It’s finally the Halloween season in Bucks County! As young adults in college, it’s hard to rationalize dressing up in costumes and walking around town to beg neighbors for candy.
However, that doesn’t stop students at Bucks.
Katie Fried, 19, said “I love dressing up! Halloween is my favorite holiday, it’s literally an obsession.”
Students interested in the performing arts share Fried’s obsession. Because actors often dress up in clothes they would not normally wear or identify with, Halloween is the number one holiday that allows these students to practice their talent.
18-year-old performing arts student, Jake Smith, explained, “I am an actor and Halloween is the only night I get to dress up and be someone I’m not.”
The ability to be someone else even for a few hours is often the thrilling part of the holiday. “It’s not the candy, it’s becoming a new person for one day,” Smith said.
Some students find ways for the entire family to be involved together. Fried described family traditions such as themed costumes.
This year Fried’s family plans on doing a Tim Burton theme. Her family also participates in a house decorating contest with fellow neighbors. They all agree to decorate their houses and rate each one on Halloween night.
Obviously, some students are not “too old” to participate in the Halloween festivities. Steph Cruz, 18, said, “I still trick-or-treat because its free candy and I still look 12.”
There is truth and humor to her statement: one thing any college student can get on board with is free anything, especially candy.
Although some students still enjoy trick-or-treating, along with other Halloween related activities, others find themselves too old to participate in the fun any longer.
Leah Miller, 18, said, “I went trick-or-treating up until sophomore year.” She went on to say she used to love dressing up and getting candy. Now that she is a college student, she feels too old for the activity.
Those fortunate enough to have younger siblings have an excuse to still participate in the holiday without judgement. “I take my siblings out now. I profit off of them,” said Miller with a laugh.
For some, judgement from others is enough to prevent them from going out on Halloween night. Just the thought of someone seeing them trick-or-treating is scary on its own.
There are also students who seem to have neutral opinions on Halloween festivities. But, they still feel odd about collecting candy from neighbors.
“Nah, I don’t go trick-or-treating,” Megan Burke, 18, said. “I feel weird doing it because I’m old enough where I have money to buy my own candy.”
Trick-or-treating may be a practice of the past for some students. But, there are still plenty of students at BCCC that enjoy fall, Halloween, and allowing the kid in themselves to be unleashed for just a few hours.