I stepped outside early this past Monday morning, clad in Sperry’s and sans socks with only a light jacket. Sure, it was a little brisk out, but it wasn't bad at all — I headed to class no worse for wear. I’d been enjoying the span of pleasant weather the weekend had brought to campus. Flash forward to the conclusion of my biweekly hour and fifteen minutes of Strategic IT. Stepping outside DeBartolo Hall, I felt as though the seasons had shifted: six inches of snow blanketed the ground, and a veritable blizzard swirled around me. It were as if some spiteful child, no longer satisfied with his snow globe once the flakes had settled, had decided to shake it up once more when everyone was least expecting it.
I think that Notre Dame should embrace the climate with its marketing campaigns. I can see it now: Father Jenkins, standing on the steps of the Main Building, gesturing around at God Quad on a clear Spring day. “People often ask me about diversity here at Notre Dame. I just tell them, ‘Look at our weather!’ Our Mendoza College of Business is at the top of its class.” Cue snowfall, out of nowhere. “But more importantly, we lead the nation in average snowfall after December.” Rain begins pouring down on him. “We also hold the record for the world’s largest Cold Water Challenge.” Gale-force winds buffet him from all sides, and he raises his voice to be heard. “And now that we’ve conveniently re-centered campus with our Crossroads Project, admitted students get to experience even more of nature with longer walks to class.” Sun begins to peek through the clouds and the rain fades, as Father Jenkins dabs at his dripping forehead with his pocket square. “This is the Notre Dame difference.”
Oh, South Bend, how I love your weather. Nowhere but Notre Dame do aerospace engineers have the privilege of walking through a wind tunnel on their way to class. Nowhere else does the swim team get extra practice swimming across the lakes formed by uneven sidewalks. One thing is certain, however. No matter how much the temperature falls below zero, and in spite of the fact that winter jackets are still being worn in March, campus still manages to look absolutely beautiful every day — and that is what keeps me going every morning as I look out the window, sigh, and start layering.
