This time of year, I always find myself daydreaming out the window, wondering how I’m supposed to be able to go to class and do homework when the sun is shining and birds are chirping.

When I’m inside during the winter, it is easy to wrap myself in a blanket and not dare to so much as glance out of the window for fear of seeing the blizzard that awaits me the next time I’m stupid enough to venture outside. Now, even though some days are rainy, I find my eyes glued to the window, struggling to keep myself locked inside.

It’s hard to focus on schoolwork when it’s a beautiful day outside. Maybe all I want to do is frolic through the ravines. Why, oh, why won’t you let me go, schoolwork?

Apparently, spring break is meant to cure us of this. However, I don’t think I know anyone who ever feels truly ready to come back from break. A week of being outside in above freezing temperatures and free from regular obligations is supposed to make me ready to come back to regular obligations? For some reason that doesn’t really work for me.

No matter how much I love Grand Valley State University, returning to a never-ending pile of work with rapidly approaching deadlines is difficult to find enjoyable. This should be the time when we can finally be happy we’re in West Michigan, but we can’t because there’s always more work to be done. How are we supposed to be able to enjoy this beautiful city, this beautiful state, when we can only see it through the classroom window?

Sunday kicked off the start of seasons that don’t make us miserable. Thank you, Mother Nature. Spring is a time of rebirth and renewal. It allows us to waken from the too-long depression that is winter. Being able to feel the sun on your face and breeze through your hair is an invigorating experience. It is like finally being able to feel alive again. If you hate winter as much as most of us Michiganders, do not deny yourself the most beautiful time of year.

I cannot trap myself inside any longer. I’m resolving to spend more time outside. Let yourself do the same. It’s finally the time of year when we can spend more than 15 minutes outside without getting frostbite and hypothermia. Don’t let lousy work and classwork keep you indoors all day. High-tail it out of work and class as soon as possible.

Take hikes through the ravines. Go to Grand Haven and enjoy the boardwalk and Rosy Mound if you can. Run. Go for a bike ride. If all else fails, at least go outside to do your homework. Revel in the fact that you don’t have to put on four sweaters, two coats, earmuffs, a hat, two pairs of gloves, at least two pairs of pants, three pairs of thick socks and a pair of boots just to be able to open your front door. Open the windows and sing.

Welcome spring with open arms, and it will welcome you back.