What homecoming means to me seems like such a simple answer, but in reality,
there are so many different perspectives I have gained over the years. It is crazy to think
about how much my perspective has changed throughout my time at Lincoln University. I
am now a senior, which means this was my last homecoming as an undergraduate, and
when I reflect on my experiences, I realize that every year has represented a different
chapter of my life.
My freshman year was an experience like no other. Homecoming was the grandest
thing I had ever experienced, and I made sure not to miss a single event. I remember
spending so much money because I wanted to experience everything. I was like a little kid
in a candy shop who wanted it all! Despite the extremely cold weather, I had an amazing
time. Everything was new, exciting, and worth looking forward to. Looking back, that year
was nostalgic, especially because Manny was still a thing. It was the beginning of my
Lincoln homecoming journey, and I will always remember the excitement I felt as a
freshman.
Sophomore year, however, was probably the best homecoming I ever experienced.
The weather was beautiful, and I had learned that I did not have to spend money attending
every single event to enjoy myself. I knew which events were worth going to and which ones
I could skip. By then, I had made tons of friends and connections, so the fun felt endless. It
was also my first year living in ASL, and if you know anything about Lincoln homecoming,
you know ASL is the place to be for the afterparty! That year was filled with good memories,
great people, and unforgettable experiences. If I had to choose the year, I had the most
fun, sophomore year would definitely be it.
Junior year was different. It was the scariest homecoming I experienced because it
was the year of the shooting. At first, homecoming was fun and eventful, but I also felt like I
had experienced everything already. It was my third year attending many of the same
events, so nothing really amazed me anymore. The main event I was looking forward to was
Yardfest, and I genuinely enjoyed myself. Thankfully, I returned to my room at what felt like
the perfect time because less than five minutes later, I heard that someone was shooting.
That moment changed everything. My first thought was fear, especially the
possibility that someone I knew could have been seriously injured or even lost their life.
Thankfully, that was not the case for anyone I personally knew, but my heart still goes out
to everyone who was affected. Junior year was a wake-up call. It reminded me that life is
unpredictable and that we should never take our experiences, our safety, or the people
around us for granted.
Now, here I am in my senior year, and my mindset has done a complete 360. I am
eight months pregnant, no longer live on campus, and did not attend any homecoming
events this year. Surprisingly, I did not really feel the urge to attend them, either. The
younger version of me would probably be shocked! I always imagined that I would
experience some sense of missing out, but instead, I feel fulfilled in a completely different
way. My baby girl has brought me a kind of happiness and purpose that I am beyond
grateful for.
This year has taught me that my perspective on life is changing in ways I never
expected. I am no longer just a college student looking forward to the next party or event. I
am a soon-to-be mother working toward earning my degree and making my daughter
proud. I am balancing school, work, pregnancy, and living on my own, and I can honestly
say that I feel like I am handling it well. My priorities have shifted, and I am learning to
appreciate the life I am building for myself and my daughter.
When I think about what homecoming means to me now, I realize that it is more
than the events, the parties, or the memories made over one weekend. It represents
different stages of my life, the friendships I have built, the lessons I have learned, and the
person I have become. Each year has given me something different, and I am grateful for
every experience, even the ones that changed my perspective in difficult ways.
I hoped this year was amazing for everyone who got to experience it. As for me, the
next time I return for homecoming, I will be an alumna! That is a crazy thought, but I am
excited to see what this next chapter holds. Lincoln Homecoming will always be a part of
my college experience, but I am learning that sometimes, growing up means being happy
with where life has you, even when it looks different from what you once imagined.
