There were many things, as a freshman, that I looked forward to throughout the year. And homecoming, by far, I was most excited for. Since my first year, I've never missed a homecoming parade or football game. Whether I find a group of friends to go with me or head over to the stadium by myself, I always make it there. Because if there's anything worth celebrating, it's seeing the past and the present meet and celebrate W&M.
You never realize what opportunities are on campus until it's your senior year and you realize everything is your last. Your last first day of school (unless you're off to grad school afterwards). Your last year living in undergrad housing (unless you've made the choice to live off campus). And your last homecoming as a student. Every other homecoming, you'll be an alum - a very proud achievement, but bittersweet nonetheless.
Being at the parade, albeit repetitive year after year, is always a blast. Seeing President Reveley come down the street in his car with his wife (sometimes dressed up!) is a must see. So is Griffin! I'll never forget my freshman homecoming parade when I went with my freshman hall. Afterwards we got a picture with Griffin. And every year, I've cheered as the groups on campus go past with as much Tribe Pride imaginable. This year, as I sat with my friends watching the floats come down Richmond road, I realized this is another last, and I cherished the moment.
The homecoming game is always the best, though. Win or lose, it's always a great time. My freshman year we played JMU and I even got a picture of the cheerleaders lifting Griffin up to the top. I enjoying being at the games because I sit next to the pep band and they make the game full of so much Tribe Pride and excitement. The experience of homecoming as a senior was indescribable. No matter where I end up next year, I know I'll always have a place to call home.
Tonight, at the homecoming game, we won. There's no better feeling than standing in the crowd, cheering on your team and jumping up and down. When we pulled through in the fourth quarter on a 21-0 point streak (after we were losing 3-14), it felt like my heart was soaring in the sky. I could not have been prouder of Tribe football. And even though at the end of the night another last was logged in my memories, it made my anticipation for graduation increase. Because although this is my last as a student, next year, I'll be coming home as an Alum.
