As a junior I started to realize that my time left at Ball State is only three semesters. That is three semesters of fun, education, friendship and nap time. As I start to wind down my time at Ball State, I have created a standard bucket list for my fellow Ball State Students.
1. Take a class that is you are interested in but it is nothing related to your major.
College is not just about getting an education, but about learning. Take a class that is personally interesting. What to learn about philosophy, politics, feminism? There is a class for that and a way to learn more and gain a passion.
2. Play in the Frog Baby Fountain.
This one is a given. Everyone wants to play in the Frog Baby Fountain — you know the story of the Frog Baby, rubbing his nose for good luck. This is one of the most popular items on student’s bucket list. Rubbing Frog Baby’s nose, dressing frog baby and playing in the fountain is a must-do for Ball State students.
3. Camp out.
When huge stars come to campus, the camp-out in front of Emens Auditorium is just the start of the ultimate party. Getting a group of friends together for the camp-out is what you make of it. Pitching a tent, blowing up the air mattress and cranking up the music and pulling an all-nighter is a must-do. I recently camped out for David Letterman tickets and it was all worth it. These are stories that we can tell our grandchildren.
4. Kiss in front of Benny.
From the first campus visit we are told the story of Benny and that if you kiss in front of Benny and her wings flap if it's true love. Well, that might be awkward, but kissing with your eyes open is a chance that a Ball State Student can get. At graduation, Benny is a popular spot for photo opportunities and proposes as well.
5. Join a sorority/fraternity.
Joining some type of sorority or fraternity is a once in a lifetime college experience. There is stigma and negative stereotypes that are attached to these organizations that are only true for a small minority of the members. An overwhelming majority of sorority/fraternity members are not the stereotype that is attached to them. There is more than just Greek life sororities and fraternities; there are groups for your major and community service related ones. At Ball State, there is Epsilon Sigma Alpha and Alpha Phi Omega, which both are service oriented. They both do the Big and Littles and are still about the sisterhood/brotherhood. There are also fraternities that are majored focused. There are several in the business college. These organizations create friendships that cannot be replaced. The friendships that I created through EΣA are ones that I cannot replace.
6. Chirp at a sports game.
Ball State has a unique “cheer” that we do at sporting events. It is called the “chirp.” Chirping is first taught at campus visits and freshman orientation. We are the only school that does the “chirp.” Taking part in a sports game is great way to enjoy them before you graduate — once you graduate they start to charge. Sporting events are another college experience essential.
7. Dance Marathon.
The best day of the year! Dance Marathon is a 12 hour event that's all “for the kids.” This event is the celebration of year long efforts to raise money for Riley’s Children’s Hospital. This 12 hour day is a blast and for a great cause. Not experiencing this event is a regret.
8. Attend Homecoming.
Homecoming is the best week of the year. This fall week is full of different events such as bed races, Air Jam and more events leading up to the football game. This week is packed full of fun and a great way to show your cardinal pride.
9. Get involved!
The number one thing that should be at the top of every student’s bucket list is to get involved. There are over 400 clubs and organizations to join. Getting involved is the best way to make friends, gain leadership experience and gain resume experience.
Overall, this list is just taking the cream off of the top when it comes to Ball State Bucket List. There may and are many more items that could be added to this list but this is just the top items!
