Ball State alumnus Summer Clayton poses for a photo on Nov. 7, 2021 in North Dakota. Clayton is a TikTok influencer. Summer Clayton, Photo provided
BALL STATE ALUM

Summer Clayton, the @yourprouddad creator, talks about becoming an influencer and building online connections.

In the year following his graduation from Ball State University in 2020, Summer Clayton discovered a need for online content from a father-figure. He began posting videos giving advice and teaching his viewers how to do tasks, like a father would. Whether he is answering a question left in his comments or sitting down to share a virtual meal with his followers, the videos he creates are appreciated by many. 



Books that are popularly known for being banned stacked on Sept.29 in Bracken Library. "Eleanor Park,” "Gender Queer: A Memoir" and “The Perks of Being a Wallflower,”are not pictured, as they were checked out or not owned by the library. Ella Howell, DN
BANNED BOOKS:

8 books to read that have been banned and challenged

With recent news of books being banned in public schools, academic libraries and public libraries, the majority of the books targeted for bans are stories by and/or about people of color and LGBTQ individuals. With these books leaving classrooms and shelves, here’s a list of banned books to read.



Meghan Holt, DN Illustration
MENTAL HEALTH

5 steps to helping someone in a mental health crisis

September is Suicide Prevention Awareness Month. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention(CDC), there were 49,449 deaths by suicide in 2022. In 2021, there were 1.7 million suicide attempts reported by the CDC. The National Action Alliance for Suicide Prevention (NAASP) and the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline suggest five steps to help support those considering suicide. 


Emotional Support Animal Finnegan looks into the camera while he sits on fourth-year media major Kat Webber's lap Sept.15 at the Anthony Apartments. Mya Cataline, DN
MENTAL HEALTH

Animals provide support to eligible students in campus housing

Returning to your dorm room/apartment with a companion there waiting can be very comforting. On days students are stressed and struggling with their mental health, being able to cuddle with a furry cat, get out to run with a playful dog or even watch your fish swim can offer immense support and dissolve the outside pressures students often struggle with.


Ball State's Counseling Center has seen an increase in calls for appointments and wait times. William Betts, director of Counseling and Health Services at Ball State, said the center has implemented a "river" design in attempt to shorten the time it takes for a student to see a therapist. Stephanie Amador, DN File
MENTAL HEALTH

6 reasons to go to therapy

Therapy can be very beneficial to individuals struggling with mental health and conflict in their day-to-day lives. There are a wide variety of reasons that someone would attend therapy to improve their quality of life. 


Twin Archer Brewpub is pictured Sept. 15. The restaurant is open Tuesday through Thursday 11:30 a.m. to 9 p.m. and Friday and Saturday 11:30 a.m. to 10 p.m. Jacy Bradley, DN
LOCAL BUSINESS

Five hidden gems to visit in Muncie

Muncie has more to offer than just fast-food chains and department stores. The city has made its downtown and surrounding areas a great place to explore and try new things. While every city might have a Walmart and a Taco Bell, not every city has the following places that make Muncie what it is: home.



Fourth-year journalism major Terra Konieczny paints on the nails of fourth-year speech language pathology major Brianna Santos in her home studio Aug. 17. Jacy Bradley, DN
MANICURES

Self-taught senior provides one-on-one manicures for students from the comfort of her home

The expectation of nail appointments consists of searching for parking in a crowded strip mall to wait for a nail tech’s availability. Once the appointment has begun, you’re sat between strangers for an hour before you leave and have to repeat the process in a couple of weeks. In contrast, pulling up to a home with a brick exterior in a serene residential area might offer a better chance of relaxation than traditional nail salons. 







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