Face-Off: Is Homecoming worth the hype?

Leila Elrgdawy

Students walk through darkened halls after decorating during Homecoming Week 2018. In the Crier’s “Face-Off” article, students debate whether Homecoming is all it’s hyped up to be.

Homecoming: one of the pivotal events in a high school student’s life. But is it really worth the hype? Conant Crier News Co-Editor Morgan James and writer Aparna Sarma debate the importance of attending Homecoming.

Morgan: I think Homecoming is an amazing experience for high school students; it’s such a fun time. The spirit week, the football game, and the dance are ideal high school experiences that I think everyone should participate in.

Aparna: Sometimes, I feel like Homecoming is just about the hype. Of course, there’s nothing wrong with enjoying a typical high school experience, but it feels like a let-down when teachers and students promote Homecoming as one of the best events of our whole lives. It barely lives up to our expectations. In that sense, Homecoming is more about the concept than the experience.

Morgan: I think the experience of Homecoming is what you make of it. If you’re excited with your friends and want to go to have a good time, you will, but if you have a negative attitude and outlook on it, you’re not going to have a fun time.

Aparna: For some reason, there’s been a widespread problem for students our age: a lot of people have social anxiety or are really socially awkward. Many students don’t really like the whole crowdedness of it all, or the loud music, and people everywhere. I know a lot of people would rather spend time with their friends somewhere else.

Morgan: I understand that although Homecoming isn’t for everyone, it is worth a shot to see whether or not it’s for you. Some of the younger students already have their minds made up, but it’s worth trying it out before you make a decision on how you feel about Homecoming.

Aparna: Another good point people make is the amount of money it takes to actually go to Homecoming and participate in all the activities. Most people who go to Homecoming usually spend quite a bit of money getting ready for the event, and then they go to dinner at a nice place, not to mention pay tickets for the dance itself. Some people aren’t willing to spend that much money on one night.

Morgan: I think that you can definitely participate in Homecoming on a budget. You can do your hair, makeup, and nails yourself or just pick one thing to get done professionally. You don’t have to go out to dinner at an extravagant, expensive place and your outfit doesn’t have to cost an extreme amount, either. You only spend the amount of money you want to. You can totally do Homecoming without spending an astronomical amount of money, which many perceive to be true.

Aparna: I think there are some obstacles you just can’t overcome, such as strict parents. Parents usually have the final say in such matters, so whether or not you can go at all depends on how lenient your parents are. People who aren’t really brought up here in American culture might find it hard to understand why such functions occur, or what their significance is, and won’t let their kids go.

Morgan: That’s certainly an obstacle that you can’t overcome. I understand it’s a reason people don’t go to Homecoming, but it’s one of those reasons that varies depending on one’s family.

+6