The Unwritten Rules of GHOE

By Amirah Stallworth

If you have never experienced homecoming at North Carolina A&T State University, there is really no way to explain it to you. You can tell someone it’s the biggest and the greatest, but until you see the streets filled with Aggies, alumni coming back home, visitors from other schools, and Greensboro locals all celebrating at once, you just will not understand. 

While there is no official schedule of events, nobody really gives you a handbook for how to survive the week. So, whether this is your first GHOE, or your fifth, here are some of the unwritten rules you should know before you step outside for homecoming

1. Bring a walkie-talkie

I know you’re probably thinking: “why would I bring a walkie-talkie when I have a phone?”

During ghoe you can’t always count on your phone to save you. With thousands of people packed into campus and surrounding areas, call service can become unreliable, especially when everyone is trying to call, text, post and share their locations at the same time.

Having a walkie-talking may sound excessive, but it can make finding your group a lot easier. Ifd you do not have one, at least establish a meeting spot before everyone heads out. Do not make your entire homecoming experience a game  of “where are you?” in a crowd of hundreds of thousands.

2. If there is an event, go.

GHOE only comes around once a year, so take advantage of it.

There are campus events, parties, concerts, tailgates, pop ups, alumni events and plenty of unofficial things happening throughout the week. You obviously cannot be everywhere at once, but do not spend the entire weekend watching everyone elses GHOE through instagram stories.

Some of the best memories can come from the event you almost decided not to attend. Get dressed. Call your friends. Take the pictures. Go outside.You can sleep when homecoming is over. 

3. When the alumni come back, network

One of the biggest mistakes you can make during GHOE is treating alumni like they are only here to party. 

Yes, they are here to have fun and relive their college days, but they are also professionals who have spent years building careers, businesses and connections outside of North Carolina A&T. 

You genuinely never know who you are standing next to or simply talking to about homecoming.

That alum at the tailgate could work in the exact industry you want to enter. The person wearing the same Aggie sweatshirt as you could own a company you want to work for. Or the person you meet at an event could know someone who could simply get your foot in the door. 

So take the time to introduce yourself. Ask questions. Exchange information. 

Just remember that networking is about building a relationship, not immediately asking someone for a job. 

4. Do Not GHOE alone. 

There are going to be a lot of people in Greensboro. Between Aggies, alumni, visitors, and locals, the city gets busy quickly so having a group of friends with you to navigate going to events, transportation and crowds will make it easier to enjoy and safer!

5. If you want to go to the party, buy the ticket

Please do not get all dressed up, take 50 million pictures and then show up to the party hoping someone will just let you in. 

If an event requires a ticket, get the ticket.

Popular ghoe events can sell out and looking good wont get you through the door if you do not have admission, they’re so strict!

6. Just take the uber

I know you brought your car to Greensboro. I know you think you are going to find parking. But do you really want to spend half of your night driving and looking for a parking spot? Between heavy traffic, limited parking, crowded streets and increased activity around campus, getting around will cause a headache. If you are with a group, splitting an Uber can be much easier than trying to coordinate multiple cars with little to no parking!

A few more things you will thank yourself for bringing:

1. A portable charger
2. Wear shoes you can actually walk in. (sneakers preferably)
3. Check the weather before you get dressed
4. And most importantly do not spend the entire weekend behind your phone. 

Take the pictures, post the video and get the content but put your phone down sometime and actually enjoy the experience. 

The thing about GHOE is that there is no real official rulebook. The overall goal, though is the same: make memories, meet people, enjoy the culture, and leave Greensboro already counting down until the next homecoming. Because once you experience GHOE, you understand why people keep coming back. 

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• entertainment