Close to ten months ago, I made a bold claim. We don’t have Vandal Pride.
I uttered those fated words knowing that I would rustle some old-head feathers. And that I did. The response to my column was far more negative than any other opinions I’ve publicly shared.
I think some alumni took it personally, which I surely had no intention of doing. Though, it’s nice to see Vandals who do feel passionately about our school, especially given the times.
The Fall 2021 semester marks the beginning of the long road to normalcy. Classes are in-person! Events are being held! Memories are being made! Despite those positive affirmations, everything is still plagued by the subliminal conversation of COVID-19. I won’t harp on it. We’ve heard it be picked apart for nearly two years, it’s time to move on.
Luckily, an opportunity has been presented to us. Homecoming is making its full-fledged return next week. Coming from a student who has never participated in the highly anticipated week, I’m excited and a bit unsure.
I don’t know how it works or what we do. My vague understanding is that a lot of alumni come and it’s simply a fun time.
If there were any time to reenter the Vandal spirit, it would be next week. You’ll be surrounded by graduated Vandals who hold a tremendous amount of pride for this university. Furthermore, you’ll be immersed in a weeklong fest that invites unapologetic school patriotism.
We might as well dive-in headfirst.
This coming week I’m looking to take more chances and make more connections. I want to get in touch with the side of me that decided to attend UI. Perhaps I’ll be looking through rose-tinted glasses, but I think we’ve all earned that for a week.
I encourage everyone to participate in any way they can. Sign up for the competition events, go to rallies, go the Serpentine, go to the football game or do whatever you think it means to be a Vandal.
Though my opinion hasn’t changed—Vandal Pride is lacking on campus. We still have a long, long way to go to rejuvenate the livelihood. Homecoming will not be our cure all. But it is sure as hell a step towards the right direction.
I hope you all prove me wrong. I hope the Vandal Pride is more than evident, I will certainly be looking to practice the same virtues. Who knows? I might end Homecoming week having a completely different perspective. I can only hope!
This story has been updated to add a missing sentence
Carter Kolpitcke can be reached at [email protected].