Students discuss expectations for Fall homecoming parade

Jasiel Lopez / Contributing Writer

Saturday, Nov. 4, 2017, from 3 p.m. – 4:30 p.m., FIU’s Modesto Maidique Campus will demonstrate its Panther Pride as the Homecoming Parade rolls through.  The Homecoming Parade, according to the online participation packet, is an opportunity for the FIU community of students, faculty and alumni to showcase their school spirit while enjoying a procession of floats, “spirit cars,” and walking brigades.

Students at the MMC campus are excited for the upcoming festivities. For Yashaswi Tapadia, a freshman majoring in international business, it’s her first time being a part of an event like homecoming week.

“I am just excited to see the excitement; everyone cheering FIU and yelling ‘Go Panthers!’” Tapadia said.

Tapadia also plans to attend the Homecoming football game Saturday, Nov. 5 at 7 p.m. FIU will be competing against The University of Texas at San Antonio.

“I think it’s a big thing because when we compete against other schools, everybody is like ‘GO FIU!’ and this [school] spirit comes out,” Tapadia said.

For Alejandra Villar, a sophomore majoring in international business from Honduras, said the Homecoming parade is a chance to get the “American experience.”

“It’s my first time looking at a parade at Homecoming. We don’t know what to expect, because it’s different from our countries,” Villar said. “Homecoming is such a big part of the United States.”

There were 3,187 international students attending FIU for the 2016-2017 academic year, according to the Office of International Student and Scholar Services. These international students represent 125 different countries around the world.

Vinicio Mejia, a senior majoring in international business, is a recent transfer student from the Dominican Republic and like Villar, is also excited to attend his first Homecoming, meet new people and get “more in touch with the FIU experience.”

“It’s my first American experience,” Mejia said. “I hope it’s like I see in all the movies.”

The Homecoming Council was unavailable for comment.

Photo by PantherNOW