After months of frigid temperatures, snowy roads and cloudy skies, students were able to enjoy a sneak peek of spring, with the weather reaching up to 69 degrees March 9, followed by an even warmer day March 10, with temperatures reaching a practically balmy 74 degrees.
For many, the toasty temperatures did more than just melt the remains of snow; they lifted spirits and brought life to campus.

Students swapped out their winter coats, sweatpants, and hoodies for shorts, skirts, T-shirts and flip-flops after months of harsh weather. A campus that had been quiet and empty, besides students rushing to class, came alive and filled with energy.As far as the eye could see, students filled all the outdoor spaces. The sounds of laughter and joy were in the air as students lay in the grass, played spikeball on the lawn and catch in the field and some were even getting their tans on, showing such a steep contrast from the campus scene between the winter and this unexpected appearance of warm weather.

“It was so nice to be able to spend time outside with my friends and see other people around campus having fun,” said Gianna Lennox, sophomore medical health humanities pre-DPT major.

For many students, the ability to be outside comfortably was more than something enjoyable; it was needed. After spending so much time indoors because of the harsh weather, many people have felt disconnected, so the opportunity to reconnect with friends and nature was refreshing to students.

Physiologists have long attributed the sun and warm weather to happiness and well-being, as sunlight gives us vitamin D and improves serotonin levels, which regulates our mood and reduces anxiety and stress.

Students said the sunny days have had a major impact on their moods. Students noted how the weather these past couple of months has made them feel sad from feeling trapped indoors.

“I’m not a fan of the cold weather and rainy days because I like being outside and doing things. The bad weather makes that less enjoyable, which definitely affects my mood,” said Lennox.

Across campus, students echoed similar responses, showing how important rays of sunshine are to the students. This warm weather has made every student feel a little more at ease and made even little activities enjoyable, like grabbing lunch, walking to class, meeting with friends and doing homework outside.

Jordyn Jarrett, a junior in mass communications, said the weather made her happier after a long winter.
“It made practice more fun, and it just lifted your spirits,” Jarrett said.

Jarrett’s comments show that the warm weather hasn’t just had an impact on students, but also on sports and other activities as well. Many outdoor sports have had to cancel practices because they weren’t fit to play with frosty conditions.

These two days will be a reminder to all students, staff and faculty that winter is ending and spring is knocking on the door.