Spring at UIC

The spring semesters always feel like they go by so much faster than the fall ones. The rush of the new year adrenaline wears off into the shortest month of the year that somehow feels like the longest. All of a sudden, you’re scrambling to finish all of the deadlines before spring break, and the one week of break doesn’t feel like a break at all. You’re trying to play catch up on any missing assignments and then you’re back and you’re already behind again. Just when you think you can catch your breath- finals. 

On top of just school, the spring semester is filled with event after event. Especially at UIC, all of the organizations start to defrost from the below zero weather and there is at least one event every day. Most days you can’t walk through campus without getting stopped by multiple organizations. Bake sales, thrift racks, picnics on the quad, and mini field days. It’s also the season of celebration, award ceremonies, graduation, and end of year gatherings are in order. All of your clothes seem way too casual or way too formal. It’s safe to say UIC is up and running again and people are excited to be out and about.

As stressed out as I might be from all of the pressures, there are a lot of moments I look forward to each spring. Valentine’s day, my birthday, International Women’s Day, Persian new year, many of my friends’ birthdays, Earth Day, Mother’s Day, and of course the weather. It’s safe to say Chicago has no shortage of cold weather, and I am eternally grateful for any day where the weather is above 65 degrees. Don’t get me wrong, we’ll have a nice 60 degree day followed by a day of torrential downpour. Throw in a blizzard, and also a tornado warning that you never know to take seriously or not. Wrap it up with a sunny day and you have what we call spring.

Although the weather is quite shocking, the days of green trees and vibrant flowers make it all worth it. It’s like a reward; you just survived one of the strongest winds in Chicago history- here’s the prettiest sunset of your life. Then you can enjoy everything this amazing city has to offer. The number of cars on the streets lessen, the bike lanes get crowded, and the sidewalks become a maze with the number of people walking. Restaurants and cafes reopen their outdoor seating and the time for people watching has begun.

So, as the school year comes to an end, instead of lying in bed with stress and despair over finals I have done my best to go outside. “Smell the flowers” and “touch grass” and “feel the rain on your skin”. And as much as I hate to admit, the cliche sayings might be onto something. With that being said- good luck on finals, UIC! 

Remember to enjoy the spring weather.

Love, Ariana