It has been two years since I graduated from Italy High School in Italy, Texas--this past weekend some of my friends and I celebrated our second Homecoming as alumni. Being that it was only my second year as an alumnae (and having only been back to my high school town a handful of times), it was very odd being there and not being able to conquer my old stomping grounds with my friends like I did while I was in school there. There are so many changes to everything around you, you can hardly take it all in. Heck, I barely knew half of the kids running around in the stands and on that "Friday Night Lights" field. You never really consider how much you miss your high school town until the time of year for Homecoming comes around.

Here are a few examples of what an [emotional] alumnae thinks of Homecoming...

These were the "kids" that were the underclassmen to your upperclassmen...and trust me, seeing them nominated for Homecoming queen or just a leadership position makes you emotional. Of course, you see them being wonderful role models and becoming young adults and you have no choice but to be somewhat emotional...if you are me, it is when you are driving on your way back to your college town and realize that that could have possibly been the last game you will see them play at. Yeah--I ugly-cried, y'all.

Seeing your best friends, friends and family.

Whether you saw your best friends from high school a year ago or a few weeks prior, this is what you're most excited to experience at Homecoming. Hardly ever do you love a place for the place itself, but for the people that you met and formed relationships with. No matter if all you do is say "hi," with a slightly awkward side-hug, or do a running jump up to them while screaming and crying, you are still super excited and anxious to see everyone. Having a weekend where you get to catch up with your friends and show them who you are now is an amazing experience--and a fun one. This is what makes leaving home so hard, and that will never change.

Again, If you're a band nerd you'll understand...

For me, the high school band was my second home, partly due to the fact that I was probably in the band hall more than I was actually at home in high school...and mainly because these people were like family. They knew everything about me and they helped me grow into the person I am today. Having people run up to you, super excited to see you makes you realize how important it was to be a part of that "family." You're reminded of all the laughter and love that you got from this experience. You get to spend time with some of your best friends, and you even tend to get a little teary-eyed with your best friend that was in your section and lived your whole experience with you. Believe it or not, you wish you could experience it all over again.

You can love your life now, and still miss your hometown and who you used to be, I have learned. Being able to go back and reflect on the good/amazing/hilarious times that you had in high school is amazing. There are always people that you miss as soon as you leave, and you will constantly remember the amazing times that you had in your "past life." You never realize how true the statement, "You wont remember what you did, but you will remember the people," is so true. You won't stop being proud of how hard the boys on the field play, how the cheerleaders cheer and how the band makes that amazing sound that still gives you chills when you think about it. Seeing all of the amazing changes and the traditions that stayed the same makes me so proud of the high school I went to. I will always be an Italy Gladiator, and I will always cheer for the gold and white.

Enjoy Homecoming. It's a time to celebrate your friends and old parts of you that you love dearly.