Meghan Sawitzke is a fourth-year journalism major and is a writer for Ball Bearings Magazine. Her views do not necessarily reflect those of the magazine.

Co-host to the podcast Before The Breakthrough, Max Blackwell, worded it perfectly in his poem posted on TikTok, "You're so Mature for Your Age."

You're so mature for your age,

They said it like a medal.

Like I had skipped a grade in being human.

I remember hearing those words growing up. Adults said them with admiration, like they were praising a rare quality. At the time, I believed them. Being mature meant being strong. It meant not causing problems, not demanding attention and not letting emotions spill out into the room.

Blackwell continues:

No one asks what it costs to grow up before you are finished being young.

No one notices when the gold star is just camouflage for survival.

Looking back, I realize maturity wasn't what they were seeing.

It was an adaptation. It was survival.

Every family has an inheritance. Sometimes it's a house, a watch, or a box of old photographs. But some inheritances are quieter. They don't sit on a shelf or live in a bank account. They show up in the way we react, the fears we carry and the habits we never quite remember learning.

My family inherited silence.

Learning Silence

Strength was defined by endurance in my family. Feelings, struggles and personal battles were rarely discussed. Problems were faced quietly and pushed aside so life could move forward. My mom embodied that philosophy perfectly. She rarely showed vulnerability and never spoke about what hurt her.

I still don't know what experiences shaped that unification of strength. Maybe it was inherited from generations before. Maybe it was something life taught along the way.

At the same time, my dad's side was more expressive. They were loud and unapologetically opinionated. Conversations were filled with humor, blunt honesty and the occasional argument.

Despite these differences, the household I grew up in leaned heavily toward quiet endurance: keep moving forward and handle things privately.

You could always tell when my mom had a bad day. Her demeanor changed and everyone else adjusted. I learned quickly to stay out of the way. Instead of asking for help, I learned to problem-solve on my own. Responsibilities shifted quietly in response. There was no conversation, just an unspoken understanding.

But when I tried to express that I had a bad day, it wasn't always met the same way.

When my mom was short-tempered or distant, it was understood. But when I responded emotionally, it was often seen as disrespect. When I tried to talk about how I felt, those conversations escalated, grounded in the belief that "parents know best."

Over time, I learned to follow that same rule.

Even in the silence, there was still love. Not always spoken or soft, but steady. Love wasn't always loud, but it was reliable, and that shaped me too.

It showed up in presence: parents in the stands, grandparents at every milestone, family dinners at the table and long days that still ended with time together. It lived in small, consistent moments like throwing a baseball after work, laughing over new Pinterest recipes and crafts in the kitchen, summers on the lake and trips filled with sunburns and sand.

Parenting does not come with a manual, and I'll be the first to admit I did not always make it easy. I argued, fought and lied. I cut my own hair in third grade and denied it in the middle of Kohl's, standing there with uneven bangs. But even when I made it difficult, they still showed up.

And still, beneath that consistency, were lessons I was quietly absorbing.

Perfection as Protection

In the silence I learned to maintain, my mind only grew louder. My self-esteem became dependent on tangible outcomes that were rarely met with verbal praise. I would often hear more about small mistakes than the many things I had done well.

Over time, I internalized that pattern. I became deeply critical of myself, convinced that even my biggest achievements still weren't enough.

I kept my struggles to myself and focused on the things that brought approval: grades, achievements, scholarships and awards. Success became the language I used to prove my worth. If I worked hard and accomplished enough, maybe no one would notice the chaos happening underneath.

Perfectionism became my shield, but over time, it started to crack.

My mental health started to deteriorate and anxiety became constant. My thoughts raced, jumping from one responsibility to the next without ever slowing down. My schedule stayed packed, so I wouldn't have time to sit alone with my thoughts.

Eventually, the pressure found another outlet.

Self-harm became a way to cope with emotions I didn't know how to express.

I remember staring at a blade, feeling strangely calm, almost hypnotized by the sharpness of it. In that moment, it felt like I had control, like something I could manage when everything else inside my head felt chaotic.

I was thirteen. I thought it was mesmerizing, like looking into the flames of a bonfire. The way a sharp edge could glide so elegantly across flesh. But if you push a little harder, the movements become ever so silently rigid.

It became addictive.

First on my wrist. Then on my hip, so it would be hidden during dance rehearsals. Several years later, the marks on my hips were buried by surgical scars. But it didn't solve anything.

At the time, I didn't see it as a symptom of something deeper. I believed it was simply my failure and inability to handle life the way everyone else seemed to.

Trauma that isn't named

But generational trauma research offers a new narrative.

According to forensic nurse Dr. Michele Reali-Sorrell, trauma is "the way we react to events that are physically life-threatening or emotionally or psychologically distressing." Generational trauma occurs when the lasting pain is transferred from one generation to the next through behaviors, emotional patterns and even biological changes.

Studies estimate that nearly 70% of adults worldwide experience at least one traumatic event during their lifetime, and the impact of childhood trauma can follow families for generations. These effects can appear as anxiety, depression, strained relationships and difficulty regulating emotions.

For many families, including mine, these patterns can be traced back to earlier generations. My grandparents are part of the "silent generation," where children were often "seen but not heard." This encouraged families to raise their kids with strict social etiquette, prioritize obedience and instill strong respect for authority.

This culture of silence became embedded in family dynamics and was passed down. In my case, it helped shape who I am today, building my work ethic, independence and drive. These qualities were first modeled by my grandparents and later reinforced by my parents, who emphasized commitment, responsibility and perseverance.

While this parenting style instilled many positive traits, it also reflected the constant state of survival in which they were raised, fostering a quiet strength that often came at the expense of emotional expression.

They lived through wars, economic crises, political change and rapid technological development. This encouraged them to adopt a "safety-first" mindset, which often meant remaining silent, avoiding risk and prioritizing stability above all.

That silence was not accidental; it was protective. Their lives demanded resilience, and survival often required emotional restraint.

And in many ways, that strength carried my family forward.

Trauma isn't always passed down through stories. Sometimes it's passed down through silence.

This isn't a story about blame. It's about patterns; ones that were never meant to harm, but were never meant to be questioned either.

The Weight of Grief

I saw that pattern clearly when my grandfather died.

When his health began declining after several strokes, our entire family gathered around him. For two weeks, we sat beside hospital beds and hospice rooms waiting for the inevitable.

Grief was present, but it was often contained. There was a clear sense of responsibility to stay strong for everyone else.

In difficult moments, the message was consistent: keep going and "crying doesn't solve anything."

Maybe this is the only version of strength my mom knew; protecting her family by refusing to break. Maybe it was because she watched her parents respond the same way. Or maybe because she is the oldest sibling of three. Regardless, that version of strength became my inheritance. During those two weeks, I was forced to make impossible decisions: Stay with family or go to the fundraiser I spent months planning? Stay with family, or attend my senior leadership debutante ball? Stay with family when we know he is close to death, or attend my senior cords ceremony?

I went to all of them. I knew my grandpa wouldn't want to be the reason I missed them.

At my senior cords ceremony, I stood on stage in front of classmates, friends and family. That was when I saw my mom get a phone call and rush out of the room.

I knew immediately. But I stood there and held my composure.

Less than 24 hours earlier, I had also learned that a close friend had been brutally murdered.

In all of that pain and grief, I did what I had been taught. I stayed quiet. I handled it privately. I kept moving forward.

Eventually, that coping system collapsed.

Between multiple surgeries, physical health struggles, the isolation of the COVID-19 global pandemic and the emotional weight of relationships falling apart, I could no longer hide behind productivity.

For the first time in years, my schedule slowed down and the emotions I had been outrunning finally caught up. It forced me to ask a difficult question: What if the patterns I thought were personal flaws were actually inherited coping mechanisms?

The Mental Health Hotline suggests trauma can be transmitted through family systems in multiple ways: emotional behaviors, unspoken rules within families, cultural expectations and even biological processes such as epigenetic changes.

Breaking those patterns is not easy.

"It's not as easy as just stopping," Dr. Reali-Sorrell explained in the article. "Trauma responses are deeply held and hard to shake. Breaking the cycle often requires support, tools and new ways of thinking."

Trying to Break the Pattern

I faced a similar challenge on my dad's side last April.

I was already emotionally drained after a difficult breakup when I received a phone call while standing in the student center.

"Grandpa passed away this morning."

I froze.

"I'm coming home," I responded.

After years of developing new coping strategies, my therapist encouraged me to set aside my "perfectionist armor" and give myself permission to be honest this time.

The honesty shocked my parents. They had always known me as the quiet, successful daughter who handled everything on her own.

"You'll figure it out," they would say. "You always do."

But this time, they saw the truth.

I wasn't eating. I couldn't sleep. Some days I couldn't even get out of bed. Simple things like brushing my hair or getting dressed felt like climbing a mountain.

Breaking the silence worried them because silence had always been our normal.

Healing, for me, has not been a single moment. It has been a slow process of learning new ways to live with emotions that I once tried so hard to silence.

Over time, I began replacing harmful coping mechanisms with healthier ones. I channel stress into movement; sports, workouts, anything that allows me to push my body until the noise in my mind finally quiets. Physical strain became a healthier outlet for the pressure I used to carry alone.

When I feel overwhelmed, I write. Journaling has become a space where I can say the things I once kept buried. Words on paper allow me to process emotions that I spent years pretending did not exist.

And when I feel myself slipping back into emotional withdrawal, I turn to music. Instead of pushing my feelings aside, I sit with them.

Healing has also meant asking for help.

For six years, I have been in therapy learning how to break the silence I grew up with. For five of those years, medication helped stabilize the depression and anxiety that once controlled my life.

Recently, I decided to step away from medication after reconnecting with my faith and finding peace in my relationship with God.

That doesn't mean everything is suddenly easy.

I still struggle. Vulnerability is still uncomfortable and asking for help doesn't come naturally. And difficult conversations often bring back the same instinct to withdraw.

But now I recognize those moments for what they are: opportunities to do something different.

Every time I choose to speak instead of staying silent, every time I allow myself to feel instead of suppressing it, I am taking another step away from the patterns I inherited.

Breaking generational cycles doesn't happen all at once, but healing begins the moment we decide that the silence ends.

This article is a part of Ball Bearings Spring 2026 magazine: Waves. Read more stories online at Cardinalmediabsu.com.

When the government shut down last October for 43 days - the longest U.S. government shutdown to date - Harter felt "out of luck."

RELATED: ICC: Braun talks federal shutdown impact in Indiana, redistricting

"I remember I had to go into my insurance office to get some paperwork done, and I just saw [a flyer] for Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits saying that people just wouldn't get them that month because of the government shutdown," they said. "I was like, 'Well, what can I do?'"

RELATED: The U.S. Department of Agriculture will release its final food security report at the end of this month

Harter looked around at the piles of artwork accumulating in their studio and called upon fellow Ball State art students Molly Evans, Taylor Woodruff and Eva Thomson to help turn their idea into action: an art bidding fundraiser using donated art from students and professors at the end of the semester.

The undertaking became known as "The Art of Caring."

Harter said they initially struggled to think about the art show much past the idea stages, often thinking, "This is a really great idea, but like, I don't know if I'm the person to do it."

But after about a week or so, their mindset shifted and became, "Okay, well, nobody else is going to [execute the idea], and it would help [a lot of people]."

Helping the masses was always the goal of the fundraiser. In fact, Harter said they had initially idealized that the fundraiser would take place during the holiday season "so it could be perfect for families going into the winter, needing clothing, maybe even Christmas gifts," they said.

Following internal conversations with advisers and coordinators within Ball State's Art Department, specifically Lara Kuykendall, they decided on the springtime to allow optimal planning time to execute the fundraiser properly.

After their first meeting with Kuykendall - the director of the school of art and associate professor of art history at the university - in October, Harter said that was what ultimately "got the ball rolling."

"I had that meeting, and someone really important was now expecting this of me, so I'm gonna get it done," they said.

However, Harter said they would not have been able to successfully execute the fundraiser without the help of their third-year peers.

"All four of us really wanted to do this and thought it was a good idea, so that was a good bridge - and it was more so the support of them, honestly, and the reassurance that they wanted to do it and they cared to keep up with it. That's what keeps us all going," Harter said.

Thomson said she was eager to jump on board the endeavor and offer help from her experience working at the campus' Ned and Gloria Griner Art Gallery - despite not knowing Harter "at all" beforehand.

"At the end of the semester, Joey asked if I would be interested in contributing to [the fundraiser], and it was one of the first times I had ever talked to Joey. I was like, 'Sure. It's a really cool cause, and I think it's really important and needed," Thomson said, recalling her days in an art history class in fall 2025.

Woodruff echoed Thomson's sentiments of eagerness to participate in the orchestration of the fundraiser.

"Making art is a privilege that not everyone has, and I am extremely grateful to use this privilege in a way that benefits people that may need the funds more than myself. Art is also a powerful tool in bringing people together, and its value goes beyond money. So, what better way to create community and impact than appreciating art for all it can do?" Woodruff said via email.

Those who donated work had the option to get 20% of the proceeds back for their work, if they wished.

Harter said it was important to them for artists to be able to have that option because "artists, and especially student artists, are also struggling financially, so if you're taking the time to donate this artwork that you spent a lot of time and your own money on, then hopefully you can receive some of that back and continue to support yourself,"

The other 80% of the proceeds from the fundraiser went to the Soup Kitchen of Muncie.

"Seeing just how many people were interested in donating artworks to be in the show was eye-opening! It has brought to light just how willing this community is to make a good change," Woodruff said, explaining that "art is a critique of reality, and it is a great way to influence an audience to think about a reality or even force them to create a meaning of their own. Art welcomes the act of slowing down, and it is within these slow processing thoughts that it can drive social change."

The successful fundraiser underscores the humanitarian, expressive elements in artwork that can bind many together.

"Art is such a community practice - even if creating it sometimes can be very individualistic - art itself is very communalistic…There are people in need, and if you look for an opportunity to help them, you can find it," Thomson said.

Contact Katherine Hill via email at katherine.hill@bsu.edu.

President Chelsea Murdock gave an overall report on how the SGA had done through the year and what her and Vice President Shaina Miller had accomplished with their ticket.

"We have accomplished 22 [and] are in progress of completing the final seven of our pre established platform points," Murdock said.

The ticket platform points had revolved around sustainability, transparency, campus well-being, sense of belonging and outreach, support and advocacy beyond legislation, safety and senate and legislative activity.

"[Thank you] for your commitment to our organization. You are the driving force of our organization, please keep going. The exec board does not run SGA. That's not how this works." Murdock said.

The executive board for the SGA had given their thanks to everyone in every committee and caucus for all the work and legislation they had made for the student body. They also went out to tell them to keep working hard throughout the summer and to always represent their fellow students.

SGA then had a special guest from campus' Voting System Technical Oversight Program (VSTOP), Payton Glesing, to come in and talk about volunteering opportunities to help conduct a survey on people's thoughts on a new voting center being set up for Delaware county by May 5.

Glessing said VSTOP was founded by Indiana legislation in 2007 with the help from the Help America Vote Act. Since its creation it has assisted the Indiana Secretary of State and Indiana Election Division with a variety of election administration functions.

"We want to know what voters think about these vote centers, and so me and my team are going to be conducting, essentially exit polling after the May primary, where we asked voters what their experience was." Glesing said.

The voting centers are made to allow people from different precincts to vote in a similar area to help increase voter turnouts for the midterm, compared to the primaries.

After hearing from Glessing, SGA had its final two budget requests for the academic year. The budget requests were for the "Hit the Books Bash" and a tabling event to hand out items for safe party-going.

The Hit the Books Bash, hosted by academic affairs, is being held on April 27 in Bracken Library to help students relax and hangout during finals week. The budget request included two chip variety packs for $29.95, 24 pizzas for $195.70, 40 cookies for $21.84, 24 energy drinks for $37.96, 40 water bottles for $5.47, and 100 brown paper bags for $17.99.

In total the request was worth $323.91 to be allocated to academic affairs for the event. The request was approved unanimously.

The next request came from the organizational committee for a tabling event to give out party safety items. The items included in the request were a 24 pack of stress cubes for $24, 50 packs for drink cover for $13, 80 packs of squishes for $18, and an inflation buffer of $10.

The request in total would be $65 allocated to the organizational committee for the tabling event. The request was approved unanimously.

SGA concluded its final meeting with a loud slam of excitement from Miller's gavel to signify the end of the year for the SGA and all of the association's work.

SGA will meet next week at 3:15 p.m. in Cardinal Hall B at the L.A. Pittenger Student Center to inaugurate its new president and vice president Quinn Davis and Addy Morey.

Contact Landon Jones via email landon.jones2@bsu.edu

RELATED: Exclusive Q&A with Ball State Men's Volleyball Coach Iandolo

The team has achieved a 20-3 record in the 2026 season. This came just less than a year after former head coach Donan Cruz stepped down and Iandolo was promoted.

RELATED: Men's Volleyball lands new head coach

The team fell in the first round of the 2025 Midwestern Intercollegiate Volleyball Association (MIVA) against Lewis University. Director of Athletics Jeff Mitchell had a decision to make about who would lead the Cardinals going forward.

He tabbed Iandolo as the man to lead the way.

Iandolo spent four seasons underneath Cruz as an assistant before being promoted to head coach, and success has followed him into the position.

"Attention to detail and accountability [have] made a big difference. We play tighter as a unit and are a little more locked in with our schemes and game plans," Iandolo said.

Despite the success, Iandolo said he knows the team still needs to tighten things up as the MIVA tournament approaches.

"We need to be better at finishing games. When we have leads at the end, we just [have] to finish a little quicker," Iandolo said. "We just [have] to keep bringing the defensive intensity for our group. That makes a big difference in how much effort we're putting into our blocking defense."

Iandolo was praised for the roster makeover that took place over the prior offseason. The Cardinals added several new players and coaches to what they had been building. However, the expectations have not changed, and neither has the preparation.

"When we have had some guys that have struggled here and there … we've had some guys been able to step up and maintain our level of play and still allow us to win games," Iandolo said. "Our seniors and older players are doing a pretty good job of leading the group."

The Cardinals have one more games left in the regular season before the MIVA tournament kicks off, and Iandolo is not letting the team take it any more lightly than others.

RELATED:Ball State Men's Volleyball falls to Lewis 3-2 in narrow battle

The opportunity is there for the Cardinals to carry momentum into the tournament.

"We don't get to Loyola [University] unless we beat Lewis. It's how it's been all season; we're trying to win every game, and what's in front of us is Lewis," Iandolo said. "That's what we've been talking about doing all year, so the conversation hasn't changed. It's just now is the time."

Sophomore outside hitter Wil Basilio has grown more into a leadership role despite being an underclassman. He said he saw how last season's results played out and is looking to help lead the Cardinals to a big comeback, especially with the end of the season being played at Worthen Arena.

"It's super nice. It's always a good thing to be at home," Basilio said. "Just sleeping in your own bed, you get to serve and pass the morning in your own home gym. It's also a tough environment for teams to come in, especially big games versus Loyola, so I'm sure we will get a big crowd."

Over the course of a long season, a team bonds especially well if winning coincides with that. The chemistry building has never been a problem for the Cardinals, and this season has shown that. Playing closer games and having a tighter unit puts the Cardinals at the top of the MIVA standings late in the year.

"I think the biggest thing is we all genuinely like each other. That just makes it easier to come in and work hard in practice and push through days we don't really want to," Basilio said. "It's the genuine relationships that we've built; [it] really helps with all the stuff on the court."

The record for the Cardinals speaks for itself, but the team's confidence level shows through each set and each match.

"I think we're super confident. We've had a good series on the road, and we are finishing off two games at home," Basilio said. "I think the fact that we are able to take care of business on the road puts us in a comfortable and confident spot to win these last two home games. Having a big crowd is always a big help for us, and we're definitely feeling good, feeling happy going into these games."

Senior outside hitter Patrick Rogers has been a standout player for the Cardinals all season long. Rogers led the team last year with 363 kills, doing so with 15 or more kills in 11 games. He also totaled 193 digs to a career high of 15 against McKendree, receiving honors such as All-MIVA first team, MIVA Offensive Player of the Week and honorable mention on the American Volleyball Coaches Association All-American Team.

He has continued that stellar play with close to 300 kills this season and said he has thoroughly enjoyed the team's success during his final year.

"It's so awesome to be able to help the team [be the] best while I can, and we've all been playing so great," Rogers said. "So it's kind of easy for me to play well when everybody else is playing so great."

Sports move fast, and with the MIVA tournament on the mind, so is the early loss in last year's tournament for the team and Rogers. However, he is using it to help fuel his play even further to make sure that it does not happen again.

"We learned the most from our losses and we know now we can't take any team lightly or any game lightly," Rogers said. "We could just win versus anyone when that's not the reality like last year. We lost to Lewis in the quarterfinals so we have to stay on the gas and keep moving forward."

One can learn a lot about their team through the course of a season. It is a journey that Rogers said he is on with all of his teammates, where they want to go to battle with each team and just have fun in the process.

"We're all just best friends, and we just like each other. So it's just going out and literally having fun with your best friends," Rogers said. "Nothing is really better, and being a senior, I'm trying to enjoy it as much as I can while we still have some games left. I'm looking forward to the MIVA and, hopefully, the national tournament with them as well."

The Cardinals are in a prime position for some home court in the MIVA tournament. Rogers said he knows that is huge for the team, so the Cardinals need to stay focused.

"It's so important for us. Obviously, we're undefeated at home and the fans show so much support, and that is huge for us on the court," Rogers said. "We feel that energy, especially when we're playing well. So it's our main focus right now, and Lewis is in the path for that to happen, so we're excited to play [them] on Thursday."

Contact Zachary Kendall via email at zachary.kendall@bsu.edu. or on X .@ZacharyKendall_

The annual Late Nite Carnival is BACK!

The Late Nite Carnival remains one of Ball State University's most anticipated traditions. The event features rides, game booths, live entertainment, and a variety of food options, offering students an opportunity to celebrate the end of the semester.

Students who pre-register may enter the event one hour early at 5:00 p.m. Pre-registration is available at the Scramble Light or the Atrium on Thursday and Friday (April 16-17) from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., as well as in Beyerl, Kinghorn, and Woodworth on April 16 from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.

Event Details:
Friday, April 17 | 6:00 p.m. - 12:00 a.m.
C1 Parking Lot

For more information, visit:
https://commcenter.bsu.edu/message/the-annual-late-nite-carnival-is-back-2

Reminder: Spring Commencement Ambassadors Needed

Spring Commencement represents a significant milestone for graduating students and their families. To support the success of this large-scale event, campus ambassadors are needed to assist with various responsibilities during the ceremonies on Saturday, May 2.

Available Shifts:

• 7:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.
• 11:00 a.m. - 2:30 p.m.
• 2:30 p.m. - 6:30 p.m.
• 6:00 p.m. - 9:30 p.m.

Ambassador Responsibilities Include:

• Directing graduates and guests
• Serving as a point of contact for questions
• Restocking programs
• Preparing seating areas with graduate materials
• Assisting with event logistics

Participation can be confirmed by completing the Commencement Ambassador Form by Friday, April 10. Questions may be directed to Sarah Justus at 765-285-5554 or via email atsarah.justus@bsu.edu.

For more information, visit:
https://commcenter.bsu.edu/message/reminder-spring-commencement-ambassadors-needed-5

April 15^th: LAST DAY to File FAFSA to Meet Indiana Priority Filing Deadline!

Students are reminded to submit the 2026-27 Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) as soon as possible. To meet the Indiana priority filing deadline, submissions must be completed by 11:59 p.m. on Wednesday, April 15. Late submissions may result in reduced eligibility for certain financial aid opportunities.

A new FAFSA must be filed each academic year to maintain eligibility for financial aid. Students should log in using their FSA ID at studentaid.gov to begin the application process.

After submission, students should monitor communications from Ball State University and the Indiana Commission for Higher Education and respond promptly to any additional information requests. Regular review of Self-Service Banner is also recommended for status updates.

For questions regarding FAFSA or financial aid, students may contact Cardinal Central via email at cardinalcentral@bsu.edu, by phone at (765) 285-2222, or by scheduling a virtual appointment. Additional information is available at bsu.edu/FAFSA.

For more information, visit:
https://commcenter.bsu.edu/message/april-15th-last-day-to-file-fafsa-to-meet-indiana-priority-filing-deadline

The Cardinals got a taste of revenge when they beat Lewis on their home court in a narrow 3-2 finish on Mar. 7. That was the first time the two teams met since the Flyers beat the Cardinals in the quarterfinals of the Midwestern Intercollegiate Volleyball Association (MIVA) tournament last season.

Coming into this matchup, Ball State was riding a six-game win streak with four of those being shutouts.

Ball State won the first and third sets (25-21, 25-17) and lost the second and fourth sets which contained lots of back-and-forth action (25-23, 25-20) leading up to the tiebreaker set. The Cardinals fell in a tight final set 18-16.

Despite this loss, Ball State still remains first in Midwestern Intercollegiate Volleyball Association (MIVA) competition at 12-3. This marks the Cardinals' first loss at home through 14 games this season.

When asked about how confident the team is going forward despite the loss, sophomore opposite hitter Ryan Louis stated, "We're going to remember this feeling and bring it to Saturday's game. When Loyola comes to our home court, we're going to show them we're the better team. It's just going to fuel our fire."

Louis reflected on the message to the team throughout the up-and-down match.

"We need to give maximum effort. We can't let silly balls drop when they shouldn't be. Full throttle, step on the gas, and floor it. Even if we are winning, we should never take the foot off the gas. Full throttle the entire way playing our game to the absolute end," Louis said.

Senior Outside Hitter Patrick Rogers totaled 18 kills with Louis right behind him with 17.

Following the Cardinals' last regular season matchup against Loyola Chicago on April 11, the MIVA tournament kicks off Saturday, April 18.

"We need to make sure our bodies are right, at this point of the season everyone's hurt or sore," said Louis. "It's a long season man. We just need to focus on the small, simple things, blocking plays, passing plays, taking care of free balls. Play our game and do what we do best: score."

Ball State has one more regular season game against Loyola on April 11 at Worthen Arena before the start of the MIVA tournament.

Contact Bryce Pennell with any questions @bryce.pennell@bsu.edu or on X @bryceBSUDN.

Junior Jaxon Bolton is the president of the club, but the club's numbers were not looking strong when he started college. Bolton went to a callout meeting with club alumni freshman year, and there were only two people other than himself who showed up and were interested in what the club had to offer.

Bolton said he had a really good time at the event despite the lack of student interest. He talked to rugby club alumni and was able to get a feel for what the club was all about. He said talking to alumni sparked his interest to try to get the club back on its feet.

"They kept encouraging me, [they] wanted it to keep going," Bolton said. "It kinda just didn't happen."

The process of growing a club from the ground up is tedious. Bolton said it was especially hard to recruit guys to "want to get hit." But by talking to people on campus and bringing in some freshmen who had rugby experience in high school, Bolton was able to grow the club from two people to 22.

"It's good when you have a good culture around that people want to be a part of," Bolton said.

Senior Teo Sanchez was one of the two who wanted to get the club back on its feet with Bolton, and he now serves as the club's vice president.

"I stepped up because I enjoyed doing it," Sanchez said. "I enjoyed being with the guys, just being able to help compete, get practices running and stuff like that."

Sanchez said the team is starting to get "back in the groove of things." He said that a lot of the early stages of the season were about getting new guys into the sport, as well as getting players with prior rugby experience back in the swing of things.

"A lot of these guys either played rugby in high school, or never [have] played the sport, barely knew anything about it," Sanchez said. "It's just a learning process, being able to create some brotherhood here."

The brotherhood that Ball State Men's Rugby Club happened naturally. Sophomore Eland Savage said the club is not just a place where players hang out for an hour, but a real, competitive sport.

Savage said he has a very busy schedule as it is, but that being able to share a meal with players or work out together is what makes it worth it.

"It's nice to have a different sense of community," Savage said. "It's nice to have another friend group inside of Ball State."

A big difference between the rugby club and a collegiate rugby team is who runs it. Collegiate teams have a long list of coaches, ranging from a head coach to trainers. But for Ball State Men's Rugby, the club is completely run by students.

Bolton said the club had a coach, but not during the spring semester because of other coaching obligations at a local high school. That leaves a big role for Bolton- to not only help run the logistics of the club, but also coach and play with his peers.

"It's my goal to get everyone to keep going, everyone doing everything," Bolton said. "I do it because I love it; I love helping these guys."

Freshman Aidan Hansen played rugby in high school, and with encouragement from his friend and teammate Lucas Primrose, he decided to join the club. Hansen said he was nervous at first, but he felt the brotherhood "right away."

"I almost wish we had more practices," Hansen said. "Some nights I'm stressed out, and coming here, it's so fun to play and [to just let] loose."

Bolton said it is "amazing" that everyone has bought into the culture he tries to set, and that it makes him feel even more connected to the brotherhood the team possesses.

Primrose is a freshman alongside Hansen, and even though he came into college with a close friend, he said the community he found at Ball State men's rugby is "comforting."

"I always got at least 16 or more guys [that] I can always lean on," Primrose said.

"It makes me want to be here every day," Bolton said. "I have a busy schedule at work, I have other clubs, but it makes me want to come back and lead these guys."

The men's rugby club is not funded by the school. Although it is a student-run organization, the funds that allow players to participate in tournaments, have jerseys and pay for food do not come easily.

Bolton said the money they have to spend comes from alumni and fundraising, and he said he is thankful to have it. Even though the current team has not been around for long, Bolton said he still feels the support from alumni and people who want to pitch in.

"We have people who want to see us succeed," he said.

Bolton said the club has had success in the past, and while he wants to bring that success back, he wants to be able to do it in the club's own way.

"We really want to succeed and have that kind of success that they've had in the past," Bolton said. "But we want to bring it back and bring it to our own culture."

Ball State Men's Rugby Club is for everybody, Bolton explained, because almost everybody on the team is from a different major and has come from different places.

"It's not just about getting hit and doing all these crazy things," Bolton said. "It's about the brotherhood that we have."

Contact Kyle Stout via email at kyle.stout@bsu.edu.

A former Ball State University employee has settled her lawsuit against the Muncie school for firing her over a social media post about Charlie Kirk's death. IPR's Stephanie Wiechmann reports.

Suzanne Swierc was Director of Health Promotion and Advocacy for Ball State, untilshe was firedon September 17 of last year. That's after her private Facebook post calling conservative activist Charlie Kirk's death a "tragedy" but also pointing to "violence, fear, and hatred he sowed" wasshared publiclyby Indiana Attorney General Todd Rokita.

Now Swierc and Ball State have reached a settlementin a lawsuitshe filed later that month.

Neither side has divulged the details from a settlement conference on Tuesday and say they cannot do so. The settlement still needs to be accepted by the court and the matter formally dismissed.

Read More: Indiana educators faced firings, resignations after Charlie Kirk posts - but no licenses revoked

In announcing her lawsuit in September, Swierc said she did not regret her post and would not take back what she wrote.

"I believe that I, along with every other person in this country, have First Amendment rights, and to be able to speak on a number of things," she said.

Ball State contended her post was not protected by the Constitution. In astatement, Ball State also said her post "caused significant disruption to the University" and was inconsistent with her leadership position. Stevie Pactor with the ACLU of Indiana said Swierc didn't create the disruption herself, but those like Rokita who amplified it online did.

"She is not the one who widely disseminated this post," Pactor said. "And of course, it wasn't only the attorney general of the state of Indiana that did, but he certainly did."

Read More: Muncie human rights commission president resigns over Charlie Kirk comments

Attorney General Todd Rokita was not named in thelawsuit.

This week, a Ball State spokesperson called the settlement "successful."

In the lawsuit, Swierc was not asking for her job back, with her lawyer saying she didn't feel like she could work at Ball State again.

Also in September, Ball State said it was investigating a post about Charlie Kirk's death from asecond university employee.

That employee tells IPR she proved her claim her social media account had been hacked and she did not write the post herself. Because Ball State did not name her in its statement and the investigation ended with no disciplinary action, IPR is not naming her. She continues to work for Ball State.

Stephanie Wiechmann is IPR's Managing Editor and "All Things Considered" Host. Contact her atslwiechmann@bsu.edu.

"We've had a lot of great kids, a lot of support from the parents, a lot of behind-the-scenes things that nobody sees, but at the end of the day, the players do whatever we ask, and they're individuals that would run through a brick wall for you," Penrod said.

Senior Catcher Anna Rinker has started all four years under Coach Penrod, and she has also seen multiple sectional trophies. Rinker says his best quality as a Head Coach is establishing a team-friendly environment.

"To not take it too seriously. Obviously, we show up every day, work hard, but he's also willing to have fun with us as well, and I just think that helps keep it super light-hearted and fun every day at practice," Rinker said.

Along with three seasons with at least 20 wins in his four years as Head Coach, Penrod has won sectionals every season he's been at the helm for the Tigers. Continuing this streak is in the back of their minds, as they have a goal set out for more hardware, as he mentioned.

"It's definitely in our mind every year. Obviously, every team should have the same goals, I think, and that's to be playing your best when you get to the sectionals. When you're there, you want to be hitting on all cylinders, playing your very best, and see what happens," Penrod said.

Yorktown's next contest hosts Connersville Thursday at 6 p.m. as Rinker, Coach Penrod and the Tigers continue their early campaign.

Contact Aidan McNally with questions or comments at aidan.mcnally@bsu.edu

According to Matt Davis, the manager and son of Joe Davis, preparation for this spring season has been challenging.

"A week after Valentine's Day, Dad had a pretty nasty fall," said Matt Davis. "He hurt himself pretty bad. He lost his sight permanently in his left eye. With that being said, I've obviously had to take on more than I already was when he was here."

But shared wisdom from Joe Davis has kept Matt committed to the shop every day, especially now.

"My dad calls it the carousel of life that we experience," said Matt Davis. "I would say that part is super impactful to me. You know, one moment someone comes in, and they are ordering flowers for a joyous occasion. Then, two minutes later, a grieving family comes in and orders flowers for a loved one's funeral."

Matt Davis has been stocking, selling and creating arrangements in hopes of one day stepping into his grandfather's and father's shoes.

Paul Davis opened the shop in 1945 at its current location on South Madison Street. However, Paul Davis was no stranger to the business.

Davis grew up in a family of farmers and greenhouse growers in Centerville, Indiana.

He initially co-founded Davis Brothers Greenhouse with his brother Ernie. A few years later, Davis decided to open what is known today as Paul Davis Flower Shop.

In the mid-1990s, Joe Davis, the son of Paul Davis, returned to Muncie to take over ownership of Paul Davis Flower Shop.

This passion has been in Matt Davis' roots since he was just a kid, answering the

phones.

According to Matt Davis, he plans to eventually take ownership and continue serving the Muncie community.

Davis wanted to support his family's business, primarily because he shares a passion for flowers and plants, much like his father and grandfather.

To order plants or floral arrangements before the upcoming holidays, visit their online website.

Contact Lauren Burris via email at lauren.burris@bsu.edu.

The U.S. and Iran said they are prepared to hold talks to end the war in the Middle East during a proposed two-week pause in hostilities, even as Israeli strikes on Lebanon threatened to derail the fragile truce.

Further adding uncertainty, sporadic fighting continued throughout the region and the Strait of Hormuz remained largely blocked. President Donald Trump has said that reopening the strait was a condition for halting the fighting.

Trump's announced ceasefire Tuesday night was a retreat from threats to unleash massive devastation on Iran, easing fears of a protracted global energy crisis. Mediator Pakistan has floated negotiations later this week in Islamabad, and Trump said they could start very soon, according to the New York Post.

Yet, there were already signs that the agreement was buckling. Iran said it would withdraw from the deal if Israel kept up attacks in Lebanon, according to the semi-official Tasnim news agency. Passage of oil tankers through the strait were halted after Israel's attacks, the semi-official Fars news agency reported.

The White House did not immediately respond to a request for comment on whether the president views the war front in Lebanon as included in the ceasefire.

Trump made a series of dubious claims about the terms of the agreement in a social media post on Wednesday morning. He said the Islamic Republic has gone through a "regime change," even though there have been no signs this week that new leadership had taken hold.

He also indicated the U.S. would use its own 15-point plan as the basis of negotiations with Tehran, after saying Tuesday the sides would begin discussions off of Iran's 10-point proposal. Nonetheless, he said the U.S. was prepared to discuss with Iran much-desired sanctions relief.

The shift to diplomacy came as countries including Kuwait, Bahrain and the United Arab Emirates, as well as Israel, reported ongoing missile attacks into Wednesday, sewing confusion about when and how the ceasefire would be enforced. Saudi Arabia's oil pipeline to the Red Sea was hit by a drone strike, according to a person familiar with the matter.

Further uncertainty surrounded whether the ceasefire includes Israel's campaign in Lebanon, where the country is waging a parallel war against the Iran-aligned Hezbollah militia.

Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, a key mediator, said the truce included Lebanon, but Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu disagreed. The Israeli military on Wednesday said it had carried out its largest operation against Hezbollah since the start of the Iran war, targeting more than 100 of the militia's command centers and military sites within ten minutes.

Still, oil and gas prices plummeted on news of the ceasefire, which paves the way for a potential resumption of energy supplies via the Strait of Hormuz - through which about fifth of oil and liquefied natural gas supplies typically flows.

Iran Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi pledged to reopen the critical chokepoint as part of the ceasefire agreement, albeit in coordination with Tehran's military. Hormuz appeared to remain largely blocked in the early hours of the agreement on Wednesday, as shipowners struggled to understand if they can safely transit the vital waterway.

Brent crude fell as much as 17% to $92 a barrel, while European natural gas futures posted their biggest decline in more than two years, shedding as much as 20%.

Trump's ceasefire announcement represented a dramatic climb-down from a warning earlier Tuesday that "a whole civilization will die tonight, never to be brought back again" if Iran did not give in. His threatened attacks on Iran's civilian infrastructure, including power plants, may have been considered war crimes if they were carried out. More than 5,300 people have died in the near six-week war.

In a posting on Truth Social, Trump said "there will be no enrichment of uranium" - a reference to longstanding efforts by Washington and Israel to curb Iran's nuclear program. He also announced plans to impose 50% tariffs on U.S. imports from any country that sold weapons to Iran. It is unclear how he would follow through on that threat, since the Supreme Court curbed his authority to impose certain levies unilaterally.

Kuwait's army on Wednesday said it is still dealing with "intense" attacks. The U.S.expected orders to stand down from strikes would take time to reach Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, Axios reported. Such lags are typical in conflicts, with hostilities often continuing before gradually tapering off.

Explosions occurred at Iran's Lavan Refinery after the start of the truce, the semi-official Mehr reported, without saying where it got the information.

U.S. Vice President JD Vance said at an event in Budapest that Trump has achieved Washington's military objectives in Iran, having set out to "decimate" Iran's ability to wage conventional war, while describing the truce as "fragile."

Both the U.S. and Iran are portraying the ceasefire as a "victory," but significant differences remain between their demands to bring the war to a complete end, according to Mona Yacoubian, a senior adviser with the Middle East Program at the Center for Strategic and International Studies.

"Iran says it will allow free passage for the next two weeks through the Strait of Hormuz, but in coordination with Iran's armed forces. If the U.S. agrees to that, that is a huge concession to Iran," she said on Bloomberg Television.

While markets breathed a sigh of relief, the ceasefire addressed a crisis Trump helped create when the U.S. and Israel launched the war in late February. Although Trump claimed to have stopped Iran's nuclear program, there has been no mention of its missile or drone programs or support for proxy groups.

Pakistani PM Sharif invited all sides to Islamabad to continue negotiations. Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian confirmed the Islamic Republic would participate, according to a statement by the Pakistan prime minister's office.

Vance, U.S. Envoy Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner are expected to attend potential in-person negotiations between U.S. and Iranian officials in the coming days, CNN reported, citing U.S. officials.

The complete terms of a possible pact were not disclosed. Trump only said the U.S. had received a 10-point proposal from Iran, describing it as "a workable basis on which to negotiate."

Iran's demands include its continued control of the Strait of Hormuz, acceptance of its nuclear-enrichment activities, the lifting of all primary and secondary sanctions, and a withdrawal of U.S. combat forces from the region, according to a statement by its Supreme National Security Council carried by state media.

The two-week ceasefire can be extended by mutual agreement, though Iran will enter talks with "complete distrust," its state media said.

The focus will be on Hormuz and whether ships can pass safely through the vital waterway. While some vessels have made it through the strait in recent weeks, they have generally not been from countries Iran views as hostile or having at least tacitly supported the U.S. and Israeli strikes.

More than 800 freighters are stuck inside the Gulf, mostly waiting to leave, and shipowners and insurer groups have warned that more details will be needed to determine if safe transit is possible.

With assistance from Dana Khraiche, Eric Martin, Tooba Khan, Carla Canivete, Michelle Jamrisko and Jordan Fabian.

©2026 Bloomberg L.P. Visit bloomberg.com. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

As the blockbuster season is slowly coming upon us,the Project Hail Mary filmhas gracefully (pun intended) made it to the big screen as an adaptation from the 2021 book with the same title. With stunning visuals and a story of curiosity and friendship, the film has captured the hearts of many audiences, gradually becoming a fan favorite science fiction film.

Being someone who read the book before watching the film, I went into my first watch with a more critical lens than others may have, but I was pleasantly surprised by their dedication to bringing the book to life. With some minor cuts from the book as well as additional original scenes for the film, the balance between sticking to the source material while also spicing things up to make it visually appealing made for a great watching experience.

From Book to Screen

When it comes to book-to-screen adaptations, I am a bit late to the draw. Typically, I'll watch a film and read the book after, but in this case, I got to readthe book Project Hail Mary before seeing the film. The characterization of Rocky (James Ortiz) and Ryland Grace (Ryan Gosling) was just as charming in the film as in the book. The camaraderie between the two was the biggest reason I couldn't put the book down, and the film captured their chemistry so well. Gosling did an amazing job creating a strong relationship with a CGI creature, something not every actor can do.

There were a lot of scenes that were cut from the film that were in the book that surprised me. The entire premise of the story is the external conflict-the end of the world becoming more imminent-but there were other conflicts throughout the book that added some tension that didn't make it into the film. After discovering that the Astrophage have a predator, somehow they end up in Grace's engine and all of the Astrophage die, shutting down the entire ship. This is one of the biggest problems in the book that gets completely skipped in the film. Obviously, there's only so long a film can be, but it really took me by surprise that the film didn't take advantage of these scenes to add more tension, and instead went for the comedic route in most cases.

Show, Don't Tell

The film also does a great job at showing, not telling. With most of the book being written from Grace's perspective, it's hard to transfer that to film, but they made a great attempt. We get much more time with the original recruits for the mission in the book, but in the film, we see them few and far between; yet the relationships built are still just as strong. Grace's personality as a science teacher is also very compelling, and even with fewer mentions of his students, you can tell where his priorities lie and how great a teacher he is just by the subtext of the film.

A perfect addition to the film was the use of Rocky's perspective. Rocky and all Eridians see through sound waves, something humans can't process, as we have eyes. The film took the initiative to show a few scenes from Rocky's perspective, using the visual medium to explain the difference in the human and eridian experience without going into much detail. It also relates to the experiment Grace was performing for his class at the beginning of the film, making for a great parallel.

Stunning Visuals

The visuals of the movie are so stunning. Space in film can be pretty bleak and stale, but Project Hail Mary goes above and beyond. Because the film is set in an entirely different solar system, why not have fun with it! The contrast between the bright greens and oranges of Adrian and the reds and pinks of the IR light-emphasizing the Astrophage in the Petrova line-is absolutely insane; it's exactly the kind of visual experimentation that should be done in science fiction films.

One detail that I loved was any time light glared in the scene, a tiny petrova line appeared with it. It's such a small detail, but it creates a constant reminder of why Rocky and Grace are in the situation they are. As the story progresses and they get closer to their solution, the color of the line changes from blue to warmer colors, something that I found very creative and a small touch that tells the story without giving away too much in dialogue.

Rocky and Grace Save Cinema

Being an early entry to popcorn movie season, Project Hail Mary is a solid start to a great year for the film industry. Audiences want compelling stories and great visuals to keep them entertained for the full runtime, and with the way 2026 is going, this seems pretty promising. As Rocky would say, "Rocky Grace save movies!"

Sources: IMDb, Goodreads

Images: Sony Pictures

Contact Sam Jasionowski with comments at samantha.jasionowski@bsu.edu or on Instagram @sjasionowski.

In this episode of 9-1-1 What's Your Hot Take, Sam and Willow discuss the events of season 9 episode 16 of 9-1-1.

Music track: Talk by Chill Pulse

Source:https://freetouse.com/music

Copyright Free Music for Videos

Hosted by: Sam Jasionowski and Willow Emig

Edited by: Sam Jasionowski

Graphic by: Willow Emig

Tomorrow: In the morning, the temperature will be in the high-50s. As we make our way throughout the day tomorrow, our temperatures are going to rise, reaching the high-60s by noon and mid-70s by 5 p.m. It will be relatively windy tomorrow with sustained winds from the southwest at around 13 to 17 mph with gusts over 30 mph. Skies will be mostly cloudy early in the day tomorrow, but should start to clear up later in the evening. 

Seven-Day Forecast: Temperatures are looking up as we make our way later in the week, with a slight dip on Saturday. This drop in temperature is due to the 70 percent chance of rain with possible thunderstorms on Friday. After the slight drop in temperatures on Saturday, we will increase to a forecasted 80 degrees on Sunday, followed by more rain chances early next week with a slight decrease in temperatures. This upcoming rain will hopefully be able to provide relief to the moderate drought conditions currently in Muncie. 

- Weather Forecaster Halle Dziekan

Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and X @NLIWeather for breaking weather updates.

NewsLink Indiana is a proud Ambassador for the NOAA Weather-Ready Nation program.

Click here for more information about the Weather-Ready Nation program

For more information about the Weather-Ready program from the National Weather Service, visit their website

According to a press release from the governor's office, the suspension takes effect under an emergency declaration issued by Braun and will last for 30 days, with the possibility of an extension depending on the ongoing economic conditions.

"I am declaring a gas tax holiday to give Hoosiers relief from the pain at the pump from high gas prices," Braun said during his announcement at the governor's office. "Affordability is my top priority."

The move is designed to lower costs for drivers statewide, though the actual savings will depend on whether gasoline retailers pass the tax break on to consumers. Braun urged retailers to ensure the relief is reflected in lower prices at the pump.

To enforce that expectation, the state plans to monitor fuel prices during the suspension period. According to the press release, Braun said officials will be "patrolling the pumps" to track whether retailers are complying and passing along the savings.

In addition, Braun called on the Indiana Attorney General's Office to take action against any instances of price gouging during the tax holiday.

Contact the Daily News at editor@bsudailynews.com.

Ball State is home to a host of excellent students across every college and campus building. This week, meet the newest student to join the list of Cardinal Spotlights, Ree Perry, a junior majoring in history from El Paso, Texas.

Perry has had a life-long interest in history, but he credits his high school history teachers with his decision to study history as a college student.

"I moved around a lot, and it was always the history teacher I gravitated to," Perry said. "I have had an interest in history for as long as I could remember, and they really made me want to peruse it in college."

While at Ball State, Perry has had opportunities to share his passion with others on and off campus. One of his favorite experiences off campus was the opportunity he had in the fall. He was able to assist in taking an eighth-grade class to the history museum in Indianapolis.

On campus, he has found community within his major, something he describes as the coolest aspect of his major.

"All the people I have come across in the history department are great," Perry said "There is always someone willing to talk shop or that shares a passion for whatever topic you have, and all the professors are great, willing to work with you and help in any way they can."

History isn't Perry's only passion. He is an avid adventurer, with aspirations to hike up to all the highest points in the western hemisphere and explore North and South America.

His adventurous nature is something that Perry cites as one of the most unique facets of his personality.

"I'm all over the place, because I always want to explore something new or interesting," Perry said. "And at any given opportunity, I love to go on an adventure."

As he continues toward graduation, Perry will continue to grow as a student of history and as an adventurer.

At Cardinal Media, we believe everyone at Ball State has a story worth telling. Cardinal Spotlight is our way of getting to know students beyond the surface - what they're up to, what matters to them, and what makes them who they are. Ordinary college life is more interesting than it gets credit for, and we want to hear about it.

"I think especially in the state of Indiana, student film isn't as focused on as it could be." Luci Bluto, the President of Frog Baby Film Festival, said. "And Ball State's media department is a great breeding ground for student creativity and media production," Bluto said.

For many students, this film festival is more than just showcasing the works of fellow Ball State students; it's about coming together and learning to appreciate others' works.

"My biggest dream is to support other student filmmakers. I have plenty of friends who want to pursue film, and the idea of being able to support them on their sets in their productions and having the knowledge and mindset for that type of thing is just a huge aspiration for me," Bluto said.

​

Bluto prides herself on being heavily involved on campus, with organizations like Digital Corps, Radiance Cinema, and the Frog Baby Film Festival. Through these experiences, she can strengthen her talents as a media student at Ball State.

"I had the opportunity to work on a short film this semester for radiance, actually," Bluto said, in reference to radiance cinema.

"And the story was just incredible. It was written by two close friends of mine, and they were pulling from their own personal experiences, and I just learned so much about myself, " Bluto said.

Experiences like these highlight the collaborative space Ball State creates for its students to connect and bond over their shared love of media.

"As you see these groups or these people that are making films, it is not just one individual." Bluto said, "While there might be one name listed as director, you're going to see these groups of people that have been working to create this incredible product, and that should encourage you to do the same."

While many awards will be distributed Saturday evening, that is not the main point of the night.

"We're not looking for you to win an Oscar, we're not even looking for you to win a regional award of some sort, we're looking to recognize students that are going out there and trying to make something," Bluto said.

Students and staff are welcome to join in on the celebration and attend the annual Frog Baby Film Festival on Saturday, April 4th, at 6 pm in Pruis Hall.

Contact Brianna Baariu with comments at brianna.baariu@bsu.edu