Wikipedia describes Homecoming as the "tradition of welcoming back former residents and alumni of an institution." Well, that's fine and dandy, but Homecoming really means something different to every individual. Some people see Homecoming as the time to take part in great Dartmouth traditions the football game, the bonfire and various other activities that make Dartmouth's Homecoming what it is. There are also those who love Homecoming because they can yell and heckle the freshmen though, that should not be done anymore, right? Right?
Anyway, Wikipedia is wrong. Homecoming may actually involve welcoming back alumni who once graced Hanover with their presence, but for most like the students who currently attend Dartmouth Homecoming is a tradition that is ever so dear in our hearts for very different reasons. Dartmouth students have their own beliefs regarding this much- cherished Dartmouth tradition, so allow me to walk you through what might be going through the minds of some students.
Freshmen
The '14s entered this term hearing horrific stories about how being heckled and told that they were "the worst class ever" caused many students to run to their beds after the bonfire and cry their eyes out. They were told that the Homecoming game was the only time of the season when the stadium was filled even close to capacity. They were also told that because Halloween was going to be going on during Homecoming, they had to watch out for sketchy alums dressed up in costumes.
Well, listen up, young peeps. Homecoming is wonderful. It's not Green Key material, but it's up there. Running around the bonfire is tradition, and while some might say that heckling and yelling at the freshmen isn't a tradition, it is part of the experience. It is not done to hurt your feelings. Rather, it is done because everyone else beside the '14s has already run around the bonfire (perhaps many eons ago) and they now realize their Dartmouth career is passing by.
The football team wasn't that great last year or the year before, but unless you've been living under the granite of New Hampshire you might have noticed the team actually matters this year. The '14s came in this year expecting another losing season. They clearly didn't read my column where I hyped up the team but erroneously said it was time to jump off the Big Green bandwagon. A subject for another column
Dartmouth will be looking for its third straight victory this weekend as Harvard University comes to Hanover to take on a Big Green team that definitely has some swagger in its step. Last season, Harvard clobbered us in a game yielding a score I will not mention because it will only discourage people from going to the game. My advice is to go, heckle the hell out of the Harvard geeks and cheer on your team, kiddos.
Sophomores
These kids will be strutting around wearing the newly acquired Greek gear unless they're wearing some sort of fraternity uniform or something; I wouldn't know while trying to demean the '14s. Stop it. You were just there last year, running around the bonfire and crying because that plank on the bonfire that you put so much time and effort into beautifying is now burning to ashes.
Last year, the '13s experienced a Homecoming game for the ages. The football team was struggling mightily and riding a 17-game losing streak. There was a constant downpour that made you want to cry, but just when you thought your life couldn't get any worse, the football team won. They did not just win, they well, mostly Nick Schwieger '12, who set a then-school record with 242 rushing yards beat up on Columbia University. The '13s believed in the team and were ecstatic to be part of Dartmouth history.
Now, '13s, help the '14s relive the joy you felt. Even though the '14s will think they're the worst class ever, help them realize they're still part of this amazing Dartmouth community that rallies around their team. Go crazy at the game, and watch the Big Green give 110 percent on the field.
Juniors
It won't be as good as sophomore Summer, so whatever.
Seniors
I'll keep this short and simple, because I feel like it is a sore subject. Yes, it's your last Homecoming as a student, but live it up! Heckle the '14s at the bonfire like never before. Go to the football game and yell your lungs out. Don't step off table, and beat alums if you can.
It's Homecoming. To the alumni, welcome back. To the students, try to stay somewhat safe, I guess, and party it up. And to the football team, Huck Farvard.
