Features Editor- Eric Hofer

The vernal equinox is here, with March 20th marking the official start of spring. However, with nearly nine inches of snow dumped on Gustavus over the course of a weekend, it’s not unreasonable to feel as if we’re right back in the middle of winter. The grass is buried, the air freezes your skin, and the sidewalks keep threatening to slip you up. Yet, in typical March fashion, this isn’t going to last long, as temperatures are predicted to climb into the 70s on March 21st, the day after spring officially begins. 

With these alternating temperatures, it’s hard to know what to do; one day you’re in a jacket and boots, and the next day you’re in a t-shirt and shorts. When you find yourself getting into a routine of one or the other, the weather decides to shift. At Gustavus, spring doesn’t show up all at once, but rather in short, inconsistent bursts that disappear as quickly as they came. 

With spring trying to break through, it can be tough to take full advantage of the warmer weather. Here’s how you can deal with it, or at least how to make the most out of the moments that really feel like spring.

No Waiting

Even though it might not be the exact conditions you were hoping for—the dirt might be muddy, the wind might be harsh, or the sun might not be out—it’s important to take advantage of what we do have. So instead of waiting for better weather that’ll take its sweet time to arrive, just go outside and soak it in. Spring doesn’t give you a heads up, but rather shows up before disappearing again.

Lower the Stakes

When our nice weather is limited, it can feel a bit overwhelming when it comes to deciding how to best use it. But if you spend all your time inside deciding what to do, you’ll never do anything. Whether it’s biking on the trails when they’re not frozen over, taking a walk when you don’t have to trudge through the snow, or even something as simple as studying outside, getting some fresh air can always help. Remember that not every warm day has to be a make or break. It’s okay to just sit outside for a few minutes between classes.

50 Degree Rule

There’s a little known law in nature called the 50 Degree Rule, where the instant the temperature rises above 50 degrees, it might as well be summer. People will be taking their time walking from class to class, people will be hammocking, and you might even feel inclined to wear something lighter. While it can feel refreshing to not have to wear layers, the other side of this rule states that when you start getting adjusted to the warmer weather, the temperature will drop once again. Watch out.

Better Days Ahead

When we get bombarded with snow and everything freezes over once again, it can be hard to remember that in no time at all, the snow will feel like a distant memory. We’ll trade the snow for rain and the ice for mud as spring finally sets in, even if it’s a little past the due date. So if for whatever reason you can’t make the most out of these next few weeks, don’t be too hard on yourself.