As winter settles in on Wilkes University’s campus, cold temperatures and frequent snowfall have sparked strong reactions among students. From snow lovers eager to bundle up to others counting down the days until spring, opinions on the season vary widely.
To get a sense of how the Wilkes community is feeling, The Beacon took to campus to ask two simple questions: Do you like the current winter weather, and what is your favorite winter activity?
For some, the cold is a welcome change.
“I love the cold. I love playing in the snow,” said Ty Jahnigen, a freshman football player and mechanical engineering major. “I’m from Virginia, so I came up here for the weather.”
Others were far less enthusiastic. “I hate it! That’s an easy answer,” said Colby Bennedict, who was visiting campus but is not currently a Wilkes student.
Several students fell somewhere in the middle, expressing tolerance rather than excitement. “I can’t say I’m a massive fan.” Said Michael Santini, a junior education major.
Lucas MacKing, a junior engineering major, echoed a similar sentiment. “I mean, what are you gonna do about it? At this point I’m just used to it.”
Many students were more direct about their dislike for the cold. “Hate it!” said Cassandra Snyder, a third-year pharmacy student. Kendyl Keefer, also a third-year pharmacy major, agreed, saying, “I hate it!” Cora James, a senior majoring in criminology and psychology, added, “I absolutely hate the cold.”
Despite mixed feelings about the weather itself, winter still brings opportunities for activities students enjoy–especially those involving snow or staying cozy indoors.
“I love to go skiing with my friends,” said Hannah Zhao, a second-year pharmacy student.
For others, winter is a time to slow down. “I like to sleep, watch movies, and play Roblox.” Said Yaira Perez, a freshman education major.
Student-athletes often find ways to stay active indoors. “Personally, I play basketball, so I play a lot while it’s cold. Or we just find warm places to eat,” said Anya Richet, a freshman biology major and member of the women’s basketball team.
Snow sports were a popular choice among several students.
“My favorite winter activity is snowboarding.” said Leon Schikowitz, a sophomore environmental science major. Cole Larcinese, a sophomore psychology major, shared the same activity, while Brett Townsend, a sophomore finance major, said he enjoys “skiing with friends.”
Whether students love the cold, hate it or have learned to live with it, winter is clearly leaving its mark on campus. While spring may still feel far away, Wilkes students are finding their own ways to make the most of the cold season–one snowstorm at a time.