The weekend marked one of the first times in months that Mount Pleasant saw the sun shine.

Temperatures peaked to a near 50 degrees, melting the ice that covered campus sidewalks.

It was almost warm outside.

But just as quickly as my hopes began to soar, as soon as the snow and ice finally melted away, a fresh batch of white flurries dusted mid-Michigan.

The winter just won’t go without a fight.

For a long while, I fought back and I fought back hard.

My first strategy involved wearing many outer layers, to a point where it was kind of ridiculous. Two layers of hooded sweatshirts underneath the coat, a pair of gloves underneath a pair of mittens, and a scarf engulfing my face in a style reminiscent of Randy’s character in “A Christmas Story.”

Later, when the gray skies and slush first started taking a wear on me, I decided to sort of pretend that winter did not exist.

That whole concept of “ignorance breeds peace of mind” did not apply here when the cold began to bite at my hands and face.

It wasn’t long after plan B failed that I started to feel a little sad and began to lack energy. While everyone else around me started catching the mutated flu virus, a runny nose or a throaty cough, I found myself with early symptoms of the mid-winter blues.

While experts aren’t sure exactly what causes the melancholy, they do have a name for it – Seasonal Affective Disorder, very appropriately abbreviated S.A.D.

I’ve been putting some extra effort into the activities I enjoy and avoiding focusing on feeling blue, but it can be really trying at times.

Experts suggest going out, getting together with friends, working at a favorite hobby.

The only trouble with that advice is that students have weeks full of homework, exams and meetings to a point where when the long time out is needed, it cannot be afforded.

My Prozac has lately consisted of Q’doba’s vegetarian burritos and Orange Mango Juice, which also come at an expense.

But regardless of the fact that I am a poor college kid, I still make frequent visits to the place.

The comfort food combined with my favorite music helps keep me focused.

All I can do is stick it out.

I’m willing to pay the price until it’s ‘almost warm outside’ for days at a time.

lifeline@cm-life.com

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