Julia Sikorski Roehsner
Winter — The only season that comes without bugs
By Ryan Brentner
When I put together a list of all the things I love in life — sleeping, family, hot drinks, holidays, cookies, and so much more — I realize there is one season that aligns with all of these passions: winter. It’s the time of the year that brings the best holidays, full of gifts, family, comfort food, and days off from school. It has chilly weather and snow that makes sledding, ice skating, and building snowmen possible. After these activities, a fuzzy blanket is waiting inside to crawl under while I watch my favorite movies. Outside, I can wear the cutest sweaters, boots, scarves, hats, and mittens that all match my Pinterest boards.
Winter allows me to hibernate, slow down, and take the break I promised myself during the first half of the semester — If I don’t allow myself to relax, at least the cold weather will. Every fall, I look forward to the first time it snows. I am thankful to live in the Midwest where I can experience every season and breathe in the crisp winter air starting as early as November. Sure, winter gets old and can be bitter. But, remember, the most important thing winter has to offer might make it all worth it: no bugs.
Summer vignettes
By Kathryn Looney
I know summer gets a bad rap because of the heat, humidity, and the bugs. Trust me, I get that, but let me paint a few pictures for you to show why summer is nonetheless on top.
You and your friends are on a road trip to Acadia National Park. Why? Because in summer, your breaks aren’t confined to just one week. You stop at a small town in Vermont, where they sell homemade maple ice cream. You and your friends try some, because what better treat than ice cream is there for the summer? It’s sweet and crisp, another memory created with your lovely friends.
Maybe you are working in the summer, and your weekends are open. You go to your local farmer’s market on Saturday mornings, when the air is cool. You slowly stroll through the stalls, gazing at the abundance of spinach, jams, tomatoes, peppers, cucumbers, honey, and flowers for sale. Maybe you get to sample some, too. Ahead of you lies a wonderful day of cooking.
Or maybe you’re sitting on your porch, listening to the rain pour down, you anticipate a thunderstorm starting any second now. You have a book in your lap and a cup of tea on the table beside you. The wonderful aroma of rain permeates the air, and in the morning, the world will be washed anew in color and life.
Sure, you have to deal with bugs and heat, but no season compares to the memories and nostalgia that summer holds, making it the best.