While the other classes got to confer and choose their themes for Homecoming, the freshman were left with the one theme that nobody seemed to want—Atlanta.

Although Atlanta is hardly a major world center, freshman class president Anshuma Siripurapu is optimistic about the theme. CNN and Coca Cola both have headquarters in Atlanta and the city is also hometown to dozens of famous musicians such as Ludacris, who reference the city in their songs. Siripurapu plans on integrating this culture in the freshman’s homecoming, using the city’s music in the Quad Day Dance.

“I think we got a better theme [than previous freshman classes] because a lot of people won’t be nervous if they know they’re going to dance to a popular song,” Siripurapu said. “I think we can [beat the other classes] because our theme is much more connected to our generation [than the others].”

However, not all those involved were equally satisfied with the freshmen’s theme. Vice president Peter Chen felt that Atlanta didn’t have many interesting aspects compared to the other cities and secretary Vishal Goel thought they were getting the short end of the stick.

“We’re freshman; that’s what happens,” Goel said. “[At least] it’s better than Spy Kids.”

Spanish teacher and freshman class advisor Arnoldo Rodriguex said that the major difference in themes showed that the other classes were “discriminating against the freshmen.”

“We don’t know really [what to do],” said Rodriguex. “I feel that it was unfair that they gave these exotic [cities] to the other classes and then Atlanta to the freshmen.”

But despite a less-than ideal theme, the freshmen have high hopes for their quad day performance this year.
“We’re hoping to exceed that freshman expectation [of coming in last],” Siripurapu said. Goel said their goal was to snatch third place by beating either the sophomores or even the juniors, whose class came in fourth place as sophomores last year.

One key strategy the freshman class is trying is to skyrocket participation by encouraging as many people to participate in the quad day dance as possible. Siripurapu feels a great performance would be impressive aesthetically and would improve class spirit. Another advantage of getting lots of people in the quad day is that the individuals would be less intimidated, Chen added.

Meanwhile, the freshmen continue to work hard on their decoration plans and step up to the challenge of their first Homecoming. They also have the added pressure of having to perform first, this Tuesday, Sept. 30.
“We just hope to do our best this year,” said Chen.