I will never forget my first UGA football game as a student.

As a huge UGA fan, this day was one I had dreamed of for years. I had been to Georgia games before, but this one was special because it was my first one as a student.

As a girl, this day was extremely important. I had to have the perfect outfit planned, my hair had to have enough curl to last me through September heat, and my makeup needed to be applied to were no amount of sweat would affect it. This was the first time I felt like I was flaunting my sorority letters and I did not want to disappoint! I learned a few things from that first game that I will never forget. The biggest is never wear wedges/ booties to a game. I do not care how comfortable you think they are I promise hours of standing at the tailgate and then standing for the entire game will kill your feet and it is simply not worth it.

Another thing I learned on game days is it is a marathon not a sprint. No matter how excited you are to cheer on the dawgs tailgates can be tricky and none of your excitement will matter if you do not even make it inside the gates if you know what I mean.

Something I will never forget about my first home game as a student was when a crowd of around 93,000 people became completely silent to listen to the Battle Hymn of the Republic be played from the top right corner of the stadium. Reminiscing on this experience gives me goose bumps and brings tears to my eyes every time I think about it. To me that moment right there makes all the hours of studying worth it; that brief moment is exactly what the bulldog nation is all about.

Hearing the Hymn be played comes with a feeling of pride and accomplishment. Whether you are a freshman like me or a successful alumni this will always be a special moment. It reminds you of all the hard work you put forward to get you to exactly where you are today. For me hearing the Battle Hymn of the Republic in Samford Stadium on a warm Saturday in Athens is something that I will forever hold a special spot in my heart. And if you have ever attended a game then you also know the two words that expression the sentiments of the entire bulldog nation…. Go Dawgs!