Second semester in Amherst is the most fun of the entire year. Once you get past the dreaded winter weather, that is. If you aren’t originally from New England, I’m sorry for what lies ahead (and for what you’ve already had to experience). Us New Englanders are used to this awful winter weather while out-of-towner’s may be experiencing some culture shock.
It doesn’t take long to notice that it’s five degrees out and you have to walk from Southwest to Marcus, you forgot your scarf and gloves, and you are more miserable than ever. Or, when you are completely bundled up, exposing only your eyebrows to your chin, and you still feel as though you still may be experiencing frost bite. It’s okay, though, because once the nice weather comes you’ll understand that it was all worth it. That is, once you get through the first stages of second semester in Amherst.
So, it’s late January, you’re back in action. You can’t wait to go out with your friends as you reminisce on your first semester pictures in September. You were so tan, you cannot wait to wear cute clothes again and… oh wait… it’s 5 degrees outside. Your going-out outfits should probably look like this…
But you insist that it’s “not that cold” and your buzz will make you a little more warm. So, you wear something more like this…
Then, after freezing your a** off, you decide winter is just useless and going out is way too difficult. So, staying in and drinking with your closest friends becomes way more alluring than trudging through the snow looking like Randy from “A Christmas Story” and having nowhere to put your jacket.
Then, you return from Spring Break yet again ready to be back in action. Late March rolls around and it’s starting to get warm outside again! It hits 50 degrees and you’re just like, Puffers Pond anyone?!
50 degrees is actually not that nice, but after what feels like the worst winter ever, when you probably slipped and fell at least 5 times because of UMass’ decision to not cancel class, it seems like summer is right around the corner.
And, it is. Amherst in the spring is like the best place on this very Earth. Early to mid-April we start to retire the boots until Fall and whip out the flip flops right after getting some pedicures. (In my case it’s usually like two weeks late and I shamelessly walk around wearing flip flops with toe nails that are less than appealing to the eye).
These next few weeks of second semester are great. You’re outside more, walking to class is actually something you start to look forward to (that is if you aren’t skipping) and you’re in an all around better mood.
Then time goes by and before you know it the year is over. You were having so much fun in the Spring you just aren’t ready to be done with Amherst just yet.
If you’re lucky, you’ll be returning the following Fall!