The return to school after spring break marks the beginning of one of the best times of the year. With only seven weeks left of second semester, summer is right around the corner.

Most college students long for a spring break at the beach— a chance to finally get some sun after a long, cold winter. While not everyone has the privilege of a week filled with sand and sun, students return to school feeling refreshed and excited. Spring is here and the warm weather has finally arrived.

No more dead trees, heavy coats, or days spent stuck inside. The temperature is rising along with our attitudes. Campus seems so much more beautiful filled with sunshine and students galore. The walk to class is more enjoyable and we are all anxious to get out and experience all that our campus and city have to offer. School is less taxing when the day revolves around more than just going to and from class.

Whether you prefer shopping around in Five Points, hanging out on the horseshoe, or just eating dinner outside in Greek Village, the days seem brighter. There are so many more activities to do now that the dreary winter weather is behind us. We can go tan at the pool, raft on the river, or picnic in the park. With Carolina Cup, beach weekends, functions and formals to look forward to, weekends are more enjoyable. Not to mention, we also have more hours to be out and about— the days are longer meaning so are the nights.

Most people are naturally happier when the weather is warmer. My heart skips a beat when I think about these next seven weeks and all the adventures to come. It's important to focus on studies, but isn't it so much easier to do so when we can on the horseshoe or outside with friends? Don't weeks fly by with fun filled weekends ahead? Football season is surely a crowd favorite and a time to be cherished, but we can't forget about the spring.

The University of South Carolina is a beautiful campus and about to hit its peak time of year. Spring is when I first visited and decided to come to Carolina and that attractive, lively atmosphere is what made me fall in love with this wonderful place. There are only a few short months until summer and they're going to fly by. Get out and make the most of them!