Dear reader,

I know I’m not the only one who was over the moon when I found out it was going to be in the 70s this week. I instantly went to work in my closet to find the perfect outfit that didn’t consist of leggings and a hoodie.

Throughout the whole weekend, while I was at home for Easter, I was religiously checking my phone to make sure my eyes hadn’t played tricks on me when I checked the weather app. And, let’s be honest, it’s very hard to trust those darned apps.

This morning, I instantly opened my window, and that sweet spring air that engulfed my room put a bounce in my step as I got ready for class. 

And the best part? My dreaded morning walk across the bridge was no longer dreaded. I was going to take my time on the bridge and breathe in the air and listen to the river flow.

This time of the semester brings me right back to so many moments in time; so many memories that fill my soul with an indescribable joy.

It brings me back to being a little girl. I remember stepping outside to play and realizing that the horrible Minnesota winter was finally giving way to spring.

I remember running across the grass which, while fairly wet and dirty and smushed from the snow, felt plush and full of life. I remember jumping onto my swing, which hung from a huge tree, and flying through the sky, my face splitting with a smile so bright it could outshine the sun.

I remember walking through the wooded area by my house and picking tiny flowers, which had finally started to grow. My sister and I would collect them before gleefully bringing them back to my mom. She always told us how pretty they were and put them in a tiny vase.

I remember sitting on the pavement by my garage, my hand adorned with brightly colored chalk as I scribbled pictures of suns and flowers. 

I remember me and my sister convincing our dad to drive us to the park with the ducks down the road. We would play on the playground until sunset came around and there was a small nip in the air, but we were happy because it was finally spring.

I remember sitting in my parents’ bedroom, snuggled up in my dad’s arms as he read a book and that springtime breeze blew through the open window. That smell is one of my favorite smells in the whole world.

Today, I remembered those times with an aching heart as I realized I have grown up, but I also remembered the new times. My favorite part of spring on campus is when everyone goes out to Towers Field to enjoy the weather. 

Friends lay in the sun and chat on picnic blankets. Groups gather to start a rowdy tournament of volleyball. Pairs throw baseballs and frisbees across the field, trying to catch them before they fly into the street.

Campus is just so alive when spring comes. Flowers start to blossom, the snow starts to melt, and that dead, eerie feeling of an empty campus is replaced with the joyful, fresh feeling of new life.

Spring makes me happy. I haven’t felt so carefree this whole semester until now. While I still have school, I’m worrying about it less.

To me, spring brings new purpose, new opportunities, new experiences, but overall, happiness. Spring makes me want to live a little more and stop hiding out in my safe little hole.

Life is so much brighter. I’m going to take in every moment and breathe it in, because I know I’m going to miss these days once I’m older.

Spring has finally sprung (at least for now), so take advantage of it. Get outside, do something with your friends and forget about school for a while. College is about the degree, but it’s also about the memories you create.

Take advantage of this new season. Recreate yourself and step out of your comfort zone. I promise you won’t regret it.

Lots of love and hugs of encouragement,

Skyler

Schad can be reached at [email protected].