Hannah Shingler

Although the town of Muncie, Indiana is not the center of attention compared to our neighboring schools *cough cough* Indiana University and Purdue University, we have some pretty interesting (lit) stories, too. That DIY Mason Jar centerpiece you just pinned to your wedding/bridal shower/gender reveal Pinterest® board last week? You can thank the Ball Brothers whom Ball State University was later named in recognition of the Ball Family. We are part of a smaller community, a community that interacts with one another within a 1.781 square mile radius–Yes; I actually used my mathematical knowledge to convert acres into miles—Thank you, MATH 202, but you’re still my worst subject. The point being is that I have been walking around this community for four years now. Interacting with various organizations on my campus, Greek life, social life, the Department of Elementary Education, and dorm life—living in “The Nunnery” my freshman year was less than enthralling. I know this community like the back of a (mac) book. I hear the news and see it unveil in real-time, I see the reactions, the conflicts within the community and the “Muncie locals”. I have put myself through the miserable all-nighters at the library; I know the struggles, the papers, and the procrastination. Just think, we are paying $21,000 a year to get less sleep, pour nutrition, and horrible hangovers. This meaning that us students either need to win the lottery, outwit, outplay, and outlast the contestants on CBS Survivor, or the realistic approach of asking each undergraduate student for $1 in order to pay for our tuition and fees. I see what needs to be said and I share what needs to be heard. I have the background, the forefront, and the platform to bring stories to my community and far beyond. I’ve never been good at singing, but my words have a pretty damn good voice.