Summertime May Never Come

Hannah Schaeffer ’27

For months I have missed the sand on my feet, sticky chocolate ice cream dripping down my hands, and the hot sun shining down on my face. But winter seems to never end. Where is the light at the end of this long, frigid tunnel? 

On February 2nd, Groundhog Day, Punxsutawney Phil saw his shadow, predicting 6 more weeks of winter. This past winter has already felt everlasting and now it will last another month and a half. I can't stand any more cold, dark nights or short, depressing days. Though snowball fights and hot chocolate were fun at first, now all I want is to go to the beach. The relaxing sound of waves crashing wipes away all thoughts of the cold winter air. 

Every day, when the sun sets, New York descends below freezing. Cold weather brings down my mood, and I tend to feel less motivated during this time. It seems obvious that winter weather makes people feel depressed and isolated. Everyone is swathed in layers of clothing, scarves, and mittens to protect them from the cold air.

At the beginning of winter, no one has unhappy feelings yet. We stand on the brink of the first snowfall and holiday fun, anticipating upcoming breaks and finals. Without this preoccupation, we now start thinking about warm and balmy weather. Summer is filled with hope, joy, and possibilities. In comparison, the long winter has become exhausting.  

Winter not only changes your mood but your daily routine. I can barely get up in the morning to commute to school, the chill of February mornings seeping through the cracks in my windows. School days feel long and boring and deli runs aren't the same. 

Many Bard students look forward to hanging out on the field again once the sun comes out. I can’t wait to wear shorts (instead of a big black puffer that seems to ruin all my outfits), but warm days still seem far removed. 

Will summer ever come?