Written by Julia Jenkins
As winter fades into spring, Harding students are taking their daily activities outdoors. With temperatures rising, the front lawn, intramural fields and picnic tables outside the library are swarming with students soaking in the sunshine and fresh air. From throwing frisbees and reading a book to going on walks and doing homework outside, students are embracing the change in weather.
“I love just sitting on the front lawn,” sophomore Hannah Ford said. “I just went and sat out there, I had a book and I was just reading and random friends would come up and talk to me. It was just so nice and peaceful.”
Some students find the warm weather distracting, taking advantage of the beautiful days to spend time outside hammocking or playing pickleball with friends rather than focusing on schoolwork. However, many students also see it as motivation to be more productive, knowing that blue skies and fresh air await them once their assignments are finished.
“Tuesday morning, getting out of lab, I felt amazing when I walked out,” junior Josh Roolf said. “It definitely did help in comparison to the cold, 30-degree weather. I would say it motivates me a little bit.”
Beyond everyday campus activities, students also seize plenty of opportunities to enjoy outdoor adventures on the weekends. Camping is a favorite among Harding students, and many take advantage of the chance to escape for a couple of days, taking necessary time away from classes and homework. Whether it’s hiking, kayaking or simply sitting around a campfire with friends, the return of warmer weather brings an undeniable sense of excitement.
As the weather warms up, the campus atmosphere transforms from dull and sluggish to energetic and lively. The vibrant outdoor activities foster community and connection among students, reflecting the heart of Harding’s campus life.
“I think everyone is in such a better mood when it feels good outside,” sophomore Emma Gaskill said. “It’s just so good whenever we, like, live in rhythm with nature.”
For many students, this change in atmosphere is a reminder of what makes Harding special. Ford said warm weather brings people outside and strengthens the sense of community that defines campus life.
“This is like what Harding is like,” Ford said. “Everyone being outside is an example of what community looks like. When it gets warm, you can visually see what Harding’s community looks like.”
