Sitting in Emens
Auditorium surrounded by crazy college kids screaming for their
favorite groups, the light show and amazing performances really made Air
Jam a spectacular event to attend my sophomore year in the fall of
2011. I had so much fun cheering on groups with my friends and all the
performances were amazing! I remember leaving and thinking, I have to be a part
of this somehow next year.
Since I knew my dancing skills were not
up to par, I decided to see how else I could get involved. After searching
around I found out that Ball State has a Homecoming
Steering Committee made up of students from all sorts of majors who
plan all the events related to homecoming. I applied that spring and made the
committee as the Publicity Chairman. Although I was nervous about the position
and the responsibilities to come, I was so excited and honored to make the
committee!
Homecoming planning starts in February
and lasts until the second homecoming week is over. I thoroughly enjoyed my
first year on the committee as the publicity chair. I had a blast doing the job
and even though it was a lot of work. I don't think I've ever had a better real
world experience related to my major. I got to design the logo, all promotional
items, create the media guide, build relationships with local media and set up
interviews for other members of the committee with the media.
After having such a wonderful year on
the committee as a junior, I knew I was going to apply again as a senior. Back
in February, I found out that I was selected as the Air Jam Chair. I was
ecstatic to say the least. I really wanted this position when I applied and was
so happy to be the chair!
I can't tell you the amount of times I
day dream about the show on a weekly basis. It was surreal to be introduced as
a committee on stage in front of 3,000 audience members last year, and I can't
imagine what it's going to feel like to be the chair of the event that night.
When I tell people about my involvement
with the steering committee, a lot of people ask me why I like planning the
events instead of going to them. Yes, sometimes being on the committee is
stressful, involves a lot of my time, getting up early and staying up late on
top of everything else I am involved in at Ball State, but the reward and
experience is absolutely priceless. Through the committee, you meet so many
students across campus, alumni, faculty and staff that will provide great
connections in the future. You will make the greatest friends from the
committee, get real world work experience and some Ball
State Homecoming swag along the way. Watching all the hard work you
put into an event come to life and be a great success is the most wonderful
feeling. And there is nothing more that I look forward to during homecoming
week than that feeling.