As my time on the plains draws to a close, I reflect back on the last three years of my college experience at Auburn University. While 8 a.m. classes, five days a week, were some of my worst memories, my fondest ones revolve around the amazing people I have grown close to and the many quirks that make Auburn unique. In fact, my inspiration for writing this article came to me while rolling Toomer’s Corner after our win against Mississippi State; filled with emotions I realized how lucky I am to be a student at Auburn University, the loveliest village on the plains.
What other college do you know that “rolls” a pair of famous oak trees to celebrate a victory? The answer: none other than Auburn. When people from other states find out that I go to Auburn University they chuckle and ask “Oh the school that TP’s those trees?” Yes, we TP our trees but it’s so much more than that. It’s a tradition that has been going on for decades; the rolling of the Toomer’s Corner oaks truly embodies the Auburn Spirit. It is a time when we can all gather in one, very special place, and acknowledge just how deep our Auburn roots run.
Another unique tradition that holds a special place in my heart is the flying of the eagle before every home football game. What better way to hype up the crowd than to see our nation’s very own mascot bird, fly around the stadium while thunderous echoes of “waaaaaaaar eagle” completely fill Jordan-Hare. Sure Georgia has a cute bulldog and LSU has Mike the tiger but we have Aubie and Spirit & Nova.
War Eagle; these two simples words hold a world of importance for the Auburn Family. It’s a simple hello, an introduction, a well wish, our battle cry. Whether you are at Disney World, London or a rural Montana airport, the welcoming greeting “war eagle”, reminds me that I am never too far from home.
Before making the decision to come to Auburn, my dad told me to read the creed. He said if I got goose bumps, I would know this was the school for me. I waited for weeks and weeks after visiting the Plains to finally sit down and read the creed. By the end, with tears in my eyes and chill bumps everywhere, I knew I would be a tiger, and a permanent member of the Auburn Family. Although our time in college must come to a close, it is the best feeling ever knowing that we will carry a piece of Auburn in our hearts, no matter where we end up.
War Eagle Always.