If you know anything about Boone, North Carolina, you know that the first thing people say when you tell them you’re going to App State is “Oh gosh, I could never do that, I don’t like the cold.” Well hey, I’m not too big of a fan of it myself! Yes, I do absolutely love bundling up, and wearing all of the oversized sweaters and boots in the winter, but the colder months hit a lot differently in Boone then they do anywhere else.
For starters — the wind here? Absolutely insane. Easily the hardest part about attending school here. Some days the winds get up to 30 mph. It also stays cooler a lot longer in Boone than anywhere else I’ve visited (in the South anyway). Yes, I understand this is a mountain town, that’s just what happens. But no one really prepares you for the feeling when you’re just so drained and tired from the cold that you honestly think it will never end. Winter feels like an eternity in Boone. Though the views and snow are breathtakingly beautiful, sometimes you find yourself just craving sunshine and warmth all the time.
But I’m here to tell you that things are finally looking up, friends; spring has sprung in Boone! The atmosphere of our campus when it gets warmer is the reason why people go through our brutal winters. With everyone and their brother hanging out on Sanford Mall at all times of the day, just sitting, slacklining, drinking smoothies, playing with their dogs, it truly feels like the happiest place on earth.
The smoothie line in the student union may get ridiculously long, but it’s a small price to pay for the gorgeous weather. The atmosphere on campus just bleeds happiness and joy. There is nothing better than getting out of class and not having to hightail it across campus because of the cold while praying the wind doesn’t start blowing. Extreme weather can really put a damper on anyone’s mental health, and I truly didn’t really understand that until I came to App and experienced a plethora of different weather combinations myself.
But the draining winter was worth it, folks. You can finally break out those Chacos and Birkenstocks that have been sitting collecting dust in your closet for what seems like an eternity. It’s time for wearing big t-shirts, shorts and taking many trips to the parkway with a car full of rowdy friends. You can go hiking absolutely anywhere, find new overlook spots, or go to Trashcan Falls and swim with friends on a hot day. Once the winter’s over, it feels like there’s anything and everything to do in Boone in the Spring!
So do yourself a favor today, tomorrow, whenever, if you haven’t already — go outside and genuinely enjoy it. And by that I mean putting your phone and laptop away and just appreciate the sunshine, the warmth, and the calming stress-free nature zone. Whether it’s sitting on the grass outside your dorm or apartment or sitting on Sanford with the rest of campus, get a group of friends to come with you if you don’t want to be alone. Put some good music on and just appreciate life, read that book you’ve been telling yourself you’re going to read since New Years.
These warmer days in Boone really just validate my reasons for wanting to come to this school, and make me fall more and more in love with this campus everyday.