As I prepare to leave Ball State University and Muncie, I have reflected upon the experiences that have shaped who I am today.
I'm a better person than when I arrived on campus four years ago and I'd like to believe that I am leaving the university better than I found it. I would be remiss if I didn't take an available opportunity to thank those people who have helped me in my time at Ball State.
When I stepped onto campus as a bright-eyed freshman for a week of band camp, I would never have imagined doing the majority of things I have done during the last four years. I've had the amazing opportunity to lead others, teach others and, best of all, learn from others. All Ball State students have the promise of these opportunities; they simply have to identify them and take a risk.
To the brothers of Phi Gamma Delta and all other members of greek life, I thank you for taking a chance on me and allowing me to become a member of your amazing organization and community. Many people, myself included, have scoffed at the idea of joining a fraternity or sorority for numerous reasons. You have shown me that being greek isn't about partying but about becoming a stronger and smarter individual, able to tackle anything life throws at you.
To the Office of Student Life, I thank you for teaching me how to be a leader and a teacher. Through my involvement with Student Government Association and University Senate, I have found what works and what doesn't when leading a group of my peers. And I've had the opportunity to impart that knowledge on others as a CLASS mentor for incoming freshmen. I hope they've found my advice worthwhile.
To the Daily News, I thank you for giving me an opportunity to write columns for the last 13 months and allowing me nearly free reign over the topics of my writing. I know many people have spoken in support of or against some of my opinions, but never once have you asked me to stop. I appreciate your willingness to champion the First Amendment by allowing anyone the opportunity to voice a well-informed opinion to the student body.
To the Alumni Center, I thank you for giving me the chance to bring alumni back to campus through my work on the Homecoming Steering Committee. Many people think the Alumni Center is solely focused on alumni, but you have taught me that without strong students, strong alumni don't exist. Your work with various student programs has a greater significance than many students realize and I hope your successes continue for years to come.
To the numerous Ball State faculty members I've encountered, thank you for your decision to choose a career in teaching. I have gained an immense breadth of knowledge from your classrooms, and I have already been able to use that knowledge in my everyday life. We often hear, "When will I ever need to use this?" In fact, I have asked that many times myself. I now realize the point isn't just to teach us something we will use, but also to teach us what we someday may need to know.
I also must thank the numerous faculty members who work diligently to bring to Ball State the numerous immersive learning opportunities available to students. In the course of four years, I have worked to show the history of the Indianapolis Indians and assisted a small embroidery company in its efforts to expand. Add to these the many smaller immersive learning opportunities I have embarked upon, and you'll see my education spanned far beyond the classroom.
I must thank the faculty who sacrifice time with their families to help students gain knowledge through travels abroad. I have had the fortunate opportunity to spend several weeks in Europe learning about different cultures and earning college credit. In addition, I have been able to gain valuable knowledge through two summer internships in our nation's capitol, all because of the efforts of various faculty members on campus.
My last thank you goes out to the administration. Without the hard work of President Jo Ann Gora and her vice presidents, this university would not be the steward of world-class higher education that it currently is. I look forward to seeing where their leadership takes Ball State next.
I came to this university in search of an education, and I received that and much more. Although I am ending my time on campus, its impact on me won't end anytime soon. It is an education I will use the rest of my life.
And for that, I say thank you.
Write to Frank at frhood@bsu.edu.
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