The wonderful Indiana State University, as a student at the university, I personally think it is the best school in the land and one of Indiana’s best kept secrets. The university isn't as popular or as big as compared to Indiana University or Purdue University, but that’s what makes the university stand out. Form the crazy traditions to even our size, which isn’t too big or too small. I could not picture myself anywhere else to continue my education. My decision to attend Indiana State was a last minute decision, as I was set to attend somewhere else. I have already made so many friends and memories that I wouldn’t have made if it wasn’t for being a Sycamore. Now, only a sophomore, during the past year I have discovered some things that make me realize that I am for sure a Sycamore. So, scroll down, and read the following signs that I have discovered this past year.

1. The fountain is a landmark

The fountain is the gathering spot for all students. It's where we hang out in between classes and is the meeting spot to meet up with friends. The fountain is the center of all campus activity. Also, it is a tradition to run through it as a freshman, deeming you officially a Sycamore!

2. George's Cafe

The best food on campus, enough said. The cheese fries are amazing so are the chicken fingers. You can't get anything bad from George's cafe. George, the owner of the cafe, is one of the nicest people you will meet. Once you become a regular, he will know your order before you hit the line. It is the type of food that you never will get tired of.

3. You are a member of the Forest.

The Forest is the student led spirit section at the university. It is present at every sporting event, from basketball to even girls softball. As a member, you get free t-shirts and sometimes even free food! It is a great organization to be apart of, it is a way to show your school pride and cheer on your fellow Sycamores to victory!

4. The wifi sometimes isn't reliable.

I understand every college campus has it's moments with the wifi, but at ISU, it becomes something normal that the internet is acting up. It eventually does get fixed quickly, but becomes a pain when you have a paper to submit and it is down.

5. So much school pride, EVERYWHERE.

Google images

Us Sycamores are very proud of our school! We may be on the small side, but we are proud of it. Indiana State in general has come a very long way, and we love how far we have come. You also start to collect a lot of t shirts, may they be free or from the bookstore. We show our pride from wearing apparel to simply saying we are proud to attend Indiana State.

6. Still take pride that Larry Bird attended Indiana State

The man. The myth. The legend. Larry Bird. One of the greatest Indiana basketball players of all time in the 1970's. He started out at Indiana University then came to Indiana State. Which he had a great career as a Sycamore. On campus, in front of the Hulman Center, the gym, there is a statue of him and there is a street named after him called Larry Bird avenue. We take pride that someone as successful as Larry was, attended the university.

7. We are #1 in community service

That is right, we are nationally ranked as the #1 university when it comes to community service. We are proud of that achievement. What I love about the university is that there are many ways to simply give back to the community. We are very proud to have that honor and we continue to keep that honor.

8. Living in the towers as a freshman.

The famous residence halls of the university, Sycamore Towers. There are 4 of them, each 12 stories tall. Where generally the freshman live. You truly get the Sycamore experience while living the towers, you meet great people and it truly becomes your home away from home.

9. Homecoming is a pretty big deal.

We take pride in our school, also the students before us. Homecoming is in the fall, and the week leading up to homecoming, there is so much going on campus. But on the day of the homecoming football game, there is also so much to do. It is not an event you want to miss!

10. We pride our academics.

We take pride in our education, and the many amazing programs the university offers. We are very honored to have the amazing professors that we have teaching us their knowledge. I know personally that I am very lucky to be able to get my education at this university.

There you have it, the signs that I have discovered. Like mentioned before, one of Indiana's best kept secrets.