Although the temperatures outside have recently been below zero, spring is right around the corner and Raiders across campus are ready to welcome the new season with anticipation. Senior Danica Bang compared the feeling of excitement while waiting for spring to the scene from High School Musical 2 where everyone is excited for summer and is chanting, “Summer, summer, summer, summer!”
“I love spring on campus so much and I’m really disappointed we didn’t get to experience it last year,” Bang said.
Due to the events that occurred last March revolving around COVID-19, students didn’t get to fully experience and enjoy springtime on campus last year. Several activities and events that typically happen each year didn’t take place after students left campus to quarantine at home.
“There are a lot of really cool events that happen in spring,” said junior Colin “Rex” Kaemingk.
One of those events is Hospers Hall’s annual cardboard and duct tape battle. Students are excited to participate in the battle as well as watch it.
Spring sports’ seasons were also interrupted due to the premature dismissal, and student athletes are hoping to have their spring seasons this year.
“Definitely golf,” Carlson said when asked about the upcoming spring. “I’m really excited for that.”
Freshman Emma Anunson and junior Brandon Glasgow are both in symphonic band and are looking forward to welcoming the new season while playing their instruments on the band tour during spring break.
Several students are also looking forward to seeing the snow and ice melt away and watching the trees and flowers bloom.
“I am just really missing things that are pretty to look at outside,” junior Karisa Meier said.
Noelle Wamhoff, a sophomore, has yet to experience spring on campus, like all students who were transfers or freshmen last year.
“I will be watching the campus green turn green again because I didn’t get to see that happen last year,” Wamhoff said.
The visual changes to campus during springtime are obvious, but there are other changes that occur as well.
“Spring just smells different. I associate spring with happiness. A light, fragile happiness,” junior Vanessa Gomez said.
With spring comes changes in weather and freshman Sarah Sundet is ready to exchange the snow for rain.
“Like thunderstorms? Heck yeah!” Sundet said.
The change in weather will be welcomed by several students, especially with how cold it’s been lately. Once it starts warming up, it won’t be necessary to wear as many layers to stay warm while walking around campus.
“Literally just being outside. Walking to Town Square,” junior Melissa Lansink said, “I want to not feel cold. I want to have fun when I walk to my classes.”
Junior Paige Ginger agreed with Lansink.
“Not having an artic freeze,” Ginger said. “I love when all of the flowers start to bloom. All of the baby animals start popping up everywhere.”
Several students mentioned that with the warmer weather comes the opportunity to hang out outside more, to hammock in trees around campus, take walks around town or work on homework while sitting on the green.
Being able to travel, catch up with friends and see how people have grown throughout the year were also mentioned as things students are looking forward to for spring.
“Being able to go outside and hangout with people on the green, go for walks and being able to be somewhere besides my room,” junior Sara Bosman said.
While some students are anxious to get out of their rooms and apartments, some students are anticipating leaving NW for good after graduating this spring. With a new season comes a lot of changes, but NW students are ready to welcome the new season with open arms and smiles on their faces under their masks.
