The sunlight beams on the green grass, giving it a glistening glow. A soft wind carries the sound of laughter as Si’Diamond Bolden walks under the red and white balloon arch, entering her first Regatta.
“I’ve gone to this school for four years, and I can't believe this is my first time attending,” said Bolden. “This event definitely sets the tone for the rest of the school year.”
Her energy is palpable as she looks around at the colorful booths, the music pumping and the crowds gathering near the water. For first-timers, Regatta isn’t just a campus event.. It’s an experience—a rite of passage that brings the campus together in celebration. Meanwhile, veterans stroll in with calm confidence. Myesha Eldridge, who graduated in 2024, has attended multiple times and knows exactly where to go. She considers which booths to visit, which race to watch and where to grab the best snacks.
“I love coming back every year,” Eldridge said. “The first time, everything felt huge and overwhelming, but now it’s kind of comforting. You know the traditions, you know the crowd and it’s just fun to see the younger students experiencing it for the first time.”
Her relaxed energy contrasts perfectly with the enthusiasm of newcomers like Bolden, showing how Regatta appeals to all levels of campus life, allowing each person to have a unique experience.
For many, Regatta is more than games and competitions. It’s a celebration of school spirit, community and creativity. Students and clubs design unique boats for the races, while others set up booths with food, crafts and activities. Food trucks fill the air with aromas as music sets a lively rhythm. Faculty and staff cheer alongside students, adding to the sense that this is a day for everyone, not just the participants.
For many students, Regatta becomes a memory carried beyond their college years. It’s the first big campus event for freshmen, a moment to feel connected to the IU Indianapolis community and a chance for veterans to relive the joy of days that may now be memories.
As the sun dips and the music fades, Regatta leaves a mark on everyone who attends. It’s a shared experience that blends first-time thrills with seasoned enjoyment, creating a day of laughter, community and lasting memories.
Whether it’s a first Regatta or a last, the event brings out the best in the campus community. From bright-eyed newcomers like Bolden to seasoned alumni like Eldridge, everyone finds their place in the celebration, proving that IU Indianapolis’ Regatta is more than an event—it’s a tradition for everyone.
Kamya Williams is a senior majoring in journalism and a writer for The Campus Citizen. In her free time she enjoys watching documentaries and exploring different places.
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