3 years ago, I had to make a decision. I had always wanted to cheer in college. But without a solid back tuck, I had no chance of ever cheering an SEC game. It came down to attending a huge, southern state school or coming to Barnard, where I could be a Columbia cheerleader. At the time, the choice was clear. I wanted to be involved in my new collegiate community and not just another face in an ESPN gameday crowd shot. I spent the entire summer training for that first big game day and pulling up to Baker Athletic Complex was shaping up to be one of the most exciting moments of my life. But it very quickly became the most disappointing.
I rustled my blue and white poms poms behind my back and looked out toward a wall of empty bleachers. As the minutes accumulated on the scoreboard, I just kept thinking, “Maybe there’s a delay on the 1 train…Maybe they’re still buying game gear…Maybe it’s a Columbia thing to arrive after the first quarter…” Little did I know that it was a Columbia thing not to show up at all.
This Saturday, that girl from your freshman hall will be doing backflips and lifting someone into the air. Your trivia night buddies will be hauling their instruments into the stands. And that guy from your discussion section will put years of practice onto Baker field.
Here are 3 reasons why you should actually care about Homecoming this year and every year.
1) Community S-P-I-R-I-T
Remember that somewhat surprise September Bacchanal that never happened? There are few large events on campus that encourage us to come together as a community. Homecoming should be an obvious one. Yes, it’s a train ride away. But so are The Standard, Shake Shack, and Dominique Ansel Bakery but that doesn’t keep you from going downtown to wait in line for a cronut. So the short ride should be no excuse for going out and having a great time with your friends and classmates.
2) Support your classmates
Hours, weeks, years of preparation and dedication go into these games. From the sidelines to the stands to that brave soul in the Roaree Suit, your peers give up their Saturdays and spend early mornings and late nights training for those games. All in the name of this school. Our school. Give them a reason to push harder, run faster, and, finally, win.
3) Be a part of the solution
Again, it’s way too easy to forget that we even have a football team. Before my freshman year, I couldn’t wait to go to a college football game. But, even as a member of a spirit group, I had trouble staying motivated throughout the season because no one else cared. How can we ever expect to be a more spirited school if we don’t step up and show some spirit? Upperclassmen, get together, get excited, and get your butt to Baker! Underclassmen, text those NSOP buddies and organize a group trip.
Oh and did I mention there’s a new Pre-game picnic area presented by MEL’S?! All beverages are free! And, Seniors, make sure you hit up the FREE PIZZA, BEER, AND SWAG! Now who can say no to that?
So turn it blue, come out to the game, and let me hear you ROAR!!!!
*Images via tumblr