Back in 2006, before the use of touchscreen phones, when computers still had boxes behind the screens, I went to my first homecoming bonfire. No, I wasn’t a young genius who got into the University at 5 years old, I was just the son of a long-time employee – my mother, who was ready to watch fireworks and the 50+ foot flame that would soon be lit. I remember looking around and seeing so many faces that I assumed at the time were full-fledged “adults” and feeling very intimidated. My mom kept me pretty close, only allowing me to get 15 or 20 feet from the flame that seemed to heat up the entire commons.
Shortly after the flame started, my mom came across one of her night-class friends, I remember he had an accent. He was very friendly and got down to my level to meet me. He asked me how I was doing and if I was enjoying the show, I remember telling him I loved the fireworks, but I was too small to see the actual flame, only the tip above people’s heads. He felt a little bad for me, so he hoisted me up on his shoulders and let me see the bonfire in its full glory.
I remember the pure heat you could feel as I was now only a few feet from the protecting rope. With the heat you can feel from 60+ feet away and a fireworks show to follow the lighting, this had to be one of the most exhilarating events at the University of Tulsa. Followed by our prestigious band and appreciation ceremony for all of our accomplished students and alumni.
Reflecting now, I notice how much deeper that day really meant to me. I realized the number of diverse and one of a kind faces I saw in those people. People from all walks of life, some from up the street like myself and others who flew across multiple oceans and countries just to experience what I was. I now realize the ebb and flow of the TU environment where students feel not required but compelled to help their surroundings to make the University of Tulsa a better place, a happier place.