The official first day of spring was March 20, two Sundays ago. However, a large part of the U.S. (Colorado, the Northern Great Plains) was covered in snow during the first week of April. The rest of the country has had to endure about two weeks of sporadic warm and cold weather—there were snow flurries one day here in Huntington, West Virginia! Now as I look at the forecast, we will have our first full week of warm temperatures with some rain. (I consider "warm" to mean 70 degrees or higher. Subjective, I know.) Hallejuah, the sunshine is out and radiating heat again! Here are five reasons why we should all be happy about the belated arrival of spring.

5. We can finally go outside without freezing to death or wearing layers of winter clothing!

Seriously, if someone crops my head onto Snoopy's dancing body, they would have a good image of how I feel when the weather is nice enough to go without a coat. I'm more inclined to actually get up in the morning when it's sunny outside than leave the warm comforts of my bed, and I feel less inhibited when I can leave somewhere without putting on a sweater, scarf, hat and winter coat. I feel more inclined to walk places and see people. It's incredible how warm weather can boost my morale. Marshall University's campus comes alive in the Spring, there are people outside in the plaza laughing, talking, and participating in campus activities.

4. Television series are about to go on hiatus again.

Even though this "Calvin and Hobbes" strip is supposed to be ironic and social commentary, summer hiatus for television shows can only mean one thing for some of my friends: "remedial vegetation," as Hobbes calls it. Generally, the latest season of a television show will be uploaded to Netflix and Hulu over the summer, and then those of us who have been working hard at school or at work can finally watch a television show at our own pace. Really, this just means for me that summer book releases are almost here, and I won't be tempted to watch an excessive amount of television.

3. The spring semester of college is almost over!

Only three more weeks of school, including finals week, for Marshall University students! We just have to make it through these next three weeks and we are done. This time of the year is understandably stressful with all of the exams, essays and final projects coming up, but can do this! Three more weeks until study abroad trips, summer jobs and vacations. We will be okay, guys, listen to Radar.

2. The flowers will be in bloom and the trees will bore their leaves again.

Look at this tree I photographed outside of my dorm! Granted, it was taken on March 27, before the cold front and flurries, so all the buds died, but I love seeing the trees and flowers and bloom! Rebirth is one of my favorite aspects of spring because it gives me hope that new opportunities are on the horizon. Corny, I know!

1. It's not dark at 5:00 p.m.!

I bet Ella Baker didn't think anyone would take this metaphor literally but look at me! In both senses, it's so true. I can see where I'm going after I get out of my early evening class, so I feel safer walking around campus. I don't feel as tired and I have the energy to accomplish more. Events and parties can be held outside and people can feel comfortable working a little later. "Springing forward" is truly a miracle!

If everything in your life is stressing you out, just be thankful for spring. Be thankful that you made it through another dreary winter season. Life goes on and we need to stop sometimes and look around at all we miss or take for granted: the warmth, the flowers and the freedom that spring brings. We, in West Virginia, are truly fortunate to experience four seasons, and spring is my favorite.