Waking up to a red light can be a glorious feeling. No, I’m not talking about the task of driving, rather the ability to sleep in.
Midwest weather and weather in Bloomington can often be unpredictable in the winter. Snowfall comes and goes in varying degrees, with temperatures irregularly rising and falling.
Two weeks ago, students were blessed with an unexpected snow day. Some light ice and snow covered the ground, but very few could have predicted the day off. These early morning cancellations and delays are usually hard to foresee, and with the forecast for the near future looking powdery white, we’ve outlined the best ways to prepare for snow days.
Here are three different types of students and how they prepare for snow days.
Student 1: High Risk, High Reward
This is the student who completely banks on the decision of a snow day. Typically, they will not go to bed until very late because they believe they can sleep in the next day. The will to do the night’s homework is nonexistent as they will just be able to “do it tomorrow.” However, these strategies can come back to bite them severely. If a snow day is not set in place, Panther Plus can’t replenish sleep and finish homework which creates a dangerous scenario. Therefore, this is an all or nothing strategy. These students are either seen as a genius or an idiot, but nothing in between.
Student 2: Responsible Ronald
This is the student who is completely unaware that snow is in the nightly forecast. They are oblivious to the opportunity of a delay or snow day. Because of this, homework for all classes is completed and bedtime comes at a reasonable time for this student. These strategies are in place to play it safe, but there isn’t as much of an advantage if a snow day has occurred. Because bedtime is so early, they are willing to wake up when their alarm goes off and won’t sleep in much longer. Seen as the complete opposite of Student 1, this person takes a much more conservative approach with low risk and low reward.
Student 3: The “I’m not superstitious, but I am a little stitious” guy
Whether it be putting a spoon under a pillow, sleeping with pajamas inside out or eating ice cream the night before, students have many traditions. These students are quite possibly the most important when coaxing mother nature to give us a break. If traditions are not carried out, it’s possible to ruin the chances of snow overnight. So, when students bring up what they do to influence snow days, make sure to not deter them from carrying out their snow day dance.
As winter in Bloomington ramps up, students must decide how they want to prepare the night before. Whether you go for it all, play it safe or wear your pajamas inside out, students should be on the lookout for inclimate weather forcing delays and closings.
