VOICE OF THE VOICELESS

When Homecoming is coming around, what comes to your mind? Is it the football games? Or how about the parties?

This is my first official Homecoming at Siena Heights. But even bigger than that, this will be my first homecoming I fully participate in. My first two years in high school, I didn’t even know what Homecoming was. I didn’t really do anything when it came to Spirit Week besides wear the grade-level colors. Looking back on that now, I truly regret not taking advantage of it all, not creating memories with friends. Not a single picture to look back on and reminisce about it.

I refuse to let that be the case this year. There are plenty of events going on, there is a lot students can do during the entirety of Homecoming Week.

With the kickoff of the comedian Zoltan Kaszas on Monday and “The Birds of Prey” on Wednesday in the University Center (UC), it’s about getting out. The comedian might not be the funniest person, or you might not have any interest in birds (I know I don’t), but that doesn’t mean that you can’t enjoy the event. You never know where you could have fun, it’s about getting out and experiencing new things in college.

With Tuesdays “All Hall” gathering, it’s open to all residents here. So you can get out with some friends or make some new ones! Wednesday night after the Birds of Prey everyone is gathering outside the front of UC for the pep rally.

I am probably the most excited for this, considering I haven’t been to one of those since high school. And honestly, they were alright then, but looking back now, those were one of the best times of Homecoming Week. It’s about school spirit and showing pride about where we go to school. It might not be a Big Ten college, but we are all blessed to go here and use this institution to shape our futures. So why not show some pride for this place?

Thursday night is usually the last day of class for most, so why not enjoy the evening with a bonfire, s’mores, and outdoor movie night?

The second thing I am probably the most excited about would be the “Fan Mob” happening Friday night. With the women’s soccer and volleyball, and also the men’s soccer game. I am getting dressed with school spirit and going to all three games that are happening that night. Gathering up at 5:30 p.m. at the stadium, the women’s soccer game at 6 p.m., then moving the mob to the fieldhouse for volleyball at 7 p.m., and finally ending by running back to stadium for the men’s soccer game at 8 p.m. The more students in the mob, the higher the energy.

I’m not a huge sports person at all, but I want to get the most of my time here at Siena.

Maybe you’re a freshman or a transfer student here and this is your first Homecoming. Or maybe you’ve been here already and you’ve skipped out on things over years. Maybe you find something better to do, or maybe you don’t, but you’re here at school paying tuition. Why not get the most for your money?

I kept my head low to the ground in high school, and it had its advantages and disadvantages. But when I look back on that time, I have a lot of “what ifs” and “what could haves.” I don’t want to make the same mistakes here.

Why cheat yourself out of a good time? In the end, the only person who loses is you.