SPSCC after a snowy day. Photo by Emma Jones

Whispers of excitement floated around classrooms as students peered out windows to see the dust of snow falling from the skies. The next morning, people all around the Olympia area jumped with excitement when seeing the white, fluffy, blanket of snow that made our city look like a winter wonderland. Although the snow is cold, it is delightful to see South Puget Sound Community College enriched with winter magic. While sad to see the campus closed down for a day, students took some much-deserved time off from their daily activities and made their snow day count. 

That day I took a long walk around the campus. The whole atmosphere changed in just an instant and I felt the urge to start a conversation with the students. So, one student said, “It felt refreshing to have a day to sleep, catch up on assignments, and run errands.” In addition, students became active in the snow day festivities by getting involved in the nature. “I went on a little walk and saw a moose. That connection with the wild put me in a winter mood,” said another student when describing how she spent her snow day. She agreed that even though winter is cold, the snow makes her feel warm inside because of the beautiful winter here in the state of Washington. 

Many daring, as well as calm activities, can be done in the snow that students love to partake in at their homes or parks. “I built a snowman with my brother, and I would say sledding or a snowball fight are one of my favorite activities”, said another student, describing his outdoor experience yesterday. One person answered, “On a day like today when it’s sunny and it’s snowing at the same time, is simply like in a dream.” 

The snowy scenery is just like a wonderful fantasy, one perfect for making memories. Almost everyone who grew up in a colder climate can describe a dear memory of the winter weather. One student said she felt that snow brings out a childlike quality in people and leads them closer together. “My favorite snow memory was when me, my brother, and three of my friends, sledded down my road. Everything was covered in ice, we went fast and then we made a sled train, and that was fun.” Sledding seems to be a favorite in our community, as another person interviewed said, “I, my brother, and my cousins always enjoy racing with sleds down our hill and seeing who can slide the farthest.” 

However, you don’t need to be outside to appreciate the snow. Some people like the inside just as much. When asked if they like the outdoors or indoors better, one student responded, “it kind of depends. If there’s a lot of snow that’s good for building stuff outside, but I also like the inside.” Another person asked said, “I would say if I had warm clothes and there is a lot of snow to play in, I would like the outside, but I also really enjoy being inside, being warm, and watching movies.” She continued by saying that she likes watching “Ten Things I Hate About You” with hot chocolate after a long day of playing in the snow.

Whether the snow makes you want to cuddle up inside or do dare-devil sports outside, we bravely can say that the snow fills all of us with joy and excitement. Hopefully, everyone enjoyed their snow day and made the most of it with fun-filled activities. I think we all can agree, there’s SNOW place like home!