It’s October, and in the HBCU world, that means it’s time for HOMECOMING. Yes, that wonderful annual event that most of us who didn’t just go to class then go home look forward to. The time where you reunite with old friends, old frienemies, your frat, your sorors, recollect on the good times and the bad times from undergrad, and possibly make some new connections along the way. While those who are currently in undergrad and most likely those who graduated in the last 2-3 years will partake in activities throughout the entire week, the majority of alumni will partake in the events that go from thursday night through sunday afternoon. And although it seems like enough time to cover ground, the weekend usually goes into overdrive, and then you wake up and it’s Sunday and it’s time to go back home. Understandably so, a lot of alumni, regardless of age, go HARD during this time and try to maximize their opportunity for the 72 hours they are in town.
What comes with the territory are some realities that all of us must face whenever someone decides to partake in homecoming. As I checked into my flight earlier today, I was pondering upon all possible scenarios that could happen this weekend, and got myself into the mind state to expect the unexpected and stay ready for it.
With that being said, here are 5 people that, unless you just do not go ANYWHERE, you most likely WILL have to deal with during your 36 hours at Homecoming (along with some honorable mentions).
1. The EX
The majority of us have that person that you went to school with that you “have history” with either when you were in school or once you graduated. And if you two are not on good terms at the time of the breakup (or more importantly not on good/speaking terms now), that encounter will be an awkward one, especially if you run into them AND their new boo/spouse (if they feel confident enough to bring them to homecoming). So many different emotions could enter your head at that exact moment when the encounter happens. However, the best road to take is to just be cordial, keep your head, then keep it moving. Remember, they are your EX “situation” for a reason, especially if you happen to be in a situation your damn self.
2. The one who got “Stephan’d”
You remember that one person back in undergrad who was too (shy/corny/fat/skinny/unattractive), and you may not have seen them in years, then all of a sudden, they show up to the friday night alumni party as if they just took this elixir and became a totally different person. Maybe they got in the gym and made something happen, maybe they finally grew into their big head, maybe they finally went to the dermatologist. But either way, something is DEFINITELY different. Now if said person walks around with confident humility about theirs, then its cool. HOWEVER, if their new found swag comes with a narcissism that’s intolerable, that’s not a good look. Either way, show them their props, and if they do happen to be cool now, rock with it and enjoy.
3. The Known Hoe……………… and their spouse
This one is tricky because of a reason I will expound upon later, but suffice it to say, this is the one girl who slept with the entire defensive secondary of the football team and half of Spring 200x of a fraternity, or the dude who slept with all of the girls on your floor your sophomore year, and about 5 of your line sisters the year after that. YEAH…………. THAT PERSON who you might have slept with your damn self but want to try and act righteous. It’s probably been years since you have seen them; but after some years, you run into them again if you haven’t run into them on Facebook or Instagram already trying to get another taste, and………… they introduce you to their spouse. Of course the first thing that pops into your head is “Who walked down the aisle with THIS HOE?!?”, but 99.99999% percent chance that the spouse did not go to undergrad with you, them, or anyone in their 2nd or 3rd degree network (LinkedIn users know about that), and has NO clue about his/her past exploits. However, this is a time that you keep your grit, have a brief elevator conversation, and (once again) keep it moving. After all, maybe he/she had a come to Jesus moment, went celibate, got his/her life together, and found the right person for them.
4. The One that Got Away (or you should have at least gotten at back in the day)
This person could concurrently be #2 on this list, but when you run into this person, the most likely first emotion that enters is regret. This could be someone that was feeling you back in the day, and you could have had them if you wanted to, BUT you decided to pass on them thinking that “you could do better”. OR, it’s that person that YOU wanted, but for some reason, you never made your interest known, and you let years pass by and nothing ever happened. Now, this person could be married now (or YOU are married), which means that all you can do is sit and wonder what could have been (hindsight is 20/20). Then again, both of you could actually be single enough and, who knows, this could be the opportunity to make up for lost time. Either way, there’s nothing wrong with thinking back on the old times, but either way it goes, stay in your lane.
5. The One(s) you won’t Let out of your Bubble of Perception
I can’t let this one pass because we are ALL guilty of this one. Given that I have written on this topic before, I won’t go into too much detail. This person (or set of people) could very well fall into #2 or #3, and a lot of other categories, but you have to do what you can, in theory, to “empty your cup” of those people. Think about if you have worked over the years to self-improve, and people still hold you to who you used to be, and how you would feel. Although you say you don’t care, you would care a little and subconsciously feel some type of way about it. So, simply put, to use an old phrase “don’t dish it out, if you can’t take it”. Take people for who they are TODAY and ……………………………………… ah hell, who am I kidding? You only have 72 hours in town, you ain’t got time to get to know the new version of people you don’t rock with in the first place. LOL
So in summary, make sure you keep your head during homecoming weekend (alcohol is NOT an excuse), embrace every situation you are faced with (because God put you in it for a reason), and just have a GOOD TIME!! See you on the yard!!!
Honorable Mentions:
- Mr. or Ms. YOLO – the person who spends an entire paycheck on tables and bottles. After all, you only live once. This person could also be #2.
- The guy/girl with the Hall Pass – since they left their boo/spouse at home, they are clearly looking to have some things stay at homecoming, except diseases, children, and/or a stalker.
- The Perp – this is the person who thinks they can front like they went to the school, or they think they can perp a NPHC org and get away with it at homecoming without proper validation, given that people won’t care to verify them like that.
- The interracial couple (for HBCU’s only) – Self-explanatory, and those who know do understand the exceptions that will not get you the side eye.
- The “out of place” boo – the one who, no matter what, just can’t seem to fit in or have a good time with their SO, and you should have just left them at home.
If there are any that I missed, definitely feel free to leave a comment below.
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