Homecoming is a long and rigorous week filled with coordinating outfits, float construction, losing your voice from screaming, and tears of frustration and exhaustion. However, the outcome is worth all of the tears, fights, and lack of sleep. I learned a lot from Homecoming this year and even if the outcome were different I would still consider it one of the most rewarding experiences.

Win or lose, remember these things if you want a good Homecoming experience:

1. Get in the spirit!

Start Homecoming with a positive attitude. If you go into the week thinking the activities are lame, then you will have a crummy time. Show every ounce of school spirit you have. (This is when I applaud Alpha Chi Omega for having more spirit than I could ever have. You go girls!)

2. Do not neglect your school work.

Even though it is homecoming, remember that it is just Homecoming. I had to be reminded many times that float is just a float. School comes first, so do not forget your responsibilities (but float was awesome).

3. Talk to other Greek organizations and the nonaffiliated.

Homecoming should be a time where the whole school *unites* (old habits die hard I guess) as a family. What is the point if you end up angry when it is all over? Homecoming is not always fun for the students who are not in a Greek organization. Include them and tell them the opportunities they can participate in. Homecoming is for the whole school to participate in, not just Greek life.

4. Make an effort to participate in all activities.

Yes, your schoolwork should come first. But, don’t blow off homecoming activities when you know you can make it. You get out what you put in. I never would have bonded with some of my sisters if I hadn't participated in float, and it was truly one of the best experiences I've had in college.

5. Use Homecoming activities as a stress reliever.

Homecoming is a stressful time, but not every aspect has to be. For those of you who know what pomping is, you probably hate it. For me, it is peaceful and allows me to get my thoughts in check when I am overwhelmed with float construction. Also, it gave me a laugh when I went home and found pomping paper in my pants.

6. Get sleep and don't be afraid to cry a little.

I definitely neglected to get sleep during Homecoming week, which I regretted when I had to stand up in class the next day because I was about to pass out from exhaustion. There was even a moment when I was so delirious that one of my sisters carried me back to my room, only for me to wake up in the morning with no memory of how I got there.

Also, I cried many times and I am not ashamed to admit that it was mostly because of food. Sometimes you just need to let out your frustration and exhaustion.

7. Take pictures of everything!

You will want to remember everything that took place during homecoming, the good, the bad and the ugly. I regret not letting my friend take a picture of me when I was sobbing over the cheese bread she bought me. Good times.

8. Be proud.

It is perfectly fine for you to be proud of all your organization has accomplished. You worked hard and deserve to be able to talk about it and show your happiness. Post all your pictures and beam about how amazing your organization is. I know thats exactly what I did.

9. Be humble!

This is the most important thing I have learned during this year's Homecoming. You can be proud and humble at the same time. I have realized that although we might have won, other organizations worked just as hard as we did and should receive all the credit they deserve. We do not have a right to brag about how our organization is the best, but we can be proud of all that we have accomplished. Every organization worked hard to show their spirit and deserves to be congratulated for a job well done.

10. Remember who you are.

During Homecoming it is easy to get caught up in the competition. Remember what you value and who you hold close to your heart. Just because your friend is in another house, doesn't make you enemies. Remember to stay true to yourself because Homecoming passes, but your memories remain.

11. Love what you are doing.

There is no point in participating in Homecoming if you are just going to hate it the whole time. Homecoming is when you can get closer to people you never would have otherwise. It is a time to celebrate the university and the organizations that make it a better place. It is a time when you find where you truly belong and make memories that will last forever.