Jonathan Meyer.

Sitting in Spanish class when I was a freshman in high school, I remember the teacher explaining to us what homecoming was really about. She put it quite bluntly, saying something along the lines of “it’s in the name”,and explaining that it’s about alumni coming back to enjoy where they’re from.

That day sticks with me for many reasons, partially because I felt like that’s not what a homecoming week ever felt like exactly. It felt like teenagers having an excuse to yell at a pep rally and younger kids having the opportunity to wear pajamas and dress up at school. Not quite all about past graduates stopping in to say hello.

Don’t get me wrong, I love the festivities included in a modern homecoming but struggled to find that connection to the past students.

This past week was my college’s homecoming week. To be totally transparent, I haven’t given much attention to the event while in college. With additional roles and responsibilities, I decided I should go all in.

To start I felt a lot of pressure from my on-campus job, I love being on the grounds crew! I was sent out through campus with a weedwacker and leaf blower to tidy things up. Funny enough I ran into our college President, Dr. Ehretsman. After she recognized me and we talked a bit, she had one final request: make sure that the fountain and flowerbeds were nice and cleaned up! Talk about nerve wracking.

On Homecoming Saturday, everything was all alum centric. Seeing old graduates in the parade, a packed stadium for the football game, and a rather tipsy friend I met in September.

As I sit and reflect on what made this homecoming my most impactful one to this point, I am reminded of one simple fact. All the alumni that returned for a few days are in massive amounts of loan debt! Why wouldn’t you come visit the place you owe thousands of dollars to attend, must’ve been worth it! In all seriousness, I’ll be in the same boat next year.

Until I’m repaying my loans, I’m Just Jonathan.