High hopes for Homecoming

High hopes for

OLIVIA DAVIS Columnist @Oliviadiane

One of the most exciting events of the fall semester, without fail, is Homecoming. Homecoming is a college staple, known for bringing students of all types together to celebrate.

A student’s first Homecoming is one of the most anticipated events of their freshman year. However, due to the current state of the world, freshmen are wondering if they have set their expectations a little too high.

One of the things I noticed while choosing a college to attend was all of the colleges loved to brag about their Homecoming festivities. Which college did it first? Which did it best? There’s no real answer to either of those questions, but colleges really seemed to push that their Homecoming was the best Homecoming.

Of course, because of this, my Homecoming expectations were set high. Coming from a smaller high school, the idea of a college Homecoming celebration was magical. All I could imagine were days of parties, parades, games and goofing off. I was excited to see the Homecoming court and take part in all of the events leading up to the big day.

However, the pandemic has changed all of that and more. My entire first semester of college, and every event included in that, has been completely altered. So, I had to take a look back at my expectations for Homecoming. Masks would be on everyone, crowds would be dispersed and the events would be socially distanced.

The realization that Homecoming would no longer be the grand party I had once imagined it to be was not a fun one. To say I was disappointed would be an understatement. My thoughs on how Homecoming was supposed to be were seemingly ruined, it only

Illustration by Sydney Arlt/THE STANDARD Like many other events during the fall semester, Homecoming has seen changes brought on by the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. For instance, some events are canceled completely and other, in-person events are being livestreamed.

led me to think that every other event would inevitably suffer the same.

This thinking is pessimistic, but for a time, it was all I could think. My senior year of high school had already been ruined. Why not my freshman year of college as well? I am sure many other freshmen suffered the same negative thoughts. All I could do was wallow in self-pity.

However, I have come to realize thinking negatively is not going to help. Lamenting the loss of what could have been is never healthy. I am holding tight to my high hopes for Homecoming.

Sure, Homecoming might be different from what I had originally expected, but that does not mean it is inferior. In fact, it could be quite the opposite. This version of Homecoming could be the best Homecoming Missouri State has ever seen, if we simply think of it that way.

While reality might be very different from my original expectations for Homecoming, I am determined to make the most of the situation we are in. A simple change of perspective can change this seemingly dismal circumstance into a fun time for everyone. To anyone whose hopes for Homecoming were dashed, I highly encourage you to do the same, and turn your outlook on everything around. After all, life is only what we ourselves make of it, and with a positive outlook, we can make every Homecoming the best one ever.

Homecoming Queen candidate CARA CONNOR

Sponsored event: MoState Live on Thursday, Oct. 15 at 7 p.m. in Hammons Student Center

ASH GARZA Arts Reporter @Ash_Hufflesnuff

Question: What is your year and major at Missouri State? Answer: I am a senior communications major with double minors in ethical leadership and advertising and promotions.

Q: Where are you from? A: I’m from Lee’s Summit, Missouri. Go Chiefs!

Jaylen Early/THE STANDARD Students can follow Connor’s candidate campaign on Instagram, @cara4queen.

Q: What organization are you representing as a candidate? A: I am representing University Ambassadors.

JACK MCGEE SGA Reporter @jvckmcgee on Instagram

Question: What is your year and major at Missouri State? Answer: I am a senior entertainment management major. Q: Where are you from? A: I am from Springfield, Missouri. Q: What organization are you representing as candidate royalty, if you are representing one? A: I am being supported by both Theta Chi and University Q: What other organizations are you involved in at Missouri State? A: I am also involved in the Student Government Association as the Director of Student Affairs, as well as Alpha Delta Pi. I have also been a part of Homecoming Committee, Greek Week Committee and Fraternity & Sorority Leaders for Social Awareness.

Q: What are some of your hobbies outside of Missouri State? A: Some of my hobbies are hiking, knitting and I also love to binge watch TV shows. Ambassadors. Q: What other organizations are you involved in at Missouri State? A: I am also involved in the Entertainment Management Association and have been a SOAR leader the past two summers. Q: What are some of your hobbies, outside of Missouri State? A: I have always been involved in various sports as well as having an interest in cars. Q: How are you keeping positive amid this COVID-19-impacted semester? A: I am keeping positive by surrounding myself with people who uplift me. The campus community I have formed at MSU has been a blessing through this stressful pandemic, so I am very grateful for all the connections I have made.

Q: What are your plans for post-graduation? A: My post-graduation plans are to pursue my Master’s degree in higher education & student

Homecoming King candidate EVAN ELLIS

Sponsored event: Can We Build It? on Monday, Oct. 12 at 4 p.m. on Trottier Plaza

affairs. Q: How are you keeping positive amid this COVID-19-impacted semester? A: I have started to look forward to events such as Homecoming, rather than focusing on what we have lost, as that makes it easier to stay positive and focused.

Q: What are your plans post-graduation? A: I am currently looking into different internships for the upcoming summer and hope to work with a professional sports franchise alongside completing my MBA online.