Homecoming weekend at USD

Freshmen expectations for Homecoming and Family Weekend

Samantha Paul
CONTRIBUTOR

Homecoming. Defined as, “an instance of returning home,” homecoming is a term most college freshmen associate with the traditional week that happened as soon as football season and fall began.

A week that brims with school spirit, unifying the student body and attracting countless alumni to reconnect with their alma mater.

Homecoming meant something special in high school. Whether it was the overwhelming attendance of the homecoming football game, or the glittering atmosphere of the homecoming dance; we all have a memory.

For many, homecoming week may have created some of high school’s most memorable moments.

As the Class of 2018 transitions from high school seniors to first-year college students, I have to wonder, what does homecoming mean to us now?

Surely we cannot expect homecoming to be the same event that it was in high school. Is homecoming as celebrated as it was during our high school years?

USD has advertised Homecoming and Family Weekend as an event worth celebrating. It is a time to create your own college memories as a Torero with the Torero community.

Homecoming and Family Weekend begins on Oct. 10 with the Big Blue Bash.The day starts out with free carnival games, rides, and food. Then at nighis the Homecoming Concert.

Oct. 11 is game day. Tailgate starts at 11 a.m. with activities for everyone. Kickoff is at 2 p.m. and the Torero’s will take of the Stetson University Hatters.

Many freshmen are excited and expecting the unexpected for Homecing and Family Weekend.

“I think homecoming at USD sounds like a great time,” freshman Jared Green said. “I don’t think it will be the same as it was in high school. Homecoming in high school was really small for me, I think it’s going to be a much bigger experience and really fun. I hope it’s a great time.”

Even though we’ve been given a brief preview of what to expect for homecoming weekend it’s hard to picture it.

As a freshman myself, I am not quite sure what to expect from Homecoming Weekend here at University of San Diego. There are many expectations that will be different in multiple ways.

In comparison to our previous experiences, but what will make homecoming special here? What will make it different from any other weekend event on campus?

From what I understand, there are a variety of events .From the USD Intramural Golf Tournament at Tecolote Canyon Golf Course, to kayaking and stand-up paddle boarding on Mission Bay, to the Homecoming Concert.

There are many exciting activities for students, their families and alumni to take partcipate in.

Homecoming Weekend appears to have many exciting opportunities to make new memories as college students.

Freshman Taylor Knape is looking forward to the variety of activities during Homecoming Weekend.

“I am very stoked about Homecoming Weekend because I can’t wait to support my team and be a part of my school’s festivities,” Knape said.

The only apparent differences from a traditional high school homecoming and a college homecoming is the lack of the big homecoming dance.

This week was Spirit Week at USD. Games and activites were set up around campus from tie-dying shirts to a water balloon fight.

Students formed teams to compete for points during at the activties throughout the week. The winning team will be awarded a prize on Saturday at the game.

In addition, there will be a homecoming concert featuring a well-known artist Magic., which was not the case for my high school.

As for the traditional atmosphere of homecoming, the media promoting Homecoming and Family Weekend displays a variety of student participation and school spirit.

This weekend is held to high standards to bring back memories from our high school homecoming experiences.

Freshman Brooke Didyk is excited for the chance to see her family when they come to visit the campus for homecoming.
“I really miss my parents and I can’t wait to show them around my new home,” Didyk said.

Ultimately, as a freshman, I can only assume what homecoming will represent to the incoming Class of 2018. I don’t entirely know what to expect from Homecoming and Family weekend here at University of San Diego.

Personally, I am looking forward to making new memories and forging new traditions at a homecoming in higher education alongside my fellow freshmen.