Hi everyone! Last weekend, I officially experienced my first Homecoming (not just college Homecoming, but my first-ever Homecoming!). As an international student, Homecoming was one of my most anticipated experiences here at Amherst. If I’m being honest, it took me longer than it should’ve to understand that Homecoming wasn’t just about a big football game, but also a time for alumni to return to Amherst, reminisce about the memories they had here, and reflect on how Amherst has led them to where they are today. It was incredible to see the sheer amount of alumni that were present throughout the weekend, and also seeing the amount of school spirit during the games! Homecoming weekend is packed with different events, but here are the two main events I attended!
Black Alumni Dinner
My Homecoming endeavours started by attending a Black Alumni Weekend event: the Black Alumni Homecoming Dinner in the Powerhouse. This involved a networking reception, incredible food (I’m still thinking about the Mac and Cheese), a speech from President Michael Elliot, as well as a panel discussion with some black alumni! The entire evening was largely inspiring, hearing the different pathways people have gone onto since graduating, and how their experiences at Amherst have developed them. Black Alumni Weekend takes place every other year during Homecoming, a place to celebrate black excellence and scholarship.
Football Game
The Homecoming football game was also my first ever football game! Unfortunately, I am still trying to understand the ropes of American football. However, I was very much aware of the Amherst vs Williams rivalry, and experiencing it with a huge crowd of people was a surreal experience. Although my understanding of the game was very limited, I very quickly got involved in the cheering, screaming, and chanting. The game was very tight towards the end, a close 14-13 with only a few minutes left, which is when I REALLY started getting invested. However, luckily, the whistle blew, confirming our win, and everyone began storming onto the field in celebration, which of course I had to run down and join in (which is when the picture above was taken!) My friend, Isla, in the picture, is also an international student from the UK, so it was great to experience our first homecoming together! I was stunned by the amount of people attending the game; not only were the bleachers full, but all around the football field was filled with people and various tents based on departments, class years, affinity groups, family, etc.
Some doubts I’ve heard about smaller liberal arts colleges like Amherst are their lack of school spirit and sports culture; however, Homecoming weekend was the perfect time where everyone showed up filled with school spirit. (especially since we were against Williams!) Homecoming will continue to be an event I look forward to each year!
Thank you for reading! Feel free to email me asibandauwakata29@amherst.edu with any questions.
See you next week !!