By Kassidy Tsikitas | Photographer
Baylor Homecoming traditions help bridge the gap for out-of-state students by hosting unique community experiences. Many states don’t indulge in the spirited football games or the big homecoming traditions that Texas has.
Take my home state of New Jersey, for example. At Rutgers University, homecoming is often combined with Parents Weekend. Although its football game can get as rowdy as Baylor’s, its traditions are a lot more lax. Students in Greek Life gather for mixers the day of the football game, while the university itself hosts various dinners in the dining halls and a small celebration on the Rutgers Boardwalk.
I not only applied myself to the Texas homecoming culture but also enhanced my school spirit. The meaning of “homecoming” is finally appreciating where you are and who you will become.
Baylor Homecoming dates back to 1909, when the university hosted the nation’s first collegiate homecoming. The traditions of the week create a feeling of finding your place on campus — and they’re not only for current students but also for returning alumni. The traditions give us stories to tell and experiences to share with our future families. It might seem like just a one-week event, but it builds lifetime memories.
Baylor Homecoming can certainly be a culture shock for out-of-state students. Before coming to Baylor, I was curious about my first real homecoming experience — and it was very interesting, to say the least, with a parade early in the morning, an 11 a.m. game after and several events in the preceding days, such as Pigskin Revue and the bonfire. Baylor Homecoming may test your stamina, but it’s worth it. Completing a week full of time-honored traditions helps you fit into your new environment.
After my first homecoming, I saw that this annual event plays a pivotal role for students in determining whether they have found their place on campus. Engaging in community-oriented events such as the parade, the bonfire and the football game gives them special experiences to bond over for the rest of their lives. Baylor Homecoming serves as a rite of passage for students. It’s about not only the traditions but also the journey you take within these four years.
Freshmen, enjoy your first Baylor Homecoming. Whether you are from Texas, out-of-state or are an international student, it is worth the experience, and you’ll form lifelong bonds with fellow Baylor students. Some may say it’s an overhyped event, but I think it is one for the ages.
