Dear Class of 2024,

Congratulations! You are almost finished with your first semester of college. Seems just like yesterday you were moving into your residence hall, meeting new people, and trying to find your way around campus. You may have heard or seen people on social media talking about homecoming. Sadly that is another event that you will not be able to experience right now, but I am here to give you a little taste of what the homecoming experience is like.

Close your eyes and go back to homecoming in high school, now erase that memory. College homecoming is a pretty cool time, but an HBCU homecoming it’s an experience that you have never experienced before. It is a week long experience, filled with great people, great food, and good vibes.

Typically you have different events put on by students like comedy shows, concerts with your favorite artists, and many more great things. That typically happens Monday- Thursday. A tip that I will give you is that you still must attend classes that week, unless your professor says otherwise. I’m giving you this tip because you may hear your upperclassmen friends saying that they aren’t going, which is their own choice, but you will have those professors that will say if you don’t attend class this week you will be penalized.

Now you may notice that campus is looking a little more full on Friday, because typically that is when alumni have arrived to pay homage to their alma mater and connect with colleagues. The best advice that I can give you is to network and be on your best behavior when you see them. Alumni have already been through college, and know the different struggles that you may be experiencing. Alumni are typically always ready to help when needed. The best time to network is when alumni come into your classes that work within industries connected to your major. Be sure to ask as many questions that you can. For me personally at Central State University, instead of having a regular class we have alumni come in and talk with us.

Saturday is when things really turn up. You’ll see thousands of people everywhere, some old, some young, the smell of soul food will fill your nose, and your ears will be filled with a mixture of the band playing, screaming football fans, as well as the song Swag Surf being played in the background. As you walk around you see everyone in your school colors, laughing, line dancing, and taking pictures. Another great thing about an HBCU homecoming is the opportunity to support black businesses. Whether that be buying food, drinks, or clothes, if you can support. Fast forward to Saturday night students load into the gymnasium to watch their favorite artist perform. Sunday is usually a chill day, so not much goes on, as alumni are preparing to return back to their respective cities, or students recover from their previous night of fun.

We all are saddened by the fact that homecoming could not be in person this year, but we do want to thank the universities that did their best by having a virtual homecoming. In order to be able to have that great in person homecoming experience everyone must do their part by continuing to wear your mask, social distance, and wash your hands.