Schools all over are taking part in what has been a long standing tradition, homecoming. Essential for celebrating a full class and graduating or graduated students, homecoming is something observed and noted on everyone’s calendar.

Within the United States, the tradition of coming home games was popular and took form in the 19th century – with a hand full of notable and large universities claiming to have hosted the first official present concept of the entire idea and what we know today.

Trying to capture the perspective of the two differing grades – freshman and senior – was a little tricky. Senior Danielle Ishbaugh discussed the pressures and stress of homecoming in general. Her response summed almost everything up perfectly.

“For me, homecoming isn’t as stressful,” she said. “What’s stressful is all of the crazy expectations that come from it, having to feel like you have to stand to that is stressful.”

Digging a little deeper, when asked what she has learned from her experience at Liberty and what her idea of the general atmosphere of the school feels like, her response was filled with a lot of wisdom.

“Other people’s words don’t matter to me, words can’t bring me down to any level meaning that I am the only one who can decide who can judge or decide for myself,” Ishbaugh said. “We are all individuals and it’s important to be confident enough and not let negative themes from what people say mess us up.”

Her comment was inspirational and something to keep in mind and a good lesson to learn. We have all of this pressure in general, but it’s important to keep a balance of the two and recognize a sense of having fun and being crazy and being goofy for a really amazing evening with friends. Something that freshmen Taylor Ruston and Gracie Masters discussed when asked if picking someone to go with or finding a group.

“Finding someone to ask or to go with is so nerve racking, it’s a little crazy sometimes but there is definitely a push to feeling like you HAVE to go with someone no matter what,” Ruston said.  

Masters replied with something more bold stating that “there can sometimes be too much focus on trying to look your best and makings sure you and your friends or friend have someone to go with – it’s too much to handle and can be exhausting.”

All together, the overall appeal and view on homecoming seemed to be the same. It can be stressful, exhausting to ask people and maintain a standard of style, and gathering up the courage to ask your girl or guy crush can be nerve racking. But, it can also be fun, memorable and something to keep as a memory forever. For Liberty, homecoming means all of that and much, much more.

And no matter what people say or do when expressing how they feel, dressing to the nine and making sure you keep up with the latest trends and gossip isn’t what makes us impressive, attractive or beautiful.

You’re amazing in your own unique way and make-up and cool clothes are amazing yes, but keep your head held high and be confident. Remember the golden rule and have fun being yourself without limits and negativity, it’ll make homecoming that much more fun.