Editor’s Note: All opinion section content reflects the views of the individual author only and does not represent a stance taken by The Collegian or its editorial board.

Now, I know what you must be thinking. You read the title of this article and thought, “But isn’t Homecoming mostly for the alumni of Colorado State University? Why would we want to extend the activities to occur throughout the week?” The answer is because there are students like me who work all weekend and would like to partake in the festivities, too.

Ever since my first year, I have had the unfortunate joy of working when most of the homecoming activities have happened. And now that I actually have people I want to spend the weekend with, I have to sacrifice missing work or missing out on a social life.

“I could just attend the football game and then feel as though I have done my Homecoming festivities. The issue is that doesn’t make it any more special than the weekends when we have football games and I try to rush over after work.”

Therefore, the best solution for those of us who want to be able to attend the Homecoming festivities but not miss out on the hours they need to work to pay for their fun is to extend the activities into the week. This way, all CSU students can be a part of the fun and enjoy being a part of their school community without feeling like they are missing out because the weekend is targeted toward our alumni.

The students of CSU are just as much a part of the CSU community as the alumni. This is why those of us who don’t have traditional work schedules would like the opportunity to get immersed in the Homecoming fun as well — even if it is just for one day or one activity.

I mean, for me, having an event on Tuesday and Thursday evenings that I could do would make me feel more connected to the Homecoming weekend and realize it was here. This would be better than hearing the fireworks go off on Friday night and remembering it is Homecoming weekend.

At that point, I am already nearing the end of my shift as they are nearing the end of the night. So I just get to search for the fireworks outside the windows of my work rather than enjoy the bonfire and food trucks on The Oval.

I could just attend the football game and then feel as though I have done my Homecoming festivities. The issue is that doesn’t make it any more special than the weekends when we have football games and I try to rush over after work.

Besides, that was all I did my first year, too. There was never a year when I had the opportunity to join and attend the events for the entire weekend of Homecoming. So let’s just extend the weekend out a few days so we all get the chance to enjoy the festivities. Even if our parents aren’t able to come into town for those festivities, it would still be fun.

But in case parents have nontraditional work schedules like their students, it would allow them to enjoy Homecoming & Family Weekend festivities and still go do their work on the weekend.

I know Homecoming in college is supposed to be different from Homecoming in high school, but even a week full of wacky dress-up days might help.

Reach Dominique Lopez at letters@collegian.com or on Twitter @caffeinateddee6.