The Hoax of Spring in February

After a month of snow storms, cloudiness, and negative windchill; people are starting to hang up their coats and put away their earmuffs. 

The annual “fake” spring has come to Lawrence, and it isn’t hard to tell people are done with winter. Shorts, flip-flops, and sunbathing have been spotted on campus, even though it has not reached 70 degrees yet. The warmer weather not only changes what you wear, but it changes the entire vibe of the campus. 

Last week when it was in the 60s, there were groups of people eating on steps, playing lawn games, and studying at every spot in the sun. A sense of community erupts the second you aren’t rushing to hide inside. 

But what happens when “fake” spring ends and a cold front comes? 

People would assume that everyone goes back to their introverted, rushed selves, but that’s not what I noticed. Once the weather gets warm, people don’t want to put their coats back on, even if it is 30 degrees. There are still shorts worn and people socializing outside because no one wants to admit that it was just a fluke. 

This complicated transition from winter to spring to winter again to finally spring leads you to be shivering walking to class in the morning and sweating walking home in the afternoon. Even though this warm weather might leave before it sticks for good, it gives hope for sunnier days to come. 

Going on walks, playing pickleball, sitting outside to study, and Sonic runs are my favorite things to do during spring. Being able to sit outside and breathe the fresh air helps me relax and brings peace to my day. 

I am a victim of falling for “fake” spring, but I’m hoping (like everyone else) that it becomes “real” spring soon. 

• college
• mental health
• spring
• sunshine
• weather