Homecoming has always been a tradition for most schools across America. It is a week filled with dress-up days that all eventually lead to a basketball or football game. Alumni from different classes come back and enjoy the atmosphere of being around old classmates and seeing what the current students are doing to show school spirit.
My high school prefers to do homecoming during football season. On the Friday of the game, my school would host a morning pep rally, a junior versus senior volleyball game, and a homecoming parade at the end of the day. Whichever way homecoming is presented, it is still a big deal. Even past homecoming queens and kings take a visit to their alma mater to crown the new queens and kings. I, in particular, was given the opportunity to do that this year.
As someone who has recently graduated from high school, I was excited to return as an alum. It was even more rewarding to me because I was able to crown the new homecoming queen. My school always invites the past queen back to pass down the crown. It was nice to go back and see all of the beautiful candidates and catch up with them.
Afterward, I walked out onto the field and waited for everyone's names and any extracurricular activities that they do to be called out of the press box. I even got a shout out! I found the whole process to be nostalgic. I felt the same excitement bubbling inside of me that I felt when I was in their shoes. The young lady that won was so surprised and shocked. It was a special moment for not only her but for me as well. I saw myself in her when she won. The excitement and utter joy. We then took pictures together and I left the field to let her have her special moment.
After that, I walked up the bleacher stairs, waved to little girls, spoke to friends, and went to go watch the game. I was a part of the marching band in high school so it was nice to watch them play. Eventually, a few of the people that I had graduated and been in the band came and sat in the band section. I decided to go sit with them and watch our band play their halftime show. (Which was spectacular.) I got to sit with my best friend and ask her about college.
We all just sat there reminiscing on our time in the band. It has a special place in all of our hearts. It's something that we will always have in common along with the many memories that we have made together. As half time came to a close I realized just how much I miss the band and the people at my high school.
Once I left the football game I realized that life in college is quite different than life in high school. College isn't exactly what I expected to be like, but it's just an adjustment. I have more free time, more freedom, and a fresh beginning. High school has always had its pros and cons to me. There are days that are filled with happiness and knowing that "real life starts after you graduate" and days that are filled with drama and the occasional tear. However, when it is all said and done, I'm a proud graduate and couldn't envision myself being an alum of any other school.
So, homecoming is an important event for everyone involved. It's an American high school tradition. I would like to encourage anyone who is reading this to go and take a visit to your alma mater. Whether high school was a happy time in your life or not. You might enjoy the atmosphere of homecoming or it could just be something to get you out of the house on a fall Friday night!
