Snow or No?

With a recent snowstorm coming and going, winter has come to Andrews University. There are some people who do not like the snow for a variety of reasons (the no-snow faction) and those who love the snow (the pro-snow faction). So, I decided to ask students how they felt about the snow—specifically, whether or not we, as students, want snow or not:

“I, one hundred percent, prefer winter over summer because I get to actually appreciate the warmth of my blanket and my house. It’s that time of the year when the house truly feels like home. The snow is a cherry on top . . . as long as I am not biking through a pile of it. Definitely on the ‘pro-snow’ faction because what is the point of coldness if there is no snow? Can you imagine Elsa without snow? No! So yes, snow and snow days.”
Gloria Oh (senior, biology)

“I hate the snow. I had two flights canceled for the break because of terrible weather and had to leave much later than anticipated. If there were no snow, it would make traveling during Thanksgiving and winter breaks a lot easier and safer for students. So definitely, I'm in the ‘no-snow’ faction.”
Nick Rouse (sophomore, computer science)

“I think I like the snow since I’m not used to it. It is cool and brings more people outside. So, I’m on the ‘pro-snow’ faction. It calls for hot chocolate and a more Christmas feeling. Also, the campus was well-maintained, so it was not . . . too much snow.”
Reagan Westerman (freshman, psychology)

“I think the snow was a little early, and it was freezing, so it wasn’t my favorite. It was the first snow here at Andrews, so there was excitement, and it was beautiful. However, it was still too early in the year, and I am not ready for the constant snow that is going to come for the next four months. I enjoy the snow, but in small amounts, and with the freezing cold, walking around campus isn’t my favorite. I like snow activities . . . but I generally prefer to drive instead of being in the snow constantly. The ‘no-snow’ faction is probably where I reside.”
Aubreyanna Scollard (sophomore, data science)

“Personally, I love the snow and think it is the best thing that Michigan has to offer. It reminds me of Christmas, which makes me so happy. I am one hundred percent on the ‘pro-snow’ faction!”
Claire Yang (freshman, psychology)

“Due to an unfortunate encounter with a recent illness, I wasn’t able to really experience the first few snow days of the school year. In fact, attempting to trek across the snow-filled campus with a sick body was a less-than-ideal situation for me, which left me fairly resentful of the snow rather than excited about it. However, there was one significant moment for me that occurred when I had settled into a couch with a mug full of hot tea. I looked outside to see how beautiful and peaceful the snow was. Now that I’m feeling much better, I’m hoping I can enjoy the next few snow days that arrive!”
Caryn Cruz (English, senior)

“Oh, I am in the ‘pro-snow’ faction. There is something mesmerizing about watching each unique snowflake silently glide its way down from the heavens—from the comfort of your warm room, of course. Rarely will you catch me outside in it, but I will enjoy it blissfully from a safe, warm distance. Ultimately, I think the inevitability of snow here at Andrews is like most inescapable seasons in life that we despise, love, and learn from . . . together.”
David Suñé (junior, psychology and religion)

“Personally, the accumulation of packed ice crystals causes me to experience immersing feelings of joy and excitement. These flakes of frozen moisture prompt memories of the Christmas season to fill the organ that lies in my head. The amount of happiness I encounter is overwhelming.”
Anonymous

There you go, Andrews University—a deep divide in our community between the pro-snow faction and the no-snow faction. Will we, as students, ever overcome this divide? Whatever the outcome is, stay safe and warm this upcoming winter season. Happy Holidays!