Maybe I am just an outsider with foreign ideals, or perhaps many of you share the same view as me on the matter of school spirit. Where is our school spirit? Why doesn’t this exist beyond the hype of Varsity and an annual rivalry-fuelled rugby match? Varsity isn’t the classiest example, as I fear not being able to distinguish beer or piss that rain from balconies above. Come to think of it, the ongoing Leeds Met/Leeds Uni rivalry is one of the few things I can think of that resembles school spirit.

Coming from a sports angle, I am sure all athletes would agree when I say that we wish we had more supporters for our games. I understand we are all busy with our lives, and you may ask yourselves, why would I want to watch a game with people I don’t even know? Well, that’s how the system of school spirit works: to support students and the bigger picture of the University – not out of obligation, but because you want to be there. We want to have pride in our University, yet many of us treat University as a rite of passage; a place we go to acquire a degree, in frail hopes of getting a job afterwards. Many of you may be thinking, no, I love Leeds! And yes, you might, but is it Leeds as a City that you love, or the University, the institution? Many students love Leeds Uni, but there doesn’t seem to be a legacy of pride left at Leeds. Will you be wearing your Leeds Uni gear after you graduate? Will your children be wearing it too?

Maybe I’ve been too influenced by my upbringing in a pseudo-American high school in China, which was packed with Varsity sports, school mascots, and cheerleaders. Perhaps I am out of line asking UKinstitutions to alter its ways when I am influenced by US traditions. It definitely isn’t for everyone to experience University games where people don themselves in school colours, shout school chants, and maximize the capacity of a University-owned stadium with 100,000 seats. But although it may sound overbearing to some, I think it’s nice to know that there is a high level of support and emotional attachment to your University. And this doesn’t only involve sports, but all types of events. This positive mentality is infectious – and can even foster a better learning environment, as students feel more motivated to do well in a place they love. Embracing fond memories of the University creates a closer bond between students, alumni, and even teachers.

We can take baby steps to pursue a direction that feels comfortable for Leeds Uni. I think that keeping existing traditions is vital to keep the school spirit alive. On the whole, I have loved my time here, but it wouldn’t hurt to love it a little bit more.