The Homecoming Post

The memories of Homecoming 2004 at IU are going to be part of the greatest moments of my life. I've really enjoyed every bit of the weekend.

Throughout the whole thing, from the interviews to being on the football field at halftime of the homecoming game (IU won!), I never felt nervous. I was just focused on enjoying the moment, thanking all those who made this possible and really recognizing the accomplishments of the other members of the Court- a Wells Scholar, presidents of organizations, editors of literary magazines, musicians, a representative of Young Life- individuals who were just as driven as me to follow their dreams and to change all that's around them with their mere presence.

I'm going to look back at this time and realize how lucky I am to have been part of something so blissful and satisfying. Though I'll probably be worrying about the real life I'm about to face again, I can say that I've seen a piece of life from the perspective of the social elite, and although I enjoy every little morsel of it, I know that I can live without having to feel it again. It is past me; I could live without being known by the whole world and I walk on, my eyes focused on other things more endearing and more lasting.

So to recap the events of homecoming:

The Parade: An absolute thrill. I rode in a Jeep with Sarah, and we tossed Tootsie Rolls to the little kids anticipating an early Halloween treat. We heard alumni and students and faculty cheering and yelling and clapping, and we cheered and yelled and clapped back to them. I took pictures of the well-wishers, who eagerly watched all the floats pass by, from the Shriners to the Equestrian Club to the various cultural organizations.

As we went down 3rd Street, past the fraternities and sororities on our left, we saw brothers and sisters cheering and clapping for us. It was satisfying; the Greek population that I've been so opposed to for so long seemed sincere in their recognition, and even if the President of the Panhellenic Council was standing right next to me, I knew that I could look at each one of them straight in the eye and say, "Ha, Hoosier Daddy now?"

Country music blared from Alison (our driver)'s radio, and we rode off into the sunset, turning onto Indiana Ave and getting off our float at the Pep Rally stage.

The Pep Rally: Quite mild. I was expecting more exuberance, particularly from the football players. I didn't feel as if the whole crowd was truly into the experience. A shame, considering what it means to come back home to your school, taking pride and stock at your memories and knowing that because you were there, the school was better, or at least you found yourself.

The winners were Walter Mitchell for Homecoming King, and Sarah King and Cassandra for Co-Queens. Yes, I didn't win, but I think this is an occasion where another of my favorite Bible verses come into play:

Every athlete in training submits to strict discipline, in order to be crowned with a wreath that with not last; but we do it for one that will last forever (1 Corinthians 9:25)

I love recognition. I think being the child of immigrants, you tend to savor every little comfort, every little victory that comes. After a while though, you see how it can pollute your views on life. You seek gratification in anything that results in you coming out with the advantage, so much so that you don't care about how much it affects other people. I think that's why it's so important to have your family to lean on, so that they can keep you on a good path, with a pure and loving heart. As I grow more disciplined in my actions, I am one step closer to a lasting goal- entrance through the doors of heaven.

So now I'm left with memories that will grow sweeter with each passing day, wondering if I did everything I wanted to do with this moment. I may have given my rose away, but did I get my fair share of the proverbial nectar, or did I keep the thorns?

Again, I must look back at some of the people who have made me who I am- when I realize that I have friends who have such character that they would not think of you any more or any less because you may get honored in one way or another. Friends who care for you so much that they don't want you to settle, but to achieve for a greater end.

I believe friends are the empowerers of the destined. Thank you all so much.

"I love you guys." - Gene Hackman in "Hoosiers"