OUR VIEW: Snowy weather offers opportunity to show quality

The worst part of winter has made a vicious return to Indiana this February.

With 9.5 inches of snow falling Friday, students got another taste of the crazy Midwest winter.

Whatever your feelings about how well the sidewalks were cleaned or the streets were plowed, this weather offers an opportunity for students to show the Muncie community the character of Ball State University. Muncie citizens might say Ball State students are lazy, disruptive or loud partiers, but there is another side to all of us.

We do actually care about our neighbors and fellow community members. There were numerous reports on Twitter, Facebook and by word of mouth of students helping their neighbors dig out of the 2- to 3-foot high drifts that had piled up due to gusting winds. Cars were dug out, driveways were plowed and Muncie got to see the positive side of our campus community.

It's a shame this kindred spirit can't bleed into aspects of everyday Muncie life — actually getting to know who lives around you can make a big difference. Helping a neighbor carry groceries or walking a dog when the owner is sick could do a lot to foster a better sense of togetherness.

Since there are another 6 inches predicted for Monday night, there is a chance once again to show that we do want to leave a positive impact while we're living in Muncie.

Parties and excessive noise aside, students do contribute while they are here. But, maybe, it would be an easier point to argue if it was a little more apparent.

So, once the fluffy stuff returns for the second time in a week, let's all show the character of Ball State.