I cannot stand football.

I have never understood the game. People get injured, and there are many things I’d rather do with my time than watch it. Freshman year of college, I thought I would ignore homecoming since it all led up to a football game. Meanwhile, I had midterms the week after.

But I found homecoming is about so much more than a football game. The final score is important, and everyone wants to know who won or lost the game, but homecoming is an incredible experience.

This is the first time my dorm, Dow House, has partnered with a big group. It’s called Kno-Way-Man and includes Galloway, Koon, and Waterman residences. It has been so much fun.

My roommate is dancing in Mock Rock and is learning choreography and stunts. My housemates have spent hours making posters. My resident assistants have been analyzing the opening hours of the local humane society. Homecoming brings students together.

I plan to participate in the trivia competition and am so excited to volunteer. Students get to participate in activities they have time for, big or small, and know they are making a valuable contribution to the final product.

Those with midterms Friday and those who somehow managed to not have any homework can work toward a common goal based on what they have time for. 

Even people that don’t have any time to prepare for something for homecoming can watch and be there for their team. Hundreds of students attended the banner drop on Sunday night, will watch the smaller competitions, and will pack into the gymnasium Saturday to watch their friends dance in Mock Rock.

So do what you can. Nobody will hold it against you if you can’t do everything. If you can, more power to you – and I hope you  find time to sleep. If you can only go to one event, do it. But you don’t even need to participate to enjoy homecoming.

And no, you don’t have to know how to play football.

Erin Osborne is a junior studying English and journalism.