College students and Halloween.

How many of us dressed up as kids? Most of us did right? Whether it was an animal, a fairy tale character, a TV show character-- it was fun to let our imaginations run wild. Then, out we went into our neighborhoods, running or excitedly walking up to each house in hopes of delicious treats awaiting to be placed in our bags. If we had behaved and waited patiently, our parents would let us have one or two pieces of candy. The joy was seen through smiles and laughter. Then, we grew up and we became teens, then young adults, only having the chance to dress up for school or hand out candy to other young kids.

Now, when you mention Halloween, trick-or-treating and candy to college students, we get all excited, expressing ideas of what to dress up as. We yearn for candy, we breathe a little easier, and we have something to look forward to. It's like we become little kids all over again!

Here are the three reasons why I love trick-or-treating on campus:

1. Having a group of friends to explore campus with!

There is nothing worse than going trick-or-treating alone on campus. There has to be at least someone, if not more, to go with you! Having a friend with me as we were both freshman last year, we were able to conquer together. This year, my group of friends and I have established costumes and will go around as a group.(Because with society being spoiled by using a GPS, using a map will be an experience for us. We think we know where we're going, and we should as sophomores, but you never know). Being in a group of friends, helps us to relieve stress and have fun in each other's company.

2. Candy!

What more could I ask for after midterm week than candy? The map of campus will show us where to get the candy--Snickers, Reeses, Milky Way, Hershey---you name it. All the sugar in the world just under our fingertips. Most of us will claim that we don't need candy (because of the Freshman 15 and that generally, it's not healthy), but deep down, we want it so bad. Midterms made us frustrated, impatient, happy, sad, irritated.....so we just need this opportunity to have fun and eat.

3. Being able to dress up and see the professors dress up!

What is nice about campus is that the professors and staff join in on the fun! There are professors who look forward to seeing us in our costumes, and in turn, dress up as well. The costumes are unique because on campus we're not limited by a dress code like a public school. We are able to express ourselves a bit more freely than previous years. Yes, we still have to watch what we wear, but we're mature enough that we can decide or have a friend help us.

Whatever you do to celebrate Halloween, don't forget to do it with the ones close to you--family, friends, co-workers--because that is what counts and matters the most. Here's to another successful and fun Halloween!