COLUMN: Snow motivates me to get through
What’s going on Aggies?
I hope all is well and that you’re keeping your head above water most days when it comes to your classes.
So as fall takes her exit and winter slowly starts to take center stage, I encourage y’all to let the winter season motivate you to achieve higher. Don’t give up, just keep on pushing forward. Right now in the semester is the time when we are getting less sunlight in the day, and for some of you, that can affect you in some ways. This week is the week in the semester where you can get everything back together. Find your mojo, get that niche back, and kick the rest of the semester in the bum. I myself love it when it snows because it provides me with motivation.
Back in New York, I remember I could track the seasons. Right now in NYC there would be a briskness in the air. Most days were gray because Mother Nature always had a problem with getting up in the morning. Unexpectedly, it would snow and everyone would go nuts.
I remember taking the statewide exam in American history. It was a small classroom that could hold about 20 students, but only seven students were in there. The proctor said we could start our exams, and then I got in the zone.
Then out of nowhere, one of the students in the class says it’s snowing. The class rushed to the window just to be sat back down by the stern proctor. It wasn’t about ignoring the state exam or disrespecting the teacher; it was about the snow.
For everyone, it was a symbol that classes were going to be let out soon and we all would be with family. It was at that moment when the energy in the room transformed from excitement to focus on what the expectations are from my family and myself.
I remember when it was my first semester out here in good ole’ Cache Valley and I thought I knew what winter was.
No sir.
The winter came in like a blizzard. I had never seen that much snow before. In NYC, two inches of snow will get schools closed. In Utah, it’s expected that if you can get out of your door, you are expected to show up for class.
Culture shock.
People often ask me, “Well isn’t it cold in NYC?” and my usual response is yeah, but the humidity makes it bearable. However, when I walk out of my house to get to class and I feel that brisk cold wind hug my hands into ice blocks and I look up at the eastern mountains where Logan Canyon is, it reminds me that there is a family and a home I’m headed to when I’m finished and done with this semester.
– T.J. is a senior majoring in music from Harlem, N.Y. He is a member of the A-Team, Black Student Union and various other clubs and groups on campus. Send any comments to anthony.pratt@aggiemail.usu.edu.