It’s not always sunny in Brunswick

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The Freshman Fifteen

It’s not always sunny in Brunswick

This piece represents the opinion of the author:

Julia Binswanger

Columnist

October 25, 2012

I was warned plenty of times before I came here. I should have been prepared. People said, “It’s not the same up there. Don’t you realize how far north it is?” They said, “Maybe you should apply to Pomona.” And yet, I didn’t listen. Despite all of the cautions, I was still not prepared for the weather in Brunswick.

I’m from Philadelphia, and contrary to popular belief, it is not always sunny there. We, too, have bad weather. We too have rain. And yet, here in Brunswick, I feel like every other day I have been rolling into class sporting rain boots, frizzy hair, and an umbrella, and slowly but surely, the relentless downpour has put a damper on my mood.

I know many upperclassmen will laugh at me [for being a feeble first year,] but the weather here is downright mean. It keeps trying to trick me. I wake up, look outside and conclude that it’s a sunny day, only to be bombarded two hours later by a shower.

Then without fail, the second I go back to my dorm to get my rain jacket the sun decides to make an appearance. I swear, the universe is laughing at me. I think I’m safe in my dorm room from the harsh conditions outside, and then the next thing I know an earthquake hits. So, if you’re like me, and the weather is leaving you confused and frustrated, here are some tips:

To begin, layers are the key. The low temperature of the day seems at least 15 degrees colder than the high does. Thus, make sure that in addition to the shirt you are wearing, you also pack a sweater or a jacket in your bag, and while you’re at it, stuff an umbrella in there just in case.

Pants are a little trickier because layers aren’t really option. After all, they don’t make raincoats for your legs. To get around this, I’ve always been a fan of an awesome pair of slacks that converts to shorts when zipped off at the knee. They may not be in style right now, but if enough people start wearing them, I think there could be a real comeback.

More importantly than apparel choice, we have to keep our spirits up and remain united against these harsh conditions. Instead of feeling crestfallen as you look out that window in the morning, perhaps it’s better to embrace the weather.

Rainy days don’t necessarily have to be a bad thing. Rain can be quite picturesque. Some of my favorite movie moments happen in the rain; when Andy Dufresne finally escapes in Shawshank Redemption; when a bolt of lightning hits the Delorean in Back to the Future; when Spiderman plants an upside down kiss on Mary Jane; and because it’s extremely obvious, I omit a certain kiss from a certain Notebook.

Also I must say, that although rainy days can bring me down, I’ve never appreciated the sun so much in my life. Every time I go outside on a sunny fall day here at Bowdoin I can’t help but sigh. Right now the trees are the most awesome auburn I have ever seen.

What’s more, although I hate to say it, we need to realize that the worst has only just begun. Rainy days can get anyone down, but this is nothing compared to the winter chill that will start hitting us in only about a month. Enjoy the weather as much as you can right now. In fact, if you feel bold on a rainy afternoon, seize the opportunity. Go outside to the quad and start singing in it Frank Sinatra-style, because soon enough we will have a whole new battle to face: snow.

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