Coming Home
Start writing a post
Student Life

Coming Home

I didn't really understand homecoming for a long time.

15
Coming Home
By Bobak Ha'Eri (Own work) [CC BY 3.0 (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0)], via Wikimedia Commons

During my first couple years of college, I dismissed the importance of homecoming to alumni. It was little more than a glorified football game with some social events afterwards that was amusing for students, but it could not possibly be enjoyable for alumni. I remember sitting perplexed as I watched a group of graduates bounce around the stands, greeting everyone with a seemingly impossible amount of enthusiasm to watch our team lose as per usual. In my mind, they had graduated and needed to move on with their lives. Their alma mater should not be that significant.

Now, as my last homecoming as an undergraduate student is passing, I understand the phenomenon of homecoming. It has nothing to do with trying to relive your college years and "glory days" or force yourself into events that are intended for those still attending the school. And it definitely has nothing to do with watching a football game, something few students even enjoy while attending the school.

Homecoming is instead about steeping yourself in that sense of home you nurtured during your four years at school. As a first year, I clearly did not understand the attachment I would form to Allegheny College. To me, it was simply a place I was giving money to in exchange for an education that would get me a fancy sheet of paper that states I am qualified to have some sort of job, but my school has come to mean much more than that to me. I have learned so many things beyond those in the classroom. I have nurtured relationships with my roommates and teammates that formed bonds between us, that molded us into a make-shift family. Just a few weeks ago while off campus at my parents' house, I found myself saying that I wanted to "go home." I did not mean the house where I grew up that I was currently in, but my on-campus apartment.

Alumni feel that same sense of coming home at homecoming. I know, this concept seems self-explanatory, but it is too easy to dismiss homecoming as a time for recent graduates to pretend they still fit in at college parties. Sure, they may be there to attend parties and the big game, but more than that, they come back to remember their home and the lessons they learned and bonds they formed. Your undergraduate years of college mold you into the individual you will become later in life.

More than the influence your home town had on you, your college will become a part of you; it was the first major life decision you made on your own, and it decides to pick you back as well if you will allow your college to be a part of your life beyond going to class and back. Through extracurriculars and friendships, the campus truly does become your home where you can always find your family. Coming back allows you to indulge in the nostalgia. You are there to thank your school for the lessons you learned and the skills you gained to be a better person.

All I have to say is, thank you, Allegheny, for becoming my home, and I hope to come back to you after I, too, graduate.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
the beatles
Wikipedia Commons

For as long as I can remember, I have been listening to The Beatles. Every year, my mom would appropriately blast “Birthday” on anyone’s birthday. I knew all of the words to “Back In The U.S.S.R” by the time I was 5 (Even though I had no idea what or where the U.S.S.R was). I grew up with John, Paul, George, and Ringo instead Justin, JC, Joey, Chris and Lance (I had to google N*SYNC to remember their names). The highlight of my short life was Paul McCartney in concert twice. I’m not someone to “fangirl” but those days I fangirled hard. The music of The Beatles has gotten me through everything. Their songs have brought me more joy, peace, and comfort. I can listen to them in any situation and find what I need. Here are the best lyrics from The Beatles for every and any occasion.

Keep Reading...Show less
Being Invisible The Best Super Power

The best superpower ever? Being invisible of course. Imagine just being able to go from seen to unseen on a dime. Who wouldn't want to have the opportunity to be invisible? Superman and Batman have nothing on being invisible with their superhero abilities. Here are some things that you could do while being invisible, because being invisible can benefit your social life too.

Keep Reading...Show less
Featured

19 Lessons I'll Never Forget from Growing Up In a Small Town

There have been many lessons learned.

71201
houses under green sky
Photo by Alev Takil on Unsplash

Small towns certainly have their pros and cons. Many people who grow up in small towns find themselves counting the days until they get to escape their roots and plant new ones in bigger, "better" places. And that's fine. I'd be lying if I said I hadn't thought those same thoughts before too. We all have, but they say it's important to remember where you came from. When I think about where I come from, I can't help having an overwhelming feeling of gratitude for my roots. Being from a small town has taught me so many important lessons that I will carry with me for the rest of my life.

Keep Reading...Show less
​a woman sitting at a table having a coffee
nappy.co

I can't say "thank you" enough to express how grateful I am for you coming into my life. You have made such a huge impact on my life. I would not be the person I am today without you and I know that you will keep inspiring me to become an even better version of myself.

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

Waitlisted for a College Class? Here's What to Do!

Dealing with the inevitable realities of college life.

133213
college students waiting in a long line in the hallway
StableDiffusion

Course registration at college can be a big hassle and is almost never talked about. Classes you want to take fill up before you get a chance to register. You might change your mind about a class you want to take and must struggle to find another class to fit in the same time period. You also have to make sure no classes clash by time. Like I said, it's a big hassle.

This semester, I was waitlisted for two classes. Most people in this situation, especially first years, freak out because they don't know what to do. Here is what you should do when this happens.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments