Before coming to the Midwest to go to school, I think it is safe to say that I have never been in cold weather where temperatures are below 40 degrees for more than a week.

With that being said, I am not used to wearing layers of clothes or having to start my car 10 minutes before I leave.

It's easy to make fun of people if they are wearing Uggs, leggings and drinking a warm Starbucks coffee, but before you judge, take the time to realize that a person is not in fact dressed to please you. Rather, they are dressed to be comfortable and warm.

Here is a list of a few things I am not going to apologize for this winter.

1. Turtle Fur

No, I am not about to go skiing, but I am about to walk through a wind tunnel to get to my class on time, so I will wear my Turtle Fur up to my eyes so I don't feel the wind chapping my lips and biting my nose.

2. Uggs

I don't know where the stigma associated with Ugg boots came from, but whoever decided this has obviously never tried a pair on. There is no other shoe that feels comfortable, is easy and fast to put on, and warm enough to wear through the snow.

3. Gloves

Even though there is no snow out, my fingers are cold and I would like to protect them with gloves instead of stuffing them in my pockets and constantly applying lotion so my hands don't dry out.

4. Layers

I got to class early so I had time to take off all three jackets I was wearing. You may think I am crazy, but I can guarantee you that I was warmer and more comfortable walking here than you were. Acting tough because you don't wear a jacket during the cold does not prove anything.

I'm just trying to make it through the winter like everyone else, and I may not be as used to it as you are. So before you make fun of somebody for being "basic" and dressing warmly for the weather, think of how long you could last in the desert during the summer when it is higher than 120 degrees.