The canons and fireworks go off. I high-five the strangers around me. My voice is sore from cheering so much. The stadium vibrates from the screams. I look around and get goosebumps. This is college football. This is my school.

I spend my high school days attending my small school’s basketball, baseball, and soccer games. Sometimes, I even went to cross country and swim meets. But never a football game. Although we had a middle school team for a few years, my small school was not big enough for a varsity football team. I never got to experience the Friday night lights with my friends and I never knew why people got so excited about their games.

That’s why I love my college which loves football.

I get to wake up on game days and tailgate all day with my family and friends. I throw on my orange and purple outfits and paint a tiger paw on my face. No matter where you go on campus, strangers will start the Tiger Rag song with you and give you a big high five after. Once the game starts, my spirit comes alive as I get to cheer while surrounded by other students.

I have been a Clemson fan ever since I was a kid and I grew up going to games. I always admired the student section and longed to be there. Everyone just looked like they were having so much fun. When I walked into my first home game as I freshman, I looked at my friend and said, “I’ve waited so long for this moment.” I couldn’t wait to have so much pride and excitement for one team. Since then, I always boast about my love for Clemson football. My pride for Clemson is like a mother whose child makes all As.

Saturdays in Tiger Town are truly magical. It’s not just a game anymore. It’s a fellowship for all the fans to gather together. The term “Clemson Family” is seen all over campus. In the mornings, our feet might be sore and our throats might hurt, but all I remember is how excited I was when they scored that touchdown.