Snowed-in Spring
The first week of the Spring Semester brought some unexpected events. Students began to prepare to switch from their relaxing break to a focused academic semester. However, the weather had other plans.
The first day of classes was Jan. 8; however, the college was closed on Jan. 10, giving students an immediate break. The unstoppable snow made many roads undrivable; putting students and faculty at risk to commute to and from the college. Thus, the college decided to close and cancel all classes.
While many Maryville College students are eager to face new academic challenges and grow in their learning as they approach a new semester, it is not hard to imagine that many were happy to get extra time off. Several students shared what they did, and what that time meant for them.
Rayna Welsch (‘28) shared how she spent the day in the snow. She and her friends made snow angels, wrapped themselves up in plastic bags, and rolled down hills in the snow. She later contended that it is much easier to use sleds. Although Welsch had fun while snowed in, she said it is stressful to get caught up in classes due to the day off.
Addison Doornhaag (’28) also discussed her fun time in the snow. She and her friends explored the college woods in the snow and did some of the usual snow activities, including snowball fights and snowman building.
Doornhaag said, “It was also just a chance for us to grow closer.”
On the contrary, Gray Smith (‘28), described her day spent indoors. She did not enjoy the snow, so she did not go out in it. Instead, she and her roommate stayed in, made hot cocoa and sat by their window. Smith also said they watched movies all day, and that the day was a welcome break.
“We were able to just relax, it was very healing and just a calm, peaceful time,” said Smith.
Marilyn Bean (‘27) said she, too, engaged in fun activities such as snowball fights. She also played with her puppy outside in the snow, which was the puppy’s first snow.
“It made me feel like a kid again,” said Bean.
Abbi Baxter (‘28) and her friends also participated in the icy activities by building a snowman and making snow cream.
Fallon Starkey (‘28) and some friends sledded down Lloyd Beach on a canoe, in classic Maryville College and Mountain Challenge fashion.
“It was nice to hang out with friends during this time,” Starkey said
Although the weather caused some disruption in plans and schedules, it also created wonderful memories. Many were able to have fun out in—or inside and away from—the snow, being with close friends.
It allowed for some relaxing, fun times before we entered the new semester. Many were able to relive childhood nostalgia of snow days while creating new memories. Though it derailed the first week of classes, the consensus seems to be that students didn’t find it an unpleasant way to begin the semester.