Chidera Duru

The homecoming bonfire on the green was one of the first traditions I heard about when I started my college search in the summer of 2019. It’s so surreal to think that I finally got to experience it in-person for the first time! During the bonfire, the entire class does at least one lap around the bonfire, with upperclassmen and alumni surrounding it. One thing you might not notice from pictures of the bonfire is that there are large rectangular wooden boards built into it. On the days leading up to the bonfire, the boards are laid out for students to come sign their names on them. Knowing that your name is a part of the bonfire and being surrounded by older students and alumni really makes you feel a deep connection to the Dartmouth community.

Dartmouth welcomes so many alumni back home each year for Homecoming weekend. It was so amazing meeting and talking with alumni who were at Dartmouth as far back as the 70s. Even after being away for several years if not decades, you can tell that they feel very much connected to the school and thoroughly enjoyed their time here. The Classes of 1970 and 1971 actually celebrated their 50-year anniversaries this year and so many members of the class who were on the school's football team were so excited to watch the traditional Homecoming football game.

I got to watch my first American football game this weekend. So many Dartmouth students, alumni, friends and family came to support our football team in their homecoming game against yale. Being surrounded by my friends and other Dartmouth students cheering on our team was awesome! Although I’m not sure I entirely understand the game just yet, it was an such an exciting experience, and I’m definitely looking forward to going to more games!