Heather Mangen

It has been said that Hobo Day is about the parties and drinking. It’s also about the parade and the football game. But at my first Hobo Day, I couldn’t care less about any of those things.

I was 8 years old, and it was the first time I had ever been on the SDSU campus. My dad is a graduate of SDSU, and he wanted us all to go and experience Hobo Day. Some would say that bringing three small children to Hobo Day only a few years after the riots is nuts; but hey, that’s my dad.

We left Pierre about 6 a.m. and got to Brookings in time for the parade. I remember being way too cold and the band being way too loud. I was also upset because there was no candy.

As the band came around, so did the Jackrabbit mascot. I thought he was the coolest thing. It was a walking, dancing bunny — who wouldn’t be excited? As the giant bunny approached, I became excited because I thought that the bunny was going to come shake my hand, but I was wrong. Instead he stole my little brother and ran off with him.

I had mixed feelings. On the one hand, I was extremely jealous. But I was also happy because I thought I would never have to see my little brother again. But soon, much to my disappointment, the bunny returned my brother.

After the parade, my dad gave us a tour around campus. He showed us the library and other important places on campus. I remember telling myself that I wanted to go here when I was older. But I didn’t think that I actually would.

We then headed to the game. I have never been so miserable. I lost a shoe somewhere ,and all I had to cover my feet were my nice dress shoes. They were not warm or comfortable. My feet felt like ice, and I couldn’t move them. I went through a lot of cups of hot chocolate that day.

I don’t like football, so I was not interested in the game whatsoever. I can’t even tell you whom we were playing or if we even won. I had more fun playing with my blue and gold pompom that my parents bought me earlier that day.

My first Hobos Day didn’t mean a whole lot to me, but I think that my first one as a student will mean much more.To share a slice of your life with the campus, email [email protected].