than students' bank accounts are year-round.
At the end of the week, many would rather relax and have fun than work on next week's homework.
Empty as the residence halls on Thanksgiving, the library isn't exactly a diverse cultural mecca on that day. It generally takes more than a handful of students to add up to true multiculturalism.
But this past Friday, Bracken was the destination for diversity.
The International Festival featured dozens of tables set up with information, games and free food representing foreign countries. Ball State University students from around the world put on the event through the Rinker Center for International Programs.
At the Taiwan booth, students played a game where they jumped quickly between bamboo poles. At the Caribbean booth, a Jamaican student passed out jerk-spiced food samples.
Others dressed in native garb, and many tables displayed trinkets and artifacts from other nations. The stairs and second-floor balcony of the library were lined with flags from around the globe.
The annual event was a good chance for the Rinker Center to spread awareness about not only itself but also about foreign students who chose Ball State for school.
According to the center's Web page, more than 500 international students representing more than 80 countries are enrolled at Ball State.
The International Festival's goal is to teach these students' American classmates about their backgrounds. It provides a great chance for students who haven't had the opportunity to travel around the world to get a glimpse at other cultures.
And beyond that, the festival is just plain fun. Who doesn't like free games and food?
The Rinker Center offers culture exchange programs every week at Bracken, and students should take advantage of those opportunities.
Other campus cultural organizations also regularly put on free events that explore similar themes.
At the very least, these programs open up interesting experiences that are different from everyday life in Muncie. More importantly, the knowledge of world cultures the programs provide helps people get a better perspective on their own lives.
Events like these may not change your life, but they might do a little to change your outlook if you can get over the phobia of visiting the library on a Friday.
Read More
Three Air Jam teams take home the win
October 12, 2012Nineteen teams shimmied, shook and flipped for a sold out John R. Emens Auditorium on Thursday night during the 25th annual Air Jam.
Bill Clinton Speaks at North Central High School
October 12, 2012Former President's Speech Could Have Effect on State Senate Race
