Few things in life are more refreshing than the beginning of a new year, or a new semester of school, for that matter. Returning to classes after a miserable three-week vacation known as the holiday season is one of the most satisfying feelings known to students across the globe.
Unless you actually live in such a miserable reality [my sincerest apologies if you do] the above statement could not be more false at this point in your college career. Right now you are probably wondering what happened to the glorious time of endless leisure smiling back at you from the bottom half of your December calendar.
I find myself this time of year kicking myself for wasting so many hours watching television or spending time with family when I could have been cashing in on hours of precious sleep.
However, even with the prospect of sleep deprivation and nervous breakdowns looming, there are some small comforts to keep in mind as you dive head-first into Spring 2012. These include:
1. Smaller crowds. Since there are so many youngsters running around overseas, this tends to cut down on the over population here at HU. Why just the other night I arrived at my dormitory a few minutes before curfew and was able to park within reasonable walking distance. Also, (supposedly) in a few weeks, the crowd will die down in the student center after chapel enough that you will be able to check your mail without fear of being trampled to death in a Black Friday-esque stampede.
2. The weather. It doesn’t matter if you are hot or cold natured, Searcy weather will at some point adjust to fit your needs. Sure, it’s inconsistent and unpredictable, but it definitely keeps things fresh.
3. Basketball. Bisons home games, March Madness, club rivalries, post-lockout NBA action, the WNBA — it’s definitely one of the best indoor sports in the world.
4. Spring break. It’s kind of like Thanksgiving break, only with slightly less historical meaning. Whether you hit the beach, the ski slopes or the couch, there’s nothing better than marking the changing seasons with a little R and R.
5. Spring Sing. It may not be your cup of tea, but if musicals aren’t your thing, watching people you know and love parade around in extravagant costumes and makeup in front of thousands of screaming parents might be. And let’s be honest, that can be just as fun.
6. Spring cleaning. I’m not sure if anyone under the age of 40 enjoys this, but it is a staple of the season. Plus, you probably don’t realize how much dust has accumulated in your dorm room over the break. Dust allergies are nothing to laugh about.
Of course there are more reasons to stay positive this spring, but if I listed them all I might explode with joy. Or I might just run out of reasons and make up silly ones. Either way, I hope this article can keep the post-break blues temporarily at bay. But if it doesn’t, don’t fret too much; summer is only three short months away.
