Somewhere along the way, school spirit became something we expect to see at events rather than something we actively contribute to. I don’t know about y’all, but I want to experience the excitement that comes with Homecoming, being in a packed gym and making awesome memories through our CBC traditions. But what happens once the events are over? Where does the pride of being a Mustang go?
College is supposed to be some of the best years of our lives. It’s a time for making friends, discovering new passions, attending events and creating memories that will stay with us long after graduation. However, those experiences don’t just happen. They require effort. If we want CBC to feel like a community, then we have to help make it one.
School spirit means showing up for each other. Pulling up to Fine Arts events even if we don’t know anyone there. Supporting student organizations, getting involved in campus activities, cheering for athletic teams and hyping each other up. Sometimes, school spirit simply means pushing yourself out of your comfort zone.
Now, I will say, I’m a pretty busy girl. I physically can’t make it to every single event. You don’t have to attend every event on campus to be a good student. We all get busy with classes, jobs and responsibilities. Not to mention, we all have around 50 assignments to do. Sometimes, we just don’t want to get dressed and leave our beds. Trust me, I completely understand. But there’s a difference between being busy and never making an effort.
One of the best things about attending a smaller college is the opportunity to get to know people. We have the chance to build relationships, support our peers and participate in traditions that make our campus unique. That’s much harder to do if we all keep to ourselves.
Throughout the year, there are plenty of events we look forward to such as Homecoming, Welcome to the Stampede, Fall Hay Day, the Chamber Choir concert and athletic events. But these events can only be as successful as the people supporting them. We can’t expect Student Services, faculty and student organizations to put in all the effort to make campus life exciting. Students have a responsibility to contribute, too.
School spirit doesn’t have to look the same for everyone. Maybe you’re the one cheering from the crowd, helping organize an event, performing on stage or simply encouraging a friend. All of these things contribute to the atmosphere of CBC. You don’t have to be the loudest person in the room to show that you care.
So, where to start? Attend an event you wouldn’t normally go to. Support a student organization that isn’t your own. Show up to a sports game. Ask a friend to get involved with you. Hype up your classmates’ achievements. Be proud of the little traditions that make CBC, CBC.
We won’t be on campus forever. Before we know it, we’ll be walking across the graduation stage, packing our things and moving on to the next chapter of our lives. When that time comes, we should have more memories than just sitting in classrooms and completing assignments. We should remember the people, traditions and community we helped create.
School spirit isn’t something we should expect to receive when we get our student IDs. It’s something we have to build together. Wear your blue, show up, cheer loud, support your peers and show people what it means to be a Mustang.
