Bracing for the Winter Semester

Bracing for the Winter Semester Hey guys, So now that the first semester is almost over, I thought we should talk about the second semester. Not exactly classes, but thats part of it; I want to talk about getting around on Illinois campus during the winter. Now, for those of you considering to come here that are from Illinois, this will most likely be just a simple recap of what its like for you every winter. However, I would be remiss if I didnt at least put a warning out to you new comers. Even in the single snow we had this semester, right before Thanksgiving Break, I saw students and teachers alike, falling, slipping, and skidding along the snow and ice. It can get rough, especially when the off-campus sidewalks arent shoveled very well, which they often arent. But besides the snowfall and overall winter weather, you have to prepare yourself for that winter drowsiness. I know back when I was in high school, waking up at 6 a.m. was just a regular occurrence. It wasnt a struggle for me then, so I thought the same would apply when I got to college. WellI was wrong. (Image found on https://www.tumblr.com/search/otp:%20i%20have%20never%20been%20so%20wrong%20in%20all%20my%20life) Waking up for classes any earlier than 10 a.m. was a struggle for me. Now this may be contributed to me having to stay up later to finish homework and study, or because my workload in my classes were harder and more intensive, or even just because I suddenly lost what had made me a morning person. Whatever the reason for this shift, I can tell you thisI was not the only one. Its something about the cold, the lack of sun, and the months of January through March that just make college students (well at least the ones Ive been in contact with) feel lethargic and  not energized. You have to fight it though! Set up multiple alarms, do activities that keep you up like working out, go to bed as early as possible, anything really. Also dont be afraid to utilize the bus system. I cant tell you how many times I made the correct decision of going to one of my early classes because I knew that Id be able to catch a bus to it. I know this may seem like a simple issue, but I promise you, when its finally you in college those mornings wont be as easy as you might think, and youll look back on this with a laugh. Bundle up everyone because (Image found on http://www.everbridge.com/brace-yourself-winter-is-coming/) Until next time guys, Kenny Kenny Class of 2016 I’m in the Creative Writing program in the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences. I’m originally from Tampa, Florida, but I’ve been calling Illinois my home since 1998. I’ve lived all over the Northwest suburbs, from Palatine to Lakemoor to where I currently live back home, Mundelein.