As homecoming week comes around the corner, a mix of emotions are rising in response to the different traditions the university and Greek life has for the event. Many of these emotions stem from complaints about pomping hours or having to participate in other events. These complaints are quite unnecessary and are made without any real thought given to why these events are done. I urge those complaining to take the chance to learn why we do what we do for homecoming.

Homecoming allows us the opportunity to show our school spirit, give our school pride, and continue to prove why our university is one of the greatest in the world. It also gives the opportunity to put other organizations, teams and events in the spotlight besides our football team. During homecoming, we are able to showcase how our school has champions not only in sports, but academics and service as well.

Tradition keeps us connected to our past. Tradition reminds us of where we have been, what we have done since and where we are going in the future. Without tradition, we would not value what has brought us to the point we are in today. Our traditions keep us grounded. It proves to us each day that in order to leave our legacy, we must give back as much as possible.

Each game day, tradition follows us. Every game has its own traditional events that are thrown, such as the Elephant Stomp, the Walk of Champions, or the opening march by the Million Dollar Band before the start of the game. Between the outfits we wear, the shakers we adorn, the cheers we chant, it is clear that tradition has made its mark on us. Through each of the individual game day these traditions are celebrated, so why do we continue to be negative about the traditions surrounding homecoming?

Each year, the homecoming committee works so hard to make the events of homecoming an enjoyable experience for all. Countless hours are spent planning and executing each event the week entails. The committee even works to add new events that have potential to become long-lasting traditions that work more with the times and lifestyle of our generation. The events are created to encourage excitement about the week, instead of the negative connotation many hold. We have the opportunity to help continue these events in the future by showing our excitement for these events immediately.

So, as homecoming nears, instead of having a negative opinion about the event, focus more on the opportunity to give our campus and the organization you are representing more pride. While some of the preparation for events are tedious, they are only one week of the entire year, but the impact of properly continued tradition will continue for many years to come. Homecoming is more than pomping, more than obligations. Homecoming is a week long celebration that we are one of, if not the greatest university in the country. The sore hands from pomping will only last a week, but the week of homecoming is an opportunity for you to help leave a legacy forever.

Jinnie Christensen is a junior majoring in political science. Her column runs biweekly.