Springfield, like all cities in Missouri, comes with unpredictable weather. A day may start out one way and make a complete 180 by lunchtime. Those not from Missouri may not be aware of this phenomenon, and some who live here throughout high school might not even understand the weather changes. Most high schools are predominately all indoor, which means that many students are not directly affected by the weather until that final bell rings. One of the biggest differences between high school and college is the amount of time you will be exposed to the daily weather.
The reason I bring up what seems like a trivial issue is because I hope to prevent students from sitting in class shivering while soaking wet. There are a few items one can get to protect themselves from Mother Nature’s tears. First important item is a rain jacket. It does not matter whether it’s a pullover or one that zips up all the way as long as you make sure it is water PROOF and not just water RESISTANT. The difference between those two words could determine how dry you will actually be when using it.
Another good thing to have is an umbrella. There are not many rain jackets big enough to fit yourself and your backpack underneath, so an umbrella ensures that all of your homework you worked very hard on stays nice and dry on your way to class. Speaking of keeping things dry, if you do not have a waterproof phone case, I encourage you to keep a stash of plastic bags in your room. I like to put my headphones and phones in one to keep them protected. Many do not know that you can actually still use a touch screen phone through a plastic bag, so it’s a “no lose” situation if you think about it. If you feel its necessary to take your laptop to class on a particularly rainy day, I suggest putting a plastic store bag around it in your backpack to add protection just in case.
One of my biggest pet peeves is wet shoes and unfortunately ran means puddles and some sneak up on you. The best way to go would be to invest in some rain boots. It is very popular for college students to wear rain boots to class, especially when there is bad weather. If you do not have rain boots, keeping an extra pair of socks and/or shoes in your backpack is the next best thing.
The important thing to remember is that there will be drizzly days during the school year and the number one thing you need to remember is a positive attitude. Don’t let the clouds and rain get you down and discourage you from going to class. Sure, you might have to take a few extra minutes to get your umbrella in your bag and your rain boots on, but think of how rewarding it will be to go to class and not miss out on that day’s knowledge! Who knows? It might even prompt you to start singing the fight song in the rain.
~Zoë
Zoë Pixler, a junior majoring in Photography and Art Education, is a Family Orientation Assistant, helping with special projects and family orientation. She is a member of a social sorority where she is the Vice President of New Member Education.