In recent years, I have noticed that a distaste for school activities has become almost expected of students. If you like school activities, or heaven forbid actually attend them, then you can be shunned by your fellow classmates.

Take a moment, and try to remember those painfully awkward middle school dances. The dance consisted of standing up against a wall, in true police line-up formation, while bad music played and chaperones continually told you to get out there and dance.

Perhaps this is where the dislike stems from. To this day, I still can’t enter a middle school gym without breaking into a cold sweat. However, if past experiences are clouding your view of current school activities, then it is time to move on.

Students use a plethora of words to describe school activities, including lame, boring and pointless. They will argue that it “won’t be any fun” and “no one even goes” to these activities.

But, let’s try to be real for a moment: It’s okay to enjoy school activities, especially in college. Remember, the activity itself doesn’t matter as much as the attitude you have.

With homecoming week quickly approaching, I think it’s time to dispel the stereotypes and stigmas that surround school activities.

Let’s start by looking at the biggest bonus of school activities: free food. Most, if not all, school activities provide some type of free food.

If you aren’t excited about free food, then you aren’t living the true college experience. Any deviation from your normal sandwich, ramen or mac and cheese should be enough to pique your interest.

Also, it is worth noting that these activities are free. If you have the time to attend a free activity, why wouldn’t you? These activities can be a great way to meet new people and do something you might not get the chance to try again.

Lastly, if you think college activities aren’t fun, then maybe the activity isn’t the only thing to blame. Perhaps you need a refresher on how to have fun. You ultimately have control of your college experience, so make it a good one.

You won’t be in college forever, so it isn’t worth it to pretend that you’re too cool for these activities. Nor should you let others dictate how much you participate in the college experience.

It can be easy to fall into a group of friends who deem themselves too cool to go to the homecoming dance or to see a special guest lecture. When all the other voices are coming up with a million and half reasons not to go, try being the person that suggests just stopping by.

People may be afraid to admit they want to attend an activity hosted by the school, so a small nudge of encouragement may be just what is needed to get the ball rolling. And when it comes down it, you will regret not going more than you will actually going.

So stop by the dance, lecture, movie night or any other activity that catches your eye, and learn to enjoy yourself.