This week has been full of unpredictable weather. It all started when, mid-week, we got the first wave of winter-like weather and the campus was closed. Then, on Friday, we got hit with the final big kahuna of a winter storm for the week, meaning another snow day free from classes and work. For those of us who are in college and also work while going to school, this was a rare opportunity to catch up on some much-needed relaxation time. This time, at least for me, consisted of watching way too much Netflix and eating more than my fair share of junk food.
I would like to dive in and discuss what a “snow day” really means for those of us who are no longer in public school and are now considered “adults.” Remember when you were growing up and it was everyone’s dream to have a snow day? It meant that there would be no waking up early to catch the bus and no homework. It was agony waiting on the verdict (which always came way too late) on the fate of the next school day, while the only thing the news seemed to be reporting was the impending snow storm (even if that just meant half-an-inch expected).
Now that we are in the real world, a snow day is a chance to take a breather. We are potentially relieved of our duties of schoolwork and the five million other responsibilities we seemed to get assigned on a daily basis. This is a chance to relax and watch some much deserved Netflix like I have, or to catch up on some of those things we have been putting off for so long.
For some of us, a snow day might also mean becoming slightly stressed about the things that we are missing and have no control over. This could include having a job that decided not to close because they are certain there will be enough brave souls out and about to make being open worth it, and you have no way of getting there due to the weather conditions. Well, to those of us who had to brave the weather and fight through, or to those of us who could not even though they needed to this past week, I say it’s OK! This is part of adulthood and, whether we like it or not, that is what a snow day truly means for us now; and, like I said, it’s OK because it is all part of life.
I would like to leave you with this: even though we are now forced to handle snow days in an adult, grown-up manner, it does not mean we can’t still enjoy them! Regardless of how you get to spend your snow day, there is always still time to grab a friend for a quick snowball fight just to still feel like a kid. You could also spend some quality time at home getting some house work done that you have been neglecting. You will feel accomplished afterward. These our new snow days, and they can be just as satisfying as they were when we were carefree kids. I hope your next snow day is just as proactive and happy as mine was this past week!
