From the football game, to the lip sync battle, to a fairytale-themed scavenger hunt, this year’s homecoming, “Once Upon a Laker,” provides students with plenty of opportunities to get involved on campus. Homecoming events are opportunities to learn, to meet people, to have fun and to be an active part of the Grand Valley State University community; students should take advantage of these opportunities.

For the most part, the events scheduled for homecoming week have been created by students, for students. Going to these events not only shows your school spirit, but it also shows support for the hard work your fellow Lakers have put in to organizing these events. 

The highlight of homecoming has always been the football game. GVSU’s football team has begun to hit its stride. With Saturday’s win over Michigan Tech, the Lakers showed that they’ll be in the mix for the GLIAC title for the rest of the season. This weekend’s game against Findlay (4-3) will be another real test for GVSU. The Oilers feature one of the top pass offenses in Division II, and the Lakers could find themselves in a crowd-pleasing shootout for the homecoming game.

For the first time, homecoming festivities will include an educational aspect. If sporting events aren’t your thing, you can focus on the idea of giving back to the community. GVSU is partnering with the Michigan Bone Marrow Association to organize a bone marrow donation drive. There will be tables in the Kirkhof Center on Oct. 21 and 22 to explain what it means to donate bone marrow. This is a great way to be involved with the GVSU community in a way that also benefits those in need. 

In addition to the educational events, homecoming activities can provide much-needed relief from the stress of classes. A great event for a few laughs to help you take a break from those midterms and semester projects is the homecoming show.  Performing in the Fieldhouse Arena at 8 p.m. on Oct. 22, Jay Pharoah & Aidy Bryant from “Saturday Night Live” will perform a comedy act. Laughter and comedy are great ways to deal with stress and feel happier in general.  This year, homecoming weekend also coincides with College of Liberal Arts and Sciences Dean Fred Antczak’s Fall Breather. Theoretically, this means that students will have a homework-free weekend in order to fully enjoy the homecoming festivities.

Not only is it important to take a break from your studies once in a while, but being involved in homecoming activities is a part of being in college. It’s important to have well-rounded experiences in college and this means taking part in activities that aren’t necessarily required for you to get that diploma. College is incredibly stressful, and this is one of those opportunities for students to make some happy memories. 

Go ahead, participate in the trivia competition, see the football game, dance in the lip sync and go to the comedy show. It’s all a part of being an active member on campus and making the most of your time here. Goodness knows we deserve a little fun.