Stay involved with Homecoming

Being a freshman, I didn't know what to expect from Homecoming.

When I think of Homecoming, I think of the way things were in high school. We would have dress up days, an extravaganza, class competitions, float building and a senior caravan during the week.

Then, of course, a parade followed the Friday night football game and there was a dance on Saturday night.

Obviously you aren't going to do that in college. Some things, however, are similar. We used to decorate the entire school in purple and white, and we would have a theme to go along with it.

When I walked into the building where I live, Sandison, I saw all sorts of decorations  with a movie theme. It made me think of back home and made me extremely excited of what the week would bring.

As the week progressed, I realized that it is such a different atmosphere here. It seems as though Homecoming is more fun for the sororities and fraternities during the week. They are the ones who are involved in trike, Sycamore sync and float building.

However, we do have a parade on Saturday where all organizations are welcome to participate.

I'm part of the Leadership Learning Community (LLC), which means I will be walking in the parade. I'm not sure what to expect from the parade, considering for our Homecoming parade back home I either road in a truck or with our float.  

In a way, I think it will be a good thing. I may be a little nervous now, but in the end it will be a good way to see many new faces and make new friends.

My English teacher, Mrs. Wright, always tells our class how great of an experience it is to be involved in Homecoming.

She encourages us to attend the bonfire, the parade, and even the walk to the football game so that we can meet new people. She even gave us some pointers on how to start up a conversation.

Seeing her get so excited about Homecoming gives me a good feeling about how it will turn out.

Even though it is outside my normal atmosphere, I am going to make the most out of Homecoming and enjoy every second of it. As Mrs. Wright says daily, "We're not in Kansas anymore."

College is a new stepping stone in our lives, and it is our time now to make memories that will last a life time.

So, I encourage you to find a way to be involved in Homecoming and enjoy every second of it because these are the things you will remember for years to come.