With spring having officially started, it’s only proper to give the season its earned praise and “extra hour” in the spotlight. From posies and pollinators to dandelions and daylight, spring has a lot to brag about. Offering just enough temperature variability for you to hold off on hard launching your shorts attire, spring is a time of rejuvenation, which I'm sure we all definitely need, even after our recent break. But for as much as I love these aspects, I’m here to share the “best” things about the spring, focusing on those lovely qualities that drive most of us mad about the season.
1. Pollen palooza
I’ve found no place worse for allergies than the state of Virginia. The pollen here is a character unto itself — the giant piles of this allergen around Grounds are beyond comprehension. If you’re anything like first-year me, pollen will mark you as its target this spring. Tissues, Zyrtec, Flonase and other goodies at our local CVS on the Corner may just become your new best friends. I promise that each spring does get better as our immune systems better acclimate to Charlottesville, but heed my advice now to nip allergies in the bud.
2. Umbrella umbrage
We often rejoice when we reach springtime because it means that we are approaching warmer weather. However, these higher temperatures inevitably lead to “April showers,” and navigating Grounds amid downpours isn’t nearly as much fun as it seems — cue awkward umbrella collisions and the collective freeze as passing cars splash pedestrians. Plus, I’m now convinced individual-sized umbrellas simply don’t work — you must pick either yourself or your backpack to sacrifice. It’s high time to invest in an extra-large umbrella, a solid pair of rain boots and a waterproof backpack — I needed these so badly that they were even on my holiday wish list.
3. Cue the crowds
If you were on an island or just about any major Floridian city over spring break, you know firsthand the pandemonium of crowds. That was only the beginning of a long couple of months of people-dense spaces, as everyone is starting to flock outside to soak up extra sunshine. Want to eat on the outdoor patio? Prepare for a wait. Want to hang out on the Lawn? That was 50 other peoples’ idea, too. To avoid the crowds, go for the road less traveled and find hidden gems for taking advantage of the favorable temperatures. I suggest giving the Pavilion gardens and O’Hill Trails a visit.
4. Straight shot — no federal holiday stops
Did you know that mid-February to the end of May — between Presidents’ Day and Memorial Day — is the longest period in the year with no federal holidays? As much as I had my grievances against fall, we at least had Election Day and Thanksgiving. Some federal holidays are often inconsequential for many in terms of actually celebrating or observing, but for everyone, they serve as a much needed day of rest away from work. The next “holiday” I’m looking forward to is my enrollment period — if you can call the five minutes I step out of class to enroll on SIS a break. It is kind of exciting.
5. Crunched for crunches
As spring begins, many of us start to realize that we waited too long to get into the personal summer fitness goal we had set. If you’re not a gym person, the winter cold may have forced you to stay inside. Or if you’re like me, we are pulled in far too many directions to put enough time toward the lifting sessions and runs that we had planned to take. The good news is, we’re all in the same boat. So rock your sneakers, put on those sweats and turn up the playlist. Do what feels good for you, and remember that your beauty continually shines inside and out, just as you are.
6. Final exam frenzy
The lead-up to finals in the fall is not nearly as stressful as it is in the spring. If you’re like me, you’re probably already in the midst of that craziness right now. Just when we thought that we’d have at least a little semblance of relief after a jam-packed race to spring break, the weeks after have proved to be just as busy. In my case, with weekly assignments and lab reports compounding projects and assessments, breathing room is pretty restrictive right now — and not just because of allergies. Spring final exams often feel more excruciating than those in the fall because they’re the one thing separating you from a long summer break. Giddy-up for a wild ride for the next four to five weeks, but don’t fret — once mid-May hits, we’ve got a multiple month break with our names on it.
7. Cooped up in Clark
When you’re not having bouts of pollen-induced sneezing, you’ll probably find spring nature to be quite enjoyable. Stale air, echoing coughs, artificial lighting — oh, whoops, that’s Clark Hall, where you’ll likely be spending much of your time this spring. How soul-crushing is it that we have to pass on some of the best weather of the year for problem sets and group projects? Now, some people may say that they work outside, but to that I have two objections. One, how much are you actually “working?” And two, there is just some work that doesn’t lend itself to being completed outdoors. Vibrant colors, flowers abloom and that optimal, springtime breeze are overrated anyway.
8. Confrontation of life choices
The end of an academic year means you’re even more prepared to enter the real world, right? The panic that this expectation induces is part of spring’s wrath, confronting us with the reality of having to make life choices — yikes. For first-years, this might mean solidifying a major declaration. For second- and third-year students, it likely means getting a taste of a corporate 40-hour work week during a summer internship. And for the fourth-years, the question of “What’s next?” is bound to be lurking in the front of most minds. As stressful as college can be, it provides a unique buffer period between being provided for and facing the unnerving realities of the adult world, and spring is a reminder that real responsibilities are beginning to kick in. If this resonates with you, pay a visit to the Career Center before leaving Grounds this spring.
9. Packing up possessions
The changing of seasons signals that it’s almost time to make “the big pack.” Wherever you are living, it’s time for the major haul. Down go the command strips, along with your patience, and up goes the stress and exhaustion of having to deconstruct your living space. My recommendation — consider stocking up on boxes from Staples and securing a storage unit. And for a more efficient move-in for the fall, while you’re packing up, create a list of the items you have in surplus to avoid buying more than you can realistically store. Of all the things you’re going to want to pack, your “patience pants” are the most important.
10. Graduation goodbyes
For first- through third-year students, the end of the spring semester means temporarily parting ways with friends and Grounds. For fourth-years, however, this is a much more permanent goodbye. These students will have a few days between final exams and Final Exercises to make some special memories with friends. Whether it’s taking in some walks around Grounds or enjoying Beach Week, these moments are the culmination of an eventful four years, filled with hard work, friendship and community. Fourth-years be saying goodbye to friends, professors and sentimental spaces on Grounds in addition to the security of college. While we know that springtime rain showers are no fun, it’s safe to say that the waterworks of graduation are much more bittersweet.
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