Sitting in the middle of the street is fun, but getting third-degree burns from a Homecoming bonfire is even better. While both activities may be thrilling, running through campus with 999 screaming, frantic, intoxicated classmates will not get you killed (probably).
Homecoming has a rich tradition dating back to the College's early years. Even last year's Homecoming-during-Halloween gave us strange and bizarre memories. Allison wore a devil costume as she ran around the fire last year, which was a frightening sight. Hank specifically remembers playing pong on overturned drawers in a friend's dorm room after seeing Scream at the Hop.
But last year is long gone and we are no longer freshmen -- this year's Homecoming belongs to the '02s. The speech in front of Dartmouth Hall may be boring, and the Freshman Sweep may be disorganized, but you have not lived until you have seen a thousand supposedly intelligent students scurrying around like savages through the streets of Hanover.
Most of you will remember this weekend fondly; some won't be able to remember it at all. Many will spend Homecoming in crowded basements while others will enviously watch the festivities through library windows.
However you choose to spend Homecoming Weekend, whether running around the bonfire, cheering on the football team, studying for your two mid-terms on Monday or playing pong, you won't be able to escape the excitement and tradition that will permeate Dartmouth College this weekend.
Alumni are already flooding the campus to reminisce about past Homecoming weekends and revisit their beloved college. But these are our years to build memories; we only have four. Make it good, make it fun, make it last. And in four years, when it is all over, come back for more.