“Welcome back, your dreams were your ticket out.”

Unfortunately, that ticket was round-trip, and your dreams eventually came to an end.

Yes, spring break is over. You’re back in DeKalb. Back to the wind, rain, snow, cold and classes. Welcome to the real world.

I trust everyone behaved themselves and won’t have to make any unexpected trips back to Florida or wherever to pay court fees or something.

Don’t worry, those who went away didn’t miss anything exciting in the midwest. We did have an impressive showing in the NCAA tournament. With the likes of Michigan, Indiana, Illinois and Ball State, it was almost worth staying up watching Dick Vitale.

Now wait, what’s a Ball State? Moreover, where is Ball State?

You know, Indiana has produced more than David Letterman and Hoosiers. They are also famous for the Ball Mason Jars. You know, the one’s mom used to preserve all of your favorite veggies to eat in the winter months.

You don’t? Well, here’s a little history lesson to impress your friends with.

Back around the turn of the century, the little town of Muncie, Ind., housed what was then known as Indiana State Normal School. The term “normal” was attatched to many schools at that time, including our very own Northern. That was quickly changed when we were found to be less than normal.

Anyhow, the Ball brothers settled in Muncie and bought the school. It was also in Muncie that they produced their famous Ball Mason Jars. The Indiana legislature decided to change the name of the school, in honor of the Ball brothers, to Ball State University. And thus a tradition was born.

Why all this attention to the school whose basketball team will end up with one the best records in college basketball regardless of who wins the title?

Well, mostly because that is were I spent my spring break. Yes, that’s right, I spent four glorious days and three luxurious nights in beautiful Muncie, Indiana.

What was in Muncie besides such dramatic weather changes that would be likely to create the midwest’s first hurricane? A winner.

Yeah, a winner. After Ball State’s opening round victory over Pitt, students took to the streets in celebration. And when the dust settled and the students were safely tucked away for the evening, the press took to it and declared the happenings a riot.

A few street lights were stolen, stop signs misplaced and a cozy bonfire consisting of furniture books and the like caused panic as to what would happen should they march on. The Muncie police were no doubt pulling for the Illini, and they got their wish.

So where is all of this leading to? I’ll try and pull it all together so as not to disturb those still putting on lotion to clear up their splotched skin.

There’s more to spring break than the south. Try some place original. Got any friends in another state? At another school? It isn’t a priority to be tan in March in the midwest. Actually, they’re kinda out of place. Tans also make terrible conversation starters. How do you ask a golden brown person what they did for spring break?

So I’m jealous. The furthest south I’ve ever been is St. Louis. I’ve made it a traditon to visit other schools for spring break. More culture, less people, same fun.

So, we must unite. All of those who, for one reason or another could not go anywhere for the break, you have a right to brag. Cut off those conversations about the sun and beaches. Heckle those who are a week behind in their work. Prod them to go out every night of the week since you are all caught up.

Remember, to each his own, we all have the right to have fun the old fashioned way—we earn it.