It’s finally happening, spring is upon us. Everything feels new and exciting again; you may be feeling a sense of renewal. Here’s the thing about feeling the sun, everything seems to feel a bit happier — or at least a little more bearable. Even short bursts of rain feels doable with sunshowers dancing in the light with us. Here’s how campus comes to life when the sun comes out of hiding after the cold.
1. The streets are bustling.
Bikes, skateboards, scooters, etc. are out in great numbers. The sidewalks are packed. It may prove to be a little more to work around as your commute becomes crowded, but the energy is uplifting. We are all here living and being us, and finally accompanied by light! The light feels like a wash of energy to push us all where we need to go.
2. Your motivation to do things skyrockets.
That light energy can also feel like a push to get things done. My motivation to get out and just accomplish things is enhanced when the sun and warmer temperatures arrive, and it’s infectious. You may not be motivated to get school work done necessarily (a lot of fun distractions come with the sun), but it gets significantly easier to get up and get out of your bed. The campus becomes a sea of activity, and the sense of movement is contagious. Let that surge of energy lift you to success and joy as the school year inches to the end.
3. There’s color.
Flowers are popping up. The grass is being nurtured, no longer suffocated by snow. People are retiring their parkas that come in predominantly neutral color schemes, and are showing off their, now observable, fun outfits. There’s so much more color out there, and it makes walking around just that much more pleasant. The sidewalks are lined with flowers.
4. The overall mood is different.
The sun brings a noticeable shift in the overall vibe of the campus. People are seen smiling more on the streets. There are no more heads down and eyes squinting with all the effort in the world to shield away from the wind and snow. There are performers out on State Street who radiate joy as they play their music. There are groups of people traveling together, joyful with each other’s company. Visitors from off campus aid in a pleasant atmosphere as they enjoy their day trips. Good vibes become more frequent when the sun is out.
5. Campus is alive.
Bascom is alive. The hill’s grass becomes littered with students soaking in the warmth and each other’s company as they read, study, write or just take the time to do nothing but be. There are more dogs out and playing about. East Campus Mall is packed with lines at the food trucks, the basketball courts outside Sellery Hall are active again. The Terrace, and Memorial Union in general, is energized with the sound of conversation, laughter, and running water with the lake finally moving. We are all out and living freely again, it’ so refreshing.
Who knew the sun had so much power? Campus takes on a whole new light when the temperatures get warmer and spring comes around. Here’s to finishing the school year with a bang with the lively sun-powered campus! Live it up, and I’ll see you out there.