Homecoming 2016 displayed a new attitude among Greeks and independents alike in the historically cutthroat competition: unity. But instead of reserving this unified spirit between dorms and sororities for one week of the school year, Hillsdale College students should endeavor to embody this unity August through May.
Women from all three Greek houses praised the Homecoming partnership of “Kappa Chi Phi” and how it strengthened inter-house relations and eased some of the stress of Homecoming Week. Dorms who partnered — like Olds and Koon, Benzing and Galloway — expressed similar sentiments. For many students, partnering with another competitor meant students could help organize Mock Rock and still take time to study for a test, because now you had more people to help. This desire to help one another is evidence of virtue among students. The drive for unity, even in the midst of competition, reveals that our time at Hillsdale may indeed help us grow virtuously.
Collaboration between Greeks and independents shouldn’t end with Homecoming. At Hillsdale, students should realize that — as so aptly stated in the 2006 film “High School Musical” — “we’re all in this together.” The virtue of helping others and the philia-like camaraderie encouraged by Homecoming should be cultivated every week of the school year, not just one week in September when alumni come home. If we can do that, we will become stronger individuals and a stronger community.
