I have lived here in Spokane for the past nineteen years, meaning – yes – I am Spokey. I personally adore my city, and think that it is a lot better than people give it credit for. I don’t think its “Spokompton”, instead I think it just has character. But one thing I have always struggled with when it comes to this city, and something I can’t wait to eventually escape, is the winter weather. Thankfully, I get beautiful summers here which slightly make up for the miserable cold weather that is daunting. If you are anything like most of my friends, the snow and the cold weather excite you because… SKI SEASON! But what about the rest of us? Those who never got exposed to what joy comes with the snow? Well, I just want to talk to those people for a minute because I completely understand that winter can be a hard season, but you can get through it and enjoy it.
First of all, don’t think that you’re the only one feeling like this. With the dark sky, the cold weather, and the scary thought of finals, it can feel like this season and semester is never ending. Getting out of bed in the morning feels like your entire body is in pain from the cold which makes going to class so much harder than it already is. But something that I have come to love about winter, is the music that I get to listen to. Walking through the cold, I blast some Bon Iver or Lorde and just take in the surroundings because the music makes my environment so much more enjoyable. Obviously, these artists are always available, but there is something about the white snow and gray sky that makes it so much more fitting. I match my music to my mood, and often I can match my mood to my music. So try starting off the day with a relaxing song and a calm walk to class because it makes the cold day so much more beautiful.
If you’re not a big skier or snowboarder, and not a huge fan of the cold, you may find yourself spending a majority of your time for the next few months indoors. But this doesn’t mean you must isolate yourself, even if that feels like it! It’s a good time for a hot cup of a tea and good conversation. Sounds cheesy, right? But Gonzaga has some beautiful places to sit and unwind with some good friends; the fireplace in Hemm, Jepson Lounge, Jundt Lounge, along with a bunch of places off campus! “But Mattise… how do we get off campus when its -100 degrees out and we don’t know how to drive in the snow?” TAKE THE BUS! Spokane has an incredible transit system that is free to Gonzaga students, and can take you anywhere in a matter of minutes. Don’t isolate yourself this winter, because you don’t need to.
Alright, so all my winter haters…hear me out. Spokane can be cold, and at times dreadful – but it doesn’t need to be. Make sure that you find some ways to make your winter enjoyable because there is so much to love about the city and the season.