Homecoming as a college freshman

 

Why is there homecoming in college? I didn’t even know there was such a thing as a collegiate homecoming. When I learned that college life has a homecoming week just like in high school, I immediately thought of my high school years. Currently a freshman, the memories, or lack thereof, are still fresh. I’m going to let you in on something about me, I didn’t really care for homecoming.

It’s true, I would participate as much as needed to get by. Now, I’m also one that doesn’t like to put myself out there for everyone to see, so even participating for one day is a huge step for me. I will admit I did enjoy dressing up with my friends on those rare days. 

However, while it was sometimes fun, high school homecoming seemed like a reason for the popular and crazy kids to let their flags fly high. Then there is the football game and the dance. Sad to say, I’m not a huge football fan and I only went to the dance once for a maximum of one hour. Then I would go home and watch a movie. If you can’t tell, I’m no professional at homecoming, and I don’t pretend to be.

Even if I didn’t really participate in homecoming at high school, I can see it is different than college homecoming. Since I haven’t really experienced homecoming in college, I did some research online to see if there were any differences and similarities between the two environments. Surprisingly, there were many articles that discussed the differences between these two experiences. These articles were all saying the same thing, college is about team spirit, high school is about looks.

For one, it seems that homecoming in college is not as big a deal as in high school.

 High school is more of a popularity contest; getting the coolest clothes and perfect date experience. This is probably the top reason why I didn’t participate in homecoming. However, college homecoming is supposed to be about showing school spirit, whether you are a freshman or alumni. It’s coming together to be a huge force for your team at the football game. 

It also definitely feels more laid back than high school. 

The weeks before homecoming in high school were filled with plans and stress to get everything close to perfect. Seniors, especially those in football, are trying to make this special week something to remember in the future. While this may be true to some degree for college, it is not nearly as dramatic as it is in high school. In college, there are added games and fun stuff to do during the week, but it isn’t that stressful if you miss it. You aren’t forced into anything, but your friends will for sure tell you what you missed.

Probably the most important thing in both of these atmospheres is to share an experience with people you know and love. The dictionary describes homecoming as “An instance in returning home”. True, a college or school may not be your first choice of a home, but you get to bond with people that can change your life. That is what this week is supposed to encourage: Coming together as one family to experience a form of camaraderie, no matter what your age is. Also, you have a common goal of cheering for your team!

When you get done reading this opinion piece, what should you get from this? 

First, participate in as much team spirit activities as you can. This is a time to let stress roll off your shoulders and make some amazing memories. As a freshman still trying to understand college, it’s interesting and exciting to see homecoming come around. If you were like me, don’t let other homecoming experiences keep you from going out and having a great time. Whether this will be your first time for a college homecoming or  your fifth, be proud of your college, and find those experiences to make this year’s homecoming a great one!