The Observer, February 9, 2007
Volume XXXIX, Issue 16
A Fresh Perspective: Bad weather not excuse for mediocrity
It is winter in Cleveland. This fact heralds the arrival of bitter temperatures and slushy, snowy conditions. Unlike high school, where my next class was a quick indoor stroll away, I actually have to trek outdoors for up to 25 minutes one way to get to some of my classes. When considering the weather, going to class is now akin to a chore.
Looking out my window as I first wake up, I see the sidewalks dusted with snow, slush, and ice. I can also feel a pesky, icy-cold draft coming through the window. As I take in these sights, the inevitable dread of walking to class arrives. In order to avoid numb limbs on the walk to class, it is necessary to wear multiple layers of clothing. I find this especially uncomfortable when combined with a bulky wool coat and a backpack. Then there are the sidewalks. Though most are fairly clear, the moisture, slush, and salt soak through and stain any fabric that brushes it.
With all of this in mind, going to class turns into an extremely undesirable activity. It seems more advantageous to stay inside with friends and drink hot chocolate and gaze outside at the students who have the resilience to attend lectures. However, it is so easy for me to lose sight of where I am. Despite the fact that I now live with some of my best friends, I am still being educated. It is so incredibly important to keep in mind that among the social amusements, I am being prepared for the rest of my life through the classes that lie out there beyond the cold and snow.
After watching the Super Bowl with some friends on Sunday night, we noticed some school closings running across the bottom of the screen. Each of us waited anxiously to pick out our old high schools from the list, even jokingly anticipating the closing of Case. To our dismay, Case was not closed. In fact, I have heard that Case rarely shuts down for the weather. This just reminds me exactly how prestigious of a university I attend and how lucky I am to be here at this exceptional school.
In high school, I took so many snow days for granted and celebrated the time away from academic activities. I must remind myself that I am now at the next level of my education and I can no longer take learning for granted. College is not just class, it is a mindset. Every class that I am taking now will, in some way, prepare me for the career I desire to achieve. It is necessary to harbor a passion for learning at this university, not merely an attitude of mediocrity. I am guilty of feeling sub-par some days, too; however, I will not let that mindset or even the frigid temperatures trample my passion for the career path I have chosen.
