Emotion & Meaning in Music

{This is Indiana}

I was always told Junior year would be my hardest yet most fulfilling. It was the year of the ACT, the college visits, and the groundwork for scary college years. I remember constantly worrying about where I wanted to go, what I wished to do, and what I had to to accomplish in order to get where I dreamed of. The big college decision was always at the back of my mind, pestering on. While I had visited my sister at Indiana, I felt it was way too big for me with too many people. I visited Northwestern, University of Illinois, Washington University in St. Louis, and Notre Dame, and while I loved a few of them, they were missing the social aspect and Big Ten fun I was looking for. At the end of my Junior year, I decided to spend my summer with my sister in Bloomington, IN. There I could sort through my thoughts and organize all the deadlines I'd need for college applications. Spending the summer with my sister was one of the best and most pivotal decisions I have made in my life.

Being in Bloomington, hanging out with my sister, and making friend of my own, I got a little taste of all Indiana had to offer. I had the opportunity to explore the town, go to class with my sister, and meet so many interesting and diverse people. When I was at a party with my sister, I remember the music turning up playing "This is Indiana." Everybody joined in together making it a surreal and satisfying moment. Indiana, however big the student population may be, is a family and community. When I returned home for the summer, my friend and I added this song to our playlist. If we were in the car and it came on, we would blast it and sing louder than any would care to hear. It reminded me of my summer in Indiana and my comfort and love of the community. The big college decision did not seem scary any longer as I figured out where I wanted to be and where I knew I would feel comfortable. This song is indexical of my memories at IU, my fun at the football games, and all the social aspects I encountered on my visits. Every time I'd visit my sister after, I would always hear this song whether at tailgates, parties, or other events and I would always get pumped up.

When I hear this song (the sign) I remember my summer at IU, my visits here, my eagerness to go to a basketball game, and the satisfaction I have for my college decision (my indices). I then feel excitement and anticipation for the coming memories to be made (interpretant). It pumps me up for the coming four years as I am so eager to experience IU as a student part of the B-town community!