The harsh change of seasons came as a shock to me. I knew choosing to go to school in Western New York that it would be cold. Last year before arriving on campus, I would check the weather in Olean in the winter and wince at the unbelievably low numbers.
My parents would (and still) obsessively check a live stream of the outside of a building in Olean to see the immense amounts of snow piled up on the sidewalks and report the news back to me.
So I knew what I was getting into. However, this did not falter my shock when it snowed on November 1st. The monumental 7 inches of snow earlier this week was astounding. As someone from southern New Jersey, I am accustomed to a few inches of snow a handful of times a year, not constant blizzards!
Buffalo culture is truly next-level. I always get a kick out of my friends’ warnings of “lake-effect snow” and explaining it to me for the tenth time because, for whatever reason, it’s a concept I simply cannot grasp. Nor will I ever comprehend the feet of snow that trap residents inside of their houses- wild.
Luckily, we are safely situated in southern New York, where, as my roommate said during the snowstorm –that I would personally deem a blizzard — “At least it’s not 7 feet of snow!” While this is a feat that I had previously thought to be impossible, Jess is right. It really isn’t too bad.
I will be leaning in. You can see me trekking across campus with my new snow boots, a cute Pinterest-inspired scarf from the Buffalo Primark, and my iconic heather-grey oversized jacket that ruins every outfit. In this attire, I may have a miserable countenance but know that in my heart I am not completely miserable (at least once I return inside).
Although the winter is uncomfortable, it also brings unique fun. I went sledding with my friends after the storm, and we had a blast. And while it was unsettling to walk across five inches of snow to practice at 5 am, I do have to admit I did enjoy the small amount of inconvenience it added to my morning.
The snow is a bonding agent. As my friends and I are trudging through the snow complaining and making TikToks, we are also cackling. I’ve found that the occasional snowball, when deployed correctly, can strengthen friendships.
And while I am petrified of the incoming weather that plummets into unbearable temperatures, I can only hope that my current whimsy follows me into the dark, frigid months to come.