Ball Bearings | Volume 5 Issue 2

BALL BEARINGS volume 5 // issue 2 // SPRING 2014

muslim students

embrace modesty page 16

Same-Sex Marriage ban: HJR-3 page 23

download

“ball bearings magazine” in the ipad app store

BALL BEARINGS // SPRING 2014 ISSUE

TABLE OF CONTENTS FEATURES

THE GUIDE sports

5 8 10 14 33

wallyballers This sport is off-the-wall.

Literally.

(un)married Proposed constitutional amendment threatens samesex couples’ rights.

26

opposite of murphy’s law Read the story Dan Carpenter lived to tell.

30

taking solider’s benefits away cuts deep Student Soldiers struggle to afford college.

fitness

revive your resolution Get back on track this New Year.

FOOD

poppin’ party platters Revamp your party food dishes. entertainment

read. eat. drink. listen stay in the know.

INSIGHTS

IN EVERY ISSUE

tackling an uncomfortable topic Early diagnosis is key. A new support group raises awareness for prostate cancer.

4 12 18 20 37

ENRICH

16

23

not for the world to see Two Muslim students reveal their modest fashion.

editor’s note describe your style Q&A: anthony capparelli columns: JOe and Lauren in focus

1

contributors //

Highlighting a few of our staff

HANNAH JACKSON

Marci Taylor

Hannah Jackson, a junior, photojournalism major, has worked as a photographer for Ball Bearings Magazine since the fall semester. Many people say she rsembles Donna, from “That 70’s Show.” Do you agree?

Meet Marci Taylor: a junior, journalism graphics major. She has been a reporter, designer and photographer for Ball Bearings online. Her favorite movies are “Monsters University” and “Forrest Gump.”

JOSEPH KNOOP

Maddi anarumo

Joseph Knoop is a junior, news journalism major. Check out the extra content in our iPad publication to see his article on a “Modern Nomad.” He also hosts a video game news show on WCRD named “Button Mash” every Friday at 8 p.m.

2 // BALL BEARINGS

Maddi Anarumo is a freshman, fashion merchandising major.

Look for her debut article, “Describe Your Style,” in this issue.

Fun fact: She has lived in New York, Massachusetts, West Virginia, Indiana and Florida.

BALL BEARINGS volume 5 // issue 2 // SPRING 2014

print staff // editor-in-chief

assistant editor

hayli goode

lauren hughes

assistant design editor

managing editor

photo editor

briee eikenberry

leeann wood

lauren dahlhauser

pr director

assistant editor

design editor

Crystal allen

aiste manfredini

jennifer prandato

advisor david sumner

assistant editor victoria davis

ipad staff //

online staff //

managing editor

managing editor

photo editor

aubrey smith

gina portolese

joe ruley

producer

design editor

photo editor

holly demaree

aubrey smith

lauren dahlhauser

producer

assistant design editor

design editor

mallory jordan

copy editor jason conerly

web editor savannah smith

web editor

chris talley

video editor neil hausey

sarah ellis

Contributors Hannah Jackson Erika Espinoza Madison Anarumo MaryBeth Sargent Nicholas Ewing Katie Miller Meagan Kingery Rachel Brammer Kaitlin Lange Katy Jamison Marci Taylor Victoria Fairfield Kaytee Lorentzen Maggie Kenworthy Hannah Dominiak Katie Lyon Max Catterson Ashlee Hayes Emma Rogers Drake D’ambra Rick Purtha

ball state university // muncie, inD. 47306 printed by // ball state university printing services

advisor mary spillman

ricardo lopez

3

I

editor’s note //

can remember my first tour of Ball State University. I was a high school senior, stressed about the giant decision quickly approaching and overwhelmed from how large the school was compared to my 59-student graduating class.

The chairman of the magazine department was giving me a tour of the Art and Journalism Building. I told him I was interested in magazine writing, so he took me to the Ball Bearings office. There, I met the editor-in-chief of the magazine and the online managing editor. I left with a couple of publications in my hand and watched them return to their layout.

On the ride home, I remember telling my parents I wanted to be in that room. I wanted to do what they do – to find stories and tell them through a publication that impacts the entire campus and beyond. To lead a staff along stories and challenge others to challenge themselves. To be a problem solver.

Three years later, I find myself editor-in-chief of that very same magazine. It’s almost weird for me to write this because I never thought I would make it here. Not yet at least.

I also never thought I would find myself in a factual problem with a story. I heard about libelous and slanderous remarks that made the news, but I thought I was far too paranoid and intelligent to run into the problem. Until I did.

Last issue, I wrote, “Review is in Session.” It was meant to be a media round-up of the honors college being put under review. Unfortunately, in the process of writing the article, I defamed professors.

To those professors, I offer you my sincerest apologies. I never meant to report incorrect information about the classes you taught. And I can assure you, although I checked all of my sources and printed the information that was presented to me, it is my hope that my first (and hopefully only) journalistic slip will not affect you or your future endeavors.

But that is what college is about, right? It’s the time we students can actually see ourselves grow into a person we may want to be for the rest of our lives. It’s about being confronted with giant life decisions, and giant life mistakes, and learning how to make lemonade out of situations. It’s a time to mature.

And that is what this issue is about. From surviving a giant fall (pg 26), to bringing a new culture to Ball State (pg 16), or studying how to talk to the ladies (pg 20), it’s obvious students at Ball State are learning from the experiences life hands them. The students featured in these stories didn’t cave under the stress of life, but instead used it as a life-altering story. We all have one.

What’s yours?

hayli goode EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

contact us comments can be directed to ballbearingsmag14@gmail.com.

advertise with us for more information, contact us at ballbearingsmag14@gmail.com.

WHAT’S ONLINE army ROTC

wallyball

Party Dishes

Explore a day in the life of an Army ROTC soldier on Ball State’s campus.

More exciting than your physics class: Learn the angles of a perfect Wallyball spike.

Try these new appetizer and dessert recipes for your next get-together.

4 // BALL BEARINGS

WallybALLERS The fast pace game played in a box story // Victoria Fairfield PHOTOS // NICHOLAS EWING illustrations // Ricardo Lopez

growing sport // Wallyball, an adapted version of volleyball, is a fun, stress-relieving game enjoyed by many Ball State students.

Wallyball traces its origins to 1979 when Joe Garcia, a racquetball teacher, attempted to save room at his gym by playing volleyball on a racquetball court. Unlike large volleyball courts, wallyball is played in a racquetball court with no chance of the ball accidently interfering with another nearby game.

Once Garcia noticed his haphazard game caught on, he shared it with the world by creating Wallyball Inc. now known as the American Wallyball Association, based in Manteca, Calif. From there, wallyball became not just a space saving game but also a sport.

Ball State students have been spreading the game across campus by word-of-mouth and by playing pick up games during their free time. Not only is it a good excuse not to do homework, but it’s also a fast-paced game that makes for a great stress reliever, which is exactly why Susannah Dragash plays.

Dragash, junior majoring in biology with a focus in zoology at Ball State University, grew up playing competitive volleyball. She was introduced to wallyball at a Cedarville University’s pre-med summer camp in high school. Her freshman year at Ball State, Dragash started playing wallyball again.

“I played volleyball, so wallyball is not as competitive. It’s just like more of cutting loose and having fun and not really worrying about the rules,” Dragash says.

55

THE THE GUIDE GUIDE // // SPORTS SPORTS

CLOCKWISE FROM TOP:

It’s not uncommon for several games of Wallyball to be going on at the same time just across the hall from each other.

The small, blue wallyball ball has to be designed tough to withstand being smacked off the walls.

When she started playing, According to the American Wallyball Association, there Dragash had some problems are over 15,000,000 wallyball getting used to “playing volleyball players worldwide. in a little box.” But she overcame her need for space and got used to wallyball’s speed.

To play wallyball, she says, “[newcomers] need to be ready to just have fun and not worry about the competition. They need to be patient and have a quick reaction time.”

Although it’s nearly identical to its volleyball origins, “I went up to block a shot and a friend of mine spiked the rules are a little more lax. In wallyball, the two side it into my finger,” Andy says. walls and the ceiling are considered fair play. Players With half his finger perpendicular to the other, can spike the ball off the walls to create speed. But the recreation center categorized the injury as an be careful not to hit the back walls, as it results in an emergency situation and called an ambulance to take automatic dead ball. him to the hospital.

Like Dragash, volleyball players have advantage with Andy says his finger reset itself before the doctor even basic knowledge of how to pass the ball. came in his room. He still likes to play wallyball, but Evan Neace, a Ball State sophomore, organizational tries to keep his pinky and ring finger taped together, communications major, grew up playing wallyball in his just to be safe. hometown. He and his friends played wallyball as a fun Wallyball is a sport played by millions all around the way to stay active their freshman year at Ball State. world. The American Wallyball Association currently “I like to play wallyball because anyone can play,” sends its newsletter to more-than two million players.

Evan says. “It’s easy for new people to pick up.”

In tournaments, wallyball is often played in five While it doesn’t happen very often, wallyball is known divisions. The highest being the open division, where to cause a finger injury or two. Ball State student Andy it’s not unheard of for the ball to be spiked at 80 mph.

Thompson, a sophomore computer science major, The easiest division, called the recreational division, is a dislocated his pinky during a game. great way for players to get involved with the sport.

6 // BALL BEARINGS

Wallyball Rules of Play Players cannot hit the back wall, which is considered out and will result in an automatic dead ball.

Palming the ball and throwing it over the net is illegal.

The net is 3 feet tall and hung at no more than 8 feet above the floor for men’s wallyball games and no more than 7 feet 6 inches above the floor for women.

In pick up games players can kick the ball.

A jump serve is permitted.

The sidewalls and ceiling are fair play.

The player in the back position of the court puts the ball in play by serving it with one hand only.

7

THE GUIDE // Fitness

REVIVe your

RESOLUTION

I

Finding a fitness routine that works best for you story //Joe Ruley PHOTOS // Meagan Kingery

t’s been a little more than a month since the iconic ball drop in Times Square rang in the New Year. The dropping of the ball symbolized the start of a new lifestyle for some. Maybe making more “me” time.

Maybe becoming a better cook. Or maybe getting into tip-top shape.

Within the 31-some-odd days since the drop, a little thing called life may have gotten in the way. Hanging out with friends, drinking beer, eating greasy food and school has made it all too clear that getting in shape can be really difficult.

8 // BALL BEARINGS

Shannon Powers, an instructor of physical education at Ball State University, suggests researching about what you want to do in order to revamp the resolution. She says the more someone knows about a workout or eating plan, the more motivated he or she is to stay committed.

For instance, if you decide to take a Zumba class, try the following. Research the motions and routines used in Zumba. Knowing the routines may prevent everyone’s judgments. Find out where motions got their influences. Another tip: stand in the back for the first lesson.

Working Out with a Partner Researching wasn’t for senior accounting major Stephen Tepner. So to stay committed to his resolution, he teamed up with a former member of his Bible study.

He and junior audiology major James Noonan began playing basketball and lifting weights together shortly after their first study together two years ago.

Tepner and Noonan still work out together at least 3 days a week.

“I looked for someone like [James Noonan] who would push me and hold me accountable…to meet their standard of athleticism,” says Tepner. “When James pushes himself, I have to push myself harder to equal what he does.”

And if friends aren’t an option, but accountability is still essential, the Ball State Recreation and Wellness Center’s BSU Fit program offers 17 different types of fitness classes for students to choose from. These classes range from focusing on working just your arms, to doing full body cross-training exercises.

Amy Hill, a BSU Fit graduate assistant, says choosing a class students enjoy is very important.

“Attending group classes with a friend is the best way to go about it,” says Hill. “ It allows you to be a lot more comfortable in the setting and it is also a great way to be accountable.”

According to Hill, finding a class to enjoy means having more fun and maybe sweating more. Having a level of comfort during the class means harder work.

Harder work means a better workout.

Better workouts means getting in shape.

top 10 Workout songs Tepner & Noonan

stretch before they begin their workout. by sticking together, they can hold each other accountable to achieve their fitness goals.

Working Out Alone Haley Bruce, a senior sociology major, prefers to exercise alone. She says working out with friends can turn into a social occasions and not an actual workout.

“Working out is a stress reliever for me,” says Bruce.

Music is also a big part of that stress relief for Bruce. Though slightly embarrassed to admit it, she listens to Michael Jackson Radio on Spotify because it gets her to work out harder.

According to Costas Karageorghis, a sports psychologist at Britain’s Brunel University, picking the right music can improve multiple factors, including mental focus and drive.

Enjoyable sounds improve the workout quality by synching the brain to the feet.

Whether it’s changing your music playlist or finding someone to drag you to the gym, the important thing to remember is to find something that works for you.

Story reported by Holly Demaree.

According to Fitness Magazine Online

1. “TNT” // ACDC 2. “Walk this Way” // Aerosmith 3. “So What’cha Want” // Beastie Boys 4. “Loser” // Beck 5. “Crazy in Love” // Beyoncé 6. “Don’t Phunk with My Heart // BlacK Eyed Peas 7. “Wonderful Person” // Black Masses 8. “No More Drama”// Mary J Blige 9. “You’re Beautiful” // James Blunt 10. “Under Pressure” // David Bowie

9

THE GUIDE // FOOD

poppin’ party PLATTERS Mature from pizza and beer to professional pitch-in dishes story // mallory jordan PHOTOS // hannah Jackson

Mom always said, “Don’t ever go to a party empty handed.” Thanks for the tip, mom, but how do we know what appetizers to make for different occasions? After all, we’re college kids with a tight budget. And the amount of time it takes to prepare some recipes is unrealistic. Check out these scrumptious recipes that add a new spin to old favorites. They are a breeze to make and a hit for any occasion.

ingredients

cream cheese & Fruit Brownie

• 1 package of brownie mix • 8 oz. package of cream cheese • 1/2 cup of sugar • 1 package of strawberries • Bananas • Chocolate syrup

instructions Preheat oven to 350 degrees or as directed on brownie mix box 1. Mix together the brownie ingredients as directed on the box.

2. Place the brownie batter into a greased pan.

3. Bake batter for 25-30 minutes or as directed on brownie mix box.

Set aside to cool.

4. In a bowl, mix the sugar with package of cream cheese.

5. Spread the mixture onto the brownies.

6. Cut up strawberries and bananas into slices, enough for one slice of each for each slice of brownie.

7. Cut the brownie into servable pieces.

8. Place one slice of strawberry and one slice of banana on each brownie.

9. Drizzle chocolate syrup over the brownie pieces.

10 // BALL BEARINGS

ingredients • 12 Cheese sticks • Milk • Italian bread crumbs • Marinara for dipping (optional)

Find more

delicious recipes online at ballbearingsmag.com.

instructions

ITALIAN CHEESE SKEWERS

Preheat oven to 400 degrees 1. Cut the cheese sticks into bite sized balls (about 1 inch).

2. Pour milk into a bowl and dip in cheese bites.

3. Roll the cheese bites in Italian breadcrumbs until covered.

4. Place the bites on a baking sheet and bake for 7-10 minutes.

ingredients

• 1/2 batch of pizza dough (homemade or store-bought) • 1/2 cup of pizza sauce •1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese •1/4 cup of sliced pepperoni •Additional toppings of your choice

Pizza Pull Apart

instructions

Preheat oven to 400 degrees 1.Spread flour onto a flat surface and roll pizza dough into a large rectangle.

2. Top dough with pizza sauce, cheese and pepperoni (add additional toppings of choice).

3. Using a pizza cutter, slice the dough into long strips.

4. Stack the strips and then cut into squares to end up with about 20 squares.

5. Stack all of the squares on top of each other and place them horizontally in a greased loaf pan.

6. Cover the pan with plastic wrap and let it sit for 30 minutes to allow dough to rise.

7. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until the top is golden brown.

ingredients • 12 mini sweet peppers • 1/4 cup of cream cheese • 6 pieces of bacon • Toothpicks

instructions

pepper poppers

Preheat oven to 450 degrees 1. Cut off the top stem of the pepper and remove the seeds with a knife without cutting the outside of the pepper so it’s hollow.

2. Stuff each pepper with 1 tablespoon of cream cheese.

3. Cut the bacon strips in half.

4. Wrap each half around a pepper and hold in place with a toothpick on baking sheet.

5. Place in preheated oven for 12-15 minutes.

11

THE GUIDE // Food

Meet: anthony sparks

What he’s wearing

Peacoat: American Eagle Blazer, jean & belt: J.Crew Tie: Marc Anthony Sunglasses: Ray-bans

Year: senior major: organizational communications

How would you define your personal style?

I would probably say its not Southern gentleman; it’s more of this business orientated, business casual, and CEO oriented. Be relaxed but also be fashion forward.

Which designer or celebrity is your source of inspiration and why?

When I think of inspiration, I look at people around me or actual celebrities. If I had inspirations other than a designer I would say Ryan Gosling and Bradley Cooper.

I take pieces from each individual celebrity and put them together to create what I like.

what is one piece of clothing that every college student should have?

I think that if you’re fashion forward, focus on a great fitting pair of pants or slacks. But I think there is nothing wrong with wearing a great casual pants and nice watch.

What is your 2014 fashion resolution?

It would probably be to give sneakers another chance or stop people from wearing Sperry’s.

Upcoming spring trends you’re excited for?

I like solid tank tops, not the skater punk style. I’ve seen a lot of people wear nice tank tops with casual wing tip shoes.

Describe your style in three words Current. Intimidating. Inviting.

story // Madison Anarumo PHOTOS // Max catterson

Meet: keiona harrison Year: sophomore major: legal studies How would you define your personal style?

That’s really hard to find one word for. I typically like to go from casual chic to high-class fashion, anything from sophisticated to punk rock. It really depends on the day.

I dress how I feel.

Which designer or celebrity is your source of inspiration?

My go to is Rihanna, her style always jumps out at me. It is bold and beautiful. It makes me want to try it too but I always want to put my own spin on it.

What is one piece of clothing that every college student should have?

I feel like everybody needs one of two things: a pair of Timberland boots because they are good for the winter, they’re classic and they really do something for my confidence; and a leather jacket.

What is your 2014 fashion resolution?

My resolution is to be even bolder, more beautiful and to try new things, and succeed when I try them.

Upcoming spring trends you’re excited for?

Honestly, the knee-highs and the skirts.

describe your style in three words.

What she’s Wearing

accessories: Charlotte Russe Jeans: Forever 21 Books: Timberland

Bold. Edgy. Sophisticated.

THE GUIDE // read. DRink. Eat. Listen.

READ. DRINK. EAT. LISTEN. 14 // BALL BEARINGS

\\ read We all feel the urge to escape from our daily routine from time-to-time. Whether it’s exploring a park, a getaway on Route 69, or taking a solo 1,100-mile hike on the Pacific Crest Trail. The national bestseller, “Wild: From Lost to Found on the Pacific Crest Trail,” by Cheryl Strayed is a narrative of the author’s lonely hike through the PCT – from the Mojave Desert to Washington state. It was her first time out. While on the trail she encounters extreme physical challenges and develops a sense of spirituality to cure the loneliness. The dangerous adventure not only leads Strayed through a suspenseful journey–facing black bears, unbearable heat and heavy snowfalls–but most importantly, a journey that ultimately heals her troubling past and helps put the shattered pieces back together.

Don’t let the dangerous journey to Barnes and Noble keep you from reading this page-turner.

Look for “Wild” at the BSU Bookstore and Amazon. If the memoir doesn’t stir your sense of adventure enough, the film adaptation “Wild,” starring Reese Witherspoon, will hit theaters this fall.

Aiste Manfredini

drink // Adjusting to the spring semester with temperatures deep in the negatives is not exactly the joyous time we sang about just a few months ago. Keeping warm and comfortable is the goal. The Indianapolis City Market brings numerous local vendors, but U-Relish Farms has a different approach to food and drinks. Owner Cara Dafforn sells a protein packed nettle tea that gives many nutritional benefits and of course, an amazing taste. While vegan friendly, it contains nettle, mint, chamomile, iron and no preservatives. Many of these ingredients contain anti-inflammatory and anti-histamine properties while also being caffeine-free. Ingredients such as these are perfect for easing an upset stomach or headaches. This seasonal beverage is available in tea bags and is grown from a permaculture patch as a part of an urban food forest.

Victoria Davis

\\ eat eat //

A full day of classes is draining on the soul. As you count down the minutes until freedom, your mind may wonder about what’s for dinner. Spaghetti? Tacos? ...Fugedaboudit! But seriously, the Fugedaboudit (forget about it) Burger at Amazing Joe’s Grill is a remedy for those long days. That’s if you can finish it. Towering over a halffoot tall, this burger will make your mouth stretch to fit all its toppings. Made from 100 percent fresh Angus beef, this patty is married with onion rings, Cheddar cheese, barbecue sauce, a fried egg, Jack cheese, steak-cut fries, mozzarella sticks AND, what burger would be complete without: bacon.

The Fugedaboudit burger may sound and look intimidating, but don’t let that stop you from tasting its multiple layers of heaven. Take the self-challenge and see how much you can finish before a food coma hits you.

Lauren Hughes

listen // On Jan. 21, Young the Giant, an alternative, indie rock group, released their latest album, “Mind Over Matter.”

The 4-year-old band, which formed in California, uses a mix of synthesized beats to create a sound that is uniquely them. Their versatility ranges from mellow background music to strong, powerful vocals with beats equally as moving. Mind Over Matter is the band’s second album, and it delivers. This group is gaining in popularity, so don’t be the last to know them. Young the Giant will be performing at the Egyptian Room in Indianapolis on March 10. Make sure to get tickets before they sell out!

LeeAnn Wood

15

insights

NOT for the world to see Muslim women embrace their cultural identity through fashion story // Victoria davis PHOTOS // emma rogers

B

riskly walking into the local Panera Bread to pick up lunch, graduate student Soha Fallata strides to the counter as her long, black abaya drapes the floor. As she is patiently waiting in line, a group of students begin curiously staring at her.

“That made me feel uncomfortable, but not to the point as to where I am afraid,” says Fallata. “It bothers me more when people stare but lack to ask questions.”

Muslim women are instructed to wear specific clothing based upon their religious values.

“Modesty includes several things for women, such as the way they dress, the way they interact with other people and overall behavior,” says Fallata, a native of Saudi Arabia. “For example, you don’t laugh at certain things or the way you walk must also be considered.”

Haya’, or modesty, is the standard of dress within the Islamic community. And women have strict guidelines on what can be revealed to non-family members. Freshman business major Mahnoor Ayesha, who has lived in America for the past 11 years, says modesty has always been incorporated in her fashion.

16 // BALL BEARINGS

“It’s more than just cloth. People might think it’s just the hijab, but it’s not. It’s about humbling your beauty because it isn’t for the world to see,” says Ayesha. “I want people to judge me by what I say and do, not how I look. It encompasses my personality… My thoughts are more important than my appearance.”

With the exception of the hands and face, all areas of the woman must be covered at all times in order to respect the rule of modesty. A woman’s awra vary from country to country.

By covering herself, she may make her body cease to be visible, but shows a sign of respect to men outside of her family.

Originally from Pakistan, but growing up in Lafayette, Ind., Ayesha always seemed to fit in, despite dressing differently than her peers.

“Of course I felt different (than others), but in a very positive way. I felt like I had a greater grasp of my identity at a time where everyone was still figuring out who they were,” says Ayesha. “My hijab was just a part of me and everyone knew it. My peers always treated me the same as everyone else, sometimes giving me more respect than they gave to others.”

I WANT PEOPLE TO JUDGE ME BY WHAT I SAY AND DO, NOT HOW I LOOK. MY THOUGHTS ARE MORE IMPORTANT THAN MY APPEARANCE. -SOHA FALLATA Having what may seem to be a modest wardrobe may not be ideal for everyone. But when it’s tied to something you strongly believe in, it’s not much of a chore.

“Wearing clothing that fit my religious background has always made me really proud. I’ve always been the kid that likes to stand out and be a little different from the crowd, and the hijab helps me do so,” says Ayesha.

A set of rules doesn’t necessarily mean restriction. Women of the Muslim culture have a variety of clothing to choose from, including Westernized styles.

“Back in Saudi Arabia I would wear something similar to what I am now except my abaya would cover me,” says Fallata, as she shows off her tall black boots, jeans and crochet grey and white sweater. “There aren’t many differences.”

As for more traditional clothing, Fallata says it could be a combination of abayas, skirts, tunics, maxi dresses, jilbabs and colorful hijabs.

“There are different styles of wearing the hijab. I wear more of the Arabic style because it’s more convenient for me. We keep them together with pins,” says Ayesha.

Thinner fabrics are worn during the warmer months, and thicker fabrics in the winter.

“My traditional clothing comes from Pakistan and is usually shipped by my grandparents. Some family members bring clothing with them while other people I know design their own clothing,” says Ayesha.

Ayesha shops at many of the traditional places most college girls do.

“I like TJ Maxx, H&M and JcPenny. I usually buy cardigans, jeans or any other clothing that’s interesting. I’m really into cobalt blue now.

I look for clothing that has shape to the outfit but not form fitting,” says Ayesha. “I look at new colors when they come in season. I stick with things that are more comfortable for me but still mixing it up.”

When Ayesha’s at home, she lounges in T-shirts, yoga pants or sweat pants.

muslim fashion dictionary Abayas: a cloak worn over other clothing while in a public place. Could be embroidery, rhinestones and beads can be attached Awra: area of women’s body that must be covered Brocade: decorative woven fabric Burqa: covers the body completely with the eyes usually visible Hijab: covers the head and chest area.

Means “to cover” in Arabic Jilbabs: long gown Niqab: a face veil worn by women, which may or may not leave the eyes uncovered

17

insights

wait... what happened? With

Anthony Capparelli STORY // victoria davis

Anthony Capparelli, a freshman telecommunications major, left his home in Palos Heights, Ill., with his best friend from high school to pick up a gift card from Capri Ristorante Italiano. As he attempted to pull into the lot just across the street, Capparelli’s foot slipped onto the gas pedal and the 2004 Town and Country minivan rammed into a newly renovated building, shattering glass everywhere.

What words would you use to describe yourself as a driver?

Entertaining and thrilling because I’ll get you there safe, but it’s a fun car ride.

What were your thoughts once your car crashed?

Oh my god, I need to get out of here. But then I backed out of the store and panicked for the next 10 minutes.

What was the end result?

The store front’s glass came up to the top of my windshield which damaged my hood, lights and bumper. At the scene, they took my license and wrote me a ticket. When I tried to go to court before my assigned date they wouldn’t allow it. My dad went and they threw out the ticket that was for driving without insurance, because I was covered and they gave my license back.

18 // BALL BEARINGS

What was your family’s reaction?

My mother was extremely upset but my dad did not overreact.

Despite the accident, my family sent me out to the grocery store to pick up dinner a few hours later.

What happened to the store front?

Currently we are still working things out with the insurance company but most likely we… well, my family is going to have to pay for it.

Did you or anyone else suffer any physical injuries?

No, but my mom completely chewed me out once I got home.

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insights

bro talk

sometimes we’re just

half-wits

joseph ruley Major: Magazine Journalism YEAR: Senior FUN FACT: I know all the lyrics to “Good Vibrations”

by Marky Mark and the Funky Bunch.

Judge me, I don’t care.

Follow joseph @joetruley

illustration // SARAH ELLIS & KATIE MILLER

20 // BALL BEARINGS

Guys, we’ve all had those moments in our lives.

Picture this: We’re talking to a pretty girl, but there’s a problem. Our brain’s only giving us the mental capacity of a cell-and-a-half. Don’t worry. It happens to the best of us.

My night at Dill Street takes the cake when it comes to talking to girls.

It’s a typical Friday night. I’m chilling at Dill with my Jameson ‘n’ Coke. And I’m feeling pretty good because I actually took a shower and put some thought into an outfit. I’m looking like a boss.

After checking out the scene, I find her. She’s gorgeous. Or at least the booze is telling me she’s a perfect 10, even though reality *shallow comment alert* says she’s a six on a good day.

I find myself effortlessly moving toward her and introducing myself with so much swagger that the Most Interesting Man in the World could give a nod of respect.

Introductions are out of the way. I just have to keep her interested long enough to prove that I’m not a creeper and that I will treat her like the respectable lady she is.

Now how do I keep her interested? I could tell her about what I did earlier in the day. Maybe my Grand Theft Auto adventure of running over five ladies of the night with the cop car I stole minutes prior… typical GTA activities. No, the last thing I need to do is bro out and talk about video games.

Maybe I could talk to her about my extensive knowledge of cars and how my scientific research of converting solid rubber to its gaseous state is acceptable on any street (translation: doing burnouts, if science isn’t your thing). No, that’ll for sure put her to sleep. Maybe I could talk to her about the weather or maybe I could…ah crap.

AWKWARD SILENCE Looking around acting as if this whole situation isn’t awkward whatsoever, I quickly throw back a fairly large swig and then mumble some random jumble of nonsense and blame the music for being so loud. This is all just a cover up. Really I’m frantically searching for a non-boring topic with more ferocity and vigor than Richard Sherman’s post-game interview for Seattle’s win over San Francisco.

Then it dawns on me. It takes two to tango so why not see if she’s got anything to say. Yeah. This will give me some time to bull-crap a topic that sounds creative and original even though she’s probably questioning how I was even accepted to Ball State.

Out comes the question of “So tell me what I should know about you.”

And then it begins. The superficial talk that leads to false hopes and foreveraloneville. The dreadful, unforgiving slap of shame and embarrassment is lurking in the shadows waiting for the perfect moment to mollywhop any ounce of manhood out of my soul.

I’ve run out of options. I have to accept defeat. Now begins the long, slow, painful walk of shame back to my stool at the bar. I beg for a quadruple shot of get-me-annihilated-enough-to-forget-this-momentever-happened and upon receiving my drink, I look down at it and come to a realization. At least a halfwit doesn’t have to be interesting for you, my friend.

That’s when I accept that the only thing I’ll be making love to tonight is my trusty whiskey ‘n’ coke.

To avoid painfully embarrassing situations like my night at Dill, read about anything and everything.

Seriously, read.

Read about topics ranging from fashion, architecture, drink making, and new discoveries.

Even read about the difference between leggings and yoga pants (after living with women, trust me, there’s somehow a difference).

Whatever you choose, always read about stuff.

Knowledge is everything and reading prevents dudes from becoming simpletons. Fact.

?

from behind the lens

a photographer’s perspective on

cellphone cameras

LAUREN DAHLHAUSER Major: photojournalism YEAR: junior FUN FACT: I can hula hoop and play the ukulele simultaneously.

Follow LAUREN @laurenphotog211

illustration // SARAH ELLIS

You don’t have to be a photographer to realize how much cameras have improved in recent years. Phone cameras, specifically, are getting better every day. Today’s technologies are more advanced than ever. I’d say “bigger and better,” but realistically, “smaller and better” is the more appropriate phrase.

Think about it. The first computers invented in the 1950s were massive. Apple’s Macintosh, the first successful mouse-driven computer with a graphic user interface, was launched in 1984.

Compare that massive piece of machinery to the delicate MacBook Air with its retina display and multi-touch trackpad.

Better yet, hand a tiny iPhone to Alexander Graham Bell and tell him no need for buttons or wires, he could just touch the screen to make a phone call. Additionally, he could take a picture, record a video, play a game, check his email, and figure out exactly where he is in the world on the same device. Explaining email to him would be a whole other conversation, but I imagine his reaction would be priceless.

The size of technology-driven devices is dramatically decreasing. They’re morphing into one, too.

Buying separate devices that perform specific tasks is not necessary in today’s world. If you’re still operating this way, you aren’t fully taking advantage of the versatility of new technologies.

It’s mind-blowing to consider how many gadgets can be combined into one small, hand-held smartphone. The convenience and functionality of the iPhones many people carry around every day are taken for granted. Maybe this is due to the vast expanse of technological advancements.

There’s no questioning, however, that the iPhones we use today would blow people away in Bell’s time.

The prices on the newest technologies are a bit intimidating, but think about how many devices are combined into one versatile and easily portable device. You’re saving a tremendous amount of money when you consider the price of one phone over the combined price of a GPS, wristwatch, camera, and more.

As a photo editor and photographer, I have my own opinions on the use of phone cameras.

Cellphone cameras will never compare with the quality and artistic versatility of DSLRs.

I prefer the images I take with my DSLR to my cellphone pictures. I must admit, however, there is a growing temptation to leave my bulky DSLR at home when simply slipping my iPhone 5 into my pocket is an option.

It’s almost not right that it produces such high quality images for a device its size. I’m sure I’m not the only photographer who thinks so.

I don’t think DSLRs will ever die out due to the high quality images and video they are capable of producing. But, I think it’s safe to say that there is more competition in the photography world when the average Joe is able to take fairly high quality images with his cellphone, without having to spend an arm and a leg on a pricey digital camera body and lenses.

So, regarding cellphone cameras, is “smaller and better” really better? From a photographer’s standpoint, smaller is convenience and better is never good enough.

21

(un)married Rights of LGBT community unrecognized regardless of HJR-3

J

story // Drake D’ambra PHOTOS // Nicholas Ewing illustrations // Katy jamison

im Rohrer, an assistant professor of psychological science at Ball State, met his lifelong partner on May 20, 1985 at a bar in Louisville, Ky. In May of 2005, after 20 years of a committed relationship, the couple took a trip to Massachusetts to celebrate. While on the trip, the couple spontaneously decided to wed.

“We had considered ourselves married for 20 years before that, so it wasn’t like it was a new decision for us,” Rohrer said.

Rohrer and his husband Richard Humphrey, a reference librarian at Indiana University School of Law, waited to get married because they had no other choice. The two reside in Indiana, a state where same-sex marriage is illegal and unrecognized.

“We went there for our anniversary and had no intention of getting married. We found out after we got there that we could do it,” Humphrey said. “We planned and executed our marriage in exactly 6 hours.”

Rohrer and Humphrey, who are practicing Roman Catholics, met the first out-of-state, homosexual couple to get married in Massachusetts while staying at the same

bed and breakfast. The couple, from Alabama, explained to Rohrer and Humphrey the process to get wed out-ofstate. Rohrer and Humphrey decided to take advantage of the situation to add validity to their relationship.

“At the end of the day, as much as you want to make it official, it’s still pretend,” Rohrer said. “There’s just no way around it not feeling that way, even if you’re really serious about it.”

After meeting with proper legal officials and filling out the necessary paperwork, Rohrer and Humphrey found themselves in Provincetown, Mass., a town located at the tip of Cape Cod, in a lady’s front yard who they had never met. Dressed in pants and nice shirts, “but nothing special,” Rohrer and Humphrey were joined by the Alabama couple as their witnesses and the homeowner.

The wedding ceremony Rohrer never thought he would experience finally happened.

“I started crying. Richard started crying. Everyone started crying,” Rohrer said. “It was very emotional and such an extremely sweet ceremony. It was never about anyone or the show. It was truly about us.”

23

FEATURES

Their home

is full of color and life, much like their marriage that has lasted all these years.

The wedding ceremony, even without family and friends there to witness it, took their relationship to a new level.

“We thought it would be a legal thing for us, but it turned out that it really was emotionally important for us, and I think our relationship has really changed and deepened since then,” Rohrer said. “It means forever in a different kind of way. There’s something about that kind of ceremony and legal thing and commitment that fortifies and documents that commitment in a different kind of way.”

While the newlyweds enjoyed their new commitment to each other, the reality is that their rights as a married couple would be short lived. Before the couple married, they met with a judge who, after granting them permission to wed in Massachusetts, explained that their marriage wouldn’t be legal when they return to Indiana and that they should consider staying in Massachusetts.

“It was very cute, but we’re very stable in our lives and we’re very stable in our jobs,” Rohrer said. “We have our family and house here.”

While the couple remains committed to living in Indiana through employment, the chances of them retiring in Indiana don’t appear as optimistic. The main reason is because of Indiana’s efforts to create a state constitutional ban against same-sex marriage through House Judiciary Resolution 3.

“I’m not going to retire some place that feels bigoted,” Rohrer said.

“While we’re very stable here, once we retire, we’re going to live some place that we feel totally OK. Maybe by then Indiana will recognize [same-sex marriage], but if not, we’re not going to be in Indiana.”

HJR-3, authored by Rep. Eric Turner (R-Cicero), states: “Only a marriage between one (1) man and one (1) woman shall be valid or recognized as a marriage in Indiana. A legal status identical or substantially similar to that of marriage for unmarried individuals shall not be valid or recognized.”

Same-sex marriage is already against the law in Indiana, but proponents

24 // BALL BEARINGS

“want to enshrine the state law that defines marriage as between one man and one woman in the constitution, so that there would be no fear of future legislatures over turning it by a simple statute,” said Ed Feigenbaum, an attorney and Statehouse reporter who runs INGroup.

Once added, the only way to repeal a constitutional amendment is to override it with another amendment. The process takes years to accomplish, as the proposed amendment must pass through two consecutive, separately elected General Assemblies with identical language and a state referendum.

The addition of HJR-3 to the constitution wouldn’t hinder the rights of same-sex couples in Indiana, as they don’t have any state rights or protections. However, its addition immortalizes the current state statute in the constitution, which is horrible for the state, according to Mark King, a civil rights and family law attorney.

“Prohibition, on a federal level, is the only time an amendment took away rights of the people, and we saw that didn’t turn out well,” he said. “[HJR-3] would be the first time an amendment takes away the rights of a certain group of people.”

Curt Smith, president of Indiana Family Institute, a non-profit organization that supports the traditional form of marriage, said he disagrees with that characterization.

“Everyone has the same opportunity to get married,” he said. “We don’t believe two same-sex people is a marriage. Marriage is one man and one woman, always has been. We think those other adult relationships should not be licensed by the state.”

Regardless of HJR-3’s outcome, the state won’t recognize same-sex married couples like Rohrer and Humphrey.

In 1998, three months after moving to Indiana, Humphrey suffered a major heart attack on a snowy, winter night. The couple didn’t know any of their neighbors, but IU Hospital contacted Rohrer and informed

him of the situation: Humphrey was undergoing surgery and in critical condition.

Rohrer needed to find paperwork that verifies he is Humphrey’s medical power of attorney, but he couldn’t. Fortunately for the couple, Humphrey was conscious before the surgery and informed the hospital that Rohrer is to make any decisions should something arise.

“IU Hospital dealt with us absolutely perfectly, like any other married couple,” Rohrer said. “Had he not been conscious, I don’t know what would have happened to us. We’ve been very fortunate.”

Without the paperwork or proper notice from the patient, same-sex married couples in Indiana are viewed as unmarried partners and not considered next of kin. In the case of medical emergencies, that prevents the partner from hospital visitation and decision-making.

In the case that death rears its ugly face upon a partner of an unmarried couple, the succeeding partner isn’t granted bereavement leave from work, allowed to file wrongful death claims, draw Social Security of the deceased partner or automatically inherit shared home, assets or personal items in the absence of a will.

Smith said Indiana doesn’t need to redefine marriage to take care of those issues.

“With a good attorney, you can create just about anything you need – healthcare, inheritance – you can take care of those things,” he said. “Obviously when you’re married it’s automatic, but a lot of married couples will go through great pains because they don’t want their spouse to make their health decisions.”

One of the main topics of this debate is how children are affected.

“I understand [same-sex couples] love each other, but marriage is not about love,” Smith said. “That’s part of it, we hope there’s romance, passion and joy, but marriage is about a man and a woman coming together and being the parents of any children their union may produce.”

Sometimes parents are unable to raise their children for a variety of reasons. Indiana created a statute in 2008 referred to as CHINS, child in need of services, that aids children younger than 18 years old who are being abused and/or neglected by their parents. Lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender youth are often in need of this service, according to King.

The goal is to remove these children from their parents’ custody and into a better home through adoption or foster care. If a same-sex couple adopted a CHINS or any child, the child would automatically lose rights that he/she would have if a heterosexual couple adopted.

Rohrer adopted one child, Aaron, with his ex-wife. When Rohrer and Humphrey began their relationship, Aaron chose to live with them instead of his biological mother. If anything had happened to Rohrer while Aaron was growing up, Aaron would have returned to his mother because same-sex couples in Indiana don’t have the right to joint adoption, parenting or foster care.

The children of same-sex couples, like Aaron, also don’t have the right to automatic child support, a legal relationship to both parents, social security and inheritance without a will. Some children, depending on the employer, are unable to be covered by their parents’ health insurance plans and aren’t allowed visitation for non-biological parents.

“As a grandparent and great grandparent, I’m concerned about legislation that we put in to place that affects [children’s] lives,” Humphrey said. “I hope the legislature has the same thought. You don’t know which of your grandchildren, great grandchildren are going to be gay, transgender, bisexual or whatever, so why would you want to put something in the constitution that’s going to make their life more difficult? Would you really want that for your heirs?”

colleges against HJR-3 several colleges from around the state have stated their stance regarding HJR-3. the following are schools who are against the new proposal.

9 4

3

5 7

2 8

1

6 1 Indiana University 2 Deapauw university 3 wabash college 4 ball state unversity 5 6 7 8

butler university university of evansville university of indianapolis Indiana state university

9 purdue university* *Purdue’s student senate voted against HJR-3, but the university refuses to take an official stance

25

FEATURES

opposite o MURPHY’ LAW

On a weekend climbing trip this past f

24 // BALL BEARINGS

of ’S W

I

Right Hand On Ledge t was the last climb of the day. Climbers were ascending with their shirts off because of the warm, October weather. Skies were gray, but rain had not yet fallen.

Senior psychology major Dan Carpenter says he doesn’t remember the fall. He remembers falling off the rock, then being on his back -- but nothing in-between. And he is thankful for that.

Left foot on stoop Carpenter and his three friends, Steve Mahon, junior industry and technology major, Sam McClellan, senior physics education major, and Bryan Ball, freshman English and personal training major, decided to take a weekend climbing trip to Red River Gorge in Stanton, Ky. Carpenter was the least experienced of the four. He had been climbing since his sophomore year of college, which was the same time he began struggling with depression.

That weekend was his first outdoor climb. It also would be his first time being the lead climber in charge of attaching clips to bolts for protection up the rock. And it would be his first time cleaning routes – the process of rappelling up the wall and taking equipment off as the climber repels down.

“I had read a lot of books on training and watched a lot of videos and talked to a lot of people and they were always talking about this mental game. And those first couple of leads, I realized how much of a mental game it was. Just not being afraid, staying calm and breathing easy.

Just keeping a cool head,” Carpenter says.

He had been cleaning and leading perfectly throughout the weekend, according to McClellan. So, on the friend’s last climb of the day, they decided the weather was good enough to do a half-day of climbing at Muir Valley. He decided to both lead and clean Rat Stew, a route that both Ball and McClellan had climbed before.

fall, a Ball State senior fell 60-feet.

STORY by Hayli Goode // PHOTOS by Lauren DAhlhauser & Steve Mahon 27

FEATURES

I JUST FELT THIS JOLT…KIND OF THIS FEELING IN YOUR STOMACH WHERE YOU KNOW YOU’RE FREE-FALLING... AND AT THAT POINT, I INSTANTLY KNEW I WAS PROBABLY GOING TO DIE. -Dan CARPENTER

dan carpenter

and friends traveled to Red River Gorge in Stanton, Ky. for his first outdoor climbing experience.

28 // BALL BEARINGS

Climbing in his favorite pair of tan pants hoisted by his favorite belt and ropes in place, he began his climb, taking the lead equipment off the rock.

“It was a good strong climb all the way up,” McClellan says.

“He get’s up to the top and he sets in his two auxiliary anchors, undoes the rope and starts to lower the rope down. And that’s where he went wrong.”

Instead of the standard procedure, he only lowered his end of the rope a few feet. The rope has to be lowered completely to the ground.

He thought he had done everything correctly. Before this climb, he had been yelling each step down to his bilayer to make sure he was doing everything correctly. He was not on this climb.

“We were so confident in him because he was cleaning and climbing perfectly, so we had confidence in him that we (didn’t have to) do that. But we got arrogant,” Ball says.

Giving him a false sense of security, Carpenter descended about 10 feet. Then a wave of terror came over his body and he felt his stomach sink.

“I just felt this jolt…kind of this feeling in your stomach where you know you’re free-falling. At that point, I knew how high up I was. And at that point, I instantly knew I was probably going to die,” he says.

His friends didn’t see him start falling because there was canopy in their line of vision. At the bottom of the rock, they were focused on packing up equipment. Ball says he was talking to McClellan when all of a sudden, they just heard their friend screaming and saw him land on a rocky mound, flat on his back.

“I’m standing there and my first thought was, I just watched somebody die,” Ball says. “He was just laying there, his mouth was open and his eyes were open, but there was no immediate response. There was just kind of this ominous silence. It hung there for what felt like five minutes, but it was probably just five seconds” Carpenter fell 60 feet, bounced off of a raised mound of rocks, then landed about 5 feet over with the ropes around him.

“We just stood there. And then, all of a sudden, this animal noise just starts coming from Dan’s lungs. It was just this deep groan. And it was one of the happiest noises I’ve ever heard because it meant that he was alive,” Ball says.

Second foot up With a background in Boy Scouts and a four-year history with climbing, Mahone immediately went into action mode.

“Freaking out is the last thing to do,” Mahone says. “I was just like okay, what do I have to do to keep my friend safe?”

Dan recently gave climbing a second chance. Check out our online site ballbearingsmag.com to watch him climb for the first time since his accident!

McClellan yelled to call 911 and Mahone put both hands on Carpenter’s head to stabilize the neck and prevent him from moving it.

They started talking to him and he was conscious the entire time. He was able to answer their questions and tell them if he could feel certain parts of his body.

About five minutes away, there was a smaller incident causing EMT’s to already be at the valley.

Within 3-5 minutes, EMTs were on the scene.

“At Muir Valley there is a system of radios for emergencies. I was there teaching an American Mountain Guides SPI Course when a call came over the radio,” Karsten Delap, one of the EMT’s who helped Carpenter, says. “We responded to this call. As we were walking out the first patient, the radio went off again. The person on the radio seemed very concerned. We left one person with the patient and we headed to Dan’s incident.”

But they weren’t the only ones to help. Climbers nearby who heard the fall dropped their gear, and came to help out. People who did not know any of the friends began offering their shirts or jackets to support the rope burn on Carpenter’s chest.

Every one around him also helped put him onto a makeshift stretcher and cleared a path of rocks and sticks to the ambulance.

McClellan went with him into the ambulance, just to be sure of where they were going. And since there wasn’t a lot of driving paths at the valley, they had to fly him out. Ball and Mahone gathered all the gear and followed behind.

Because of storms rolling in, he had to fly to West Virginia instead of Lexington, which was a 40-minute helicopter ride. And the ambulance had a 12-minute window before the helicopter had orders to leave. If they didn’t make it, he would not

be on a helicopter headed toward a hospital.

According to McClellan, the ambulance was going as quickly, but still as safely, as they could. They reached the top of a service road and the owner of the property John Weber, told them they had gone the wrong way – there was an easier and smoother way out of the valley, but it was already too late.

“With some bumps and whatnot, we were finally able to get out. I was afraid we were going to get stuck,” McClellan says. And Carpenter would not have made it to the helicopter in time.

The ambulance reached the helicopter with less than one minute to spare. While he traveled via air to West Virginia, it was about a two-hour drive for his friends and a seven-hour drive for his parents, who were coming from St. Louis. Both car rides were described as quiet and tense.

CLIMB When he got to the hospital, he was placed on the sixth floor – the same amount of feet he fell.

“It was really interesting to walk to the window and just kind of look at the ground and just realize how miraculous it was that I was alive. I was just staring 60 feet down and just like there is no way,” he says.

He had broken five ribs on his left side, his right heel was fractured and his left lung collapsed. No concussion. No spinal fractures.

He spent five days in the hospital doing breathing treatments for his lung and walking exercises for his heel. In those five days, his lung healed naturally and he was given a cane to walk with.

“There were just a lot of things that lined up just to make it clear that he was supposed to fall that day and that God was watching him. It was crazy, but it was really cool too,” McClellan says.

Beside the EMTs already being on scene and the lack of serious head damage even though he wasn’t wearing a helmet, the group later found out that the mound he fell on was not there a year ago.

The mound he bounced off used to be a ridge. The summer before, the camp called in volunteers to remove the ridge and the mound was just leftover.

If the ridge would have still been there, he would not have had that soft of a landing.

“Looking back, it’s amazing to look at, because it just kind of felt like the opposite of Murphy’s Law because everything that could have gone right, went right.” Dan says.

But he learned more than one lesson.

“Life has just gotten more precious to me. Being able to wake up in my own bed. Being able to walk and move and talk just became huge blessings to me and just started recognizing how I’m not entitled to those things, but how blessed I am. So life has just been a little more precious to me,” he says.

After his accident, a friend sent him an email hoping, in no offense, that the accident would have been used to bring him out of the depression. And he says that’s exactly what happened.

“It was undeniable. I am living a miracle right now. I should not be alive. And I cannot think of anything else but mercy and grace,” he says. “In a lot of ways, my life feels new because everything is so fresh and I feel like I’m actually understanding these things instead of just talking about them.”

But he admits change has been really slow. And it hasn’t resulted in a super radical change. He has had to commit to live his life with purpose, because he feels he’s been given a second chance. It’s changed his way of thinking, how he’s approached life, who he wants to be as a man and what impact he wants to make as he keeps growing.

29

taking soldiers benefits away CUTS DEEP Story // Lauren Hughes Photos // Maggie Kenworthy

Indiana Army National Guard and ROTC Student Soldiers Seek Funding Alternatives

F

From responding to emergency situations in our cities to fighting overseas, soldiers still make time to further their college education. And the Army National Guard helps by allowing soldiers to earn their degree while in the service.

The Indiana Army National Guard offers soldiers up to 100 percent of their tuition being paid by enlisting in the National Guard, and attending one of the nine state colleges. This is one of many benefits the Army has to offer. But, over the past year, there has been an issue with soldiers not receiving coverage.

Due to the substantial increase in number of soldiers attending state universities and applying for the National Guard Supplemental Grant, they ran out of money to be distributed as of December 2013. Because of this change, many student soldiers wonder how they will pay for college without the grant assisting them.

Maj. Jeffrey Coomler, Education Services Officer of the Indiana National Guard, explains that the Indiana General Assembly appropriated roughly $3.5 million in funds for the 2013-2014 academic

30 // BALL BEARINGS

year. Of that, they used $2.6 million in the fall, which caused the Education and Incentives office to prioritize the use of what was left.

Coomler believes the biggest reason for the increase in applications for the grant is the fact that “fewer soldiers are deployed in support of the War on Terror than at any other time in the last twelve years.”

But, Coomler explains that they still try and find ways to help pay for their school without going too far into debt.

“National Guard soldiers have a second funding stream to pay for college called Federal Tuition Assistance,” says Coomler.

Anyone who was eligible to receive the Federal Tuition Assistance was pushed away from the NSGS. They are required to use their FTA. Soldiers were notified about this option by an email. It stated that there wouldn’t be enough money for them in the spring, but listed the process they would need to complete for the Indiana National Guard to still pay for their school.

Former Ball State University student Alex Thomas is a soldier in the Indiana Army National

Students can be

caught paying great attention or taking notes during their military science classes. These classes give the soldiers the knowledge they need to operate in the field.

Guard. He says that when he joined the guard, they said he would receive some benefits such as paying for his college education.

When he returned from basic training in Georgia, he tried to figure out what he needed to do to get signed up for classes again at Ball State. They advised him to go to the Go Army website to find the paperwork that needed to be completed to receive tuition coverage.

When the government shutdown happened, it became even more difficult for him to get the needed funds.

“I ended up having to pay for this past semester at Ball State with student loans again,” Thomas says.

He later found out about the NGSG and applied for the upcoming spring semester. Unfortunately, Thomas didn’t meet the FASFA deadline, so he could not receive the grant either. He now is at Ivy Tech Community College due to the National Guard Supplemental Grant being taken away because he did not have the full funding to pay for Ball State tuition.

“Thankfully I still have the $2,500 from the Federal Tuition Assistance program that will cover all of my tuition and a little bit more at Ivy Tech. So I can still pursue my education,” Thomas says.

Despite Thomas’ issues with the NGSG, he was still able to transfer to a school that was affordable enough for the FTA to cover his schooling.

For the spring 2014 semester, they are using a combination of the NGSG and FTA to pay as much as possible toward every soldiers’ tuition and fees. Soldiers attending Ball State received up to $4,500 for the spring semester, and they currently are working to pay as much of the difference as they can by using the remaining NGSG fund balance.

They are seeking a permanent, solid funding solution. The Indiana National Guard has asked the State Legislature to look into increasing the appropriation for the grant for future years to come.

tackling an

uncomfortable topic Ball State employee starts Prostate cancer support group in Muncie

T

story // Kaitlin Lange photos // Rachel Brammer

hroughout October, it’s difficult to go to a sporting event, let alone general public areas without spotting pink ribbons. Even at NFL games, pink is everywhere, from the players’ gloves to the cheerleaders’ pompoms. During Breast Cancer Awareness Month, countless organizations team up with Susan G. Komen for the Cure in an attempt to raise awareness and money for the fight against breast cancer.

Bill Bryant, the production manager at Ball State University’s Teleplex, which houses multimedia equipment, chooses to instead focus on the month prior, September, Prostate Cancer Awareness Month.

To help create awareness, Bryant decided Muncie needed a support group to encourage men to talk with one another about cancer. Bryant was diagnosed with prostate cancer on April 13, 2013, around his 50th birthday. He was in Las Vegas for a conference when he heard the news.

“Ultimately the first thing you think of is ‘how long am I going to live?’” Bryant says.

“Then you start to worry about your family.”

33

ENRICH

PROSTATE CANCER

BY THE NUMBERS

1 in 6 African Americans are

60%

more likely to get prostate cancer than caucasians

Bill Bryant was diagnosed in April 2013 around his 50th birthday. He is going through monthly treatments to lower his testosterone.

34 // BALL BEARINGS

men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer in his lifetime

An estimated

2 million American men have prostate cancer

Bryant confided in his friend Tom Jarvis, who also had prostate cancer, when he was first diagnosed. With no support groups locally, Bryant and Jarvis decided to create their own. He invited Al Rent, who works at Ball State, John Barnard, who he knew through work, and Gary Boyd and Marvin Addison, who went to his church, to be a part of their initiative.

The group met for the first time at 7 p.m. Feb. 3, and will continue meeting on the first Monday of every month at Muncie Central High School. The first meeting, which was originally scheduled in January, was delayed because of bad weather.

Bryant said although there may have been support groups in the past, none have been local. This helped encourage him to start the group.

Bryant did research prior to starting up the group to figure out the best way to run the meetings. He called support group leaders from Indiana and Illinois, in addition to gathering information online.

The men plan on inviting guest speakers like physicians, cancer specialists and counselors to their meetings, in addition to discussing cancer and its affects.

For Bryant, starting the support group helped him cope with some of the mental struggles that came along with the physical pain.

“You still wake up everyday with cancer,” Bryant says. “You still go to bed everyday with cancer. You can live your life in a real negative fashion knowing that ‘’OK I’m going to be defeated.’ Or you can rise up and say ‘you know what, this doesn’t define who I am. I’m going to do everything I can to fight it, not only for myself but for my family.’”

According to the American Cancer Society, one in six men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer in his life.

Just fewer than 30,000 men die per year from prostate cancer making it the second most deadly cancer in men.

Still it receives little emphasis in the media.

“We spend so much time and money and marketing and effort on breast cancer and I take nothing away from that,” Bryant says. “God bless the Komen foundation for being such strong advocates. Women, now it’s time to pay it forward and help your men.”

Not only did Bryant start the support group, but he also tried to contact local restaurants, senators and national companies to increase awareness for prostate cancer. While he received a generic response from the senators and none from the national companies, a local restaurant owner did respond saying he would try to be more conscious about prostate cancer awareness month.

Bryant hopes he will put out ribbons or posters.

Bryant says the lack of awareness and support groups already in place for prostate cancer, despite its high prevalence, is due largely because of men’s reluctance to open up and talk.

“Women are more open about their feelings - about their emotions,” Bryant says. “Men don’t open up. We’re

sessions. He was originally told he would have 6 years to live. Twelve years later, his cancer remains present but under control.

“I think it’s a really good thing that we are doing this now because there are other people that really could use some help emotionally. And learning from everybody’s individual trials and tribulations and success stories,” Rent said. “People really want to hear success stories.”

The group uses mainly word-of-mouth and social media to get the message out to others who have prostate cancer as well. They are also partnering with the Ball State chapter of the Public Relations Student Society of America (PRSSA) to come up with an outreach plan. The organization is helping create promotional materials to gain awareness and support from the Muncie community. The prostate cancer support group would like to create flyers and brochures to advertise in places like the Ball Memorial Hospital’s cancer center.

Bryant says they eventually may become a part of Us Too International, a prostate cancer education and support network. This will allow them to have more funds and resources to help promote the group and any activity they may do, like Pints for Prostates.

“I’ve been getting a PSA test every year for more than

YOU CAN LIVE YOUR LIFE IN A REAL NEGATIVE FASHION KNOWING THAT “OK I’M GOING TO BE DEFEATED.’ OR YOU CAN RISE UP AND SAY ‘YOU KNOW WHAT, THIS DOESN’T DEFINE WHO I AM. bill bryant a lot more personal with it because of some of the effects of (prostate) cancer.”

Bryant hopes that even if men don’t talk, their wives will. Spouses and girlfriends are invited to the meetings too in hopes of supporting the challenges they face as well. Bryant, who has been married for 27 years, says it is a disease that affects both parties in a relationship.

“We want to be here to help, and if nothing else, to give men and families a place to go so they know that other people understand,” Bryant says. “We get it. We always put ‘get it’ in quotes because who else better to speak with than someone who is walking the same journey?”

Rent, who was diagnosed in 2002 hopes he can help some of the younger, newly diagnosed men adapt to the change and remain hopeful during the support group

20 years,” says Dr. David Sumner, Ball State journalism professor. “So far, so good, but the annual test is essential for men our age.”

Bryant wants to emphasize to those men not diagnosed with prostate cancer the importance of getting tested at a young age. He recommends starting testing as young as age 40 to establish a Prostate-Specific Antigen (PSA) baseline, so doctors can know if PSA levels in a man’s prostate are rising.

“This cancer support group is not just for people who are diagnosed,” Bryant says. “It’s for anybody who wants to come out and get information in general, or people who just want to come out and show their support for the people in the group. That’s the one thing we have to make really clear to guys. Just come out and get educated.”

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ON february 18 Get it at the ipad app store and the android marketplace What’s on the iPad? Roller Derby Rachael Smith turned her desire for an aggressive women’s sport into the only renegade league in Indiana.

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waterART

Water photography is the art of freezing water in time to produce still shots of what can’t be seen easily with the human eye. Although the end results are fancy, the equipment doesn’t have to be. Many of these photos were shot into a pan as a punctured bag full of water dangled and dripped in front of the lens.

With a DSLR, an external flash, a tripod, and some patience, images such as these can be captured.

PHOTO // Lauren Dahlhauser

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I realize there’s something “incredibly honest about trees in winter. How they’re experts at letting things go.

-Jeffery McDaniels

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Illustration // katy jamison