As the weather finally warms up (forgetting this Tuesday's snow), students finally begin to trade parkas, mittens and wool hats for lighter layers. The College emerges from its winter routine as Adirondack chairs fill Battell Beach and McCullough lawn once again. Students rush to get a coveted seat at the few tables outside the dining halls.
As the snow recedes, it leaves behind the mud and dirt that define a Middlebury spring. As we enter the second-to-last month of the academic year, the Editorial Board reflected on what this spring transition brings to campus.
Spring, in many ways, feels earned, and reminds us about what makes going to college in the Northeast so unique. After long months of short days and no sunlight, even small shifts in temperature are significant. Other college students in southern California or Florida would not understand this feeling; it is a unique and defining characteristic of an education in New England. At a time when the world, and in fact our campus, can feel fractured, sharing in the joys of sunny days and higher temperatures feels like a uniting, and uniquely Middlebury, feeling.
At the same time, spring marks one of the busiest times of the year, and reminds us about all the different kinds of people at Middlebury. The season contains many religious and cultural holidays, such as Easter, Passover, Eid, and Holi. Students have the opportunity to share their traditions and celebrate together, a testament to the season's camaraderie.
It is also the season for the arts: Hepburn Zoo performances, senior thesis showcases and events like the Nocturne Arts Festival, which brings students together to highlight a year’s worth of creative work.
The changing season also encourages us to examine Vermont outside of its winter chill. As the days of skiing and sledding are behind us, we are reminded about what makes Vermont so special, even without its trademark snow. Whether this means walking at The Knoll or swimming in Lake Dunmore, students are drawn back outside. This relationship with the environment is central to the Middlebury experience. Integrating academic life with that environment — through outdoor classes for example — can make learning feel more immediate and dynamic.
Still, spring is not without its challenges. The weather is inconsistent; a warm day is often followed by rain, clouds or even late snow. Rather than a clean transition, the season arrives in fits and starts. Adjusting expectations becomes part of the process.
More significantly, the academic calendar compresses some of the most enjoyable weeks of the year into a period of heightened stress. As finals approach, students are asked to balance academic responsibilities with a desire to be present and engaged. Burnout becomes more visible, and the pace of the semester can make even small tasks feel overwhelming.
While academics remain a priority, we emphasized the importance of balance. Taking time outside, even briefly, can offer a reset. Being a strong student does not require constant productivity, and rest should not feel like an afterthought.
At an institutional level, the College can do more to support this balance. Increased outdoor seating and gathering spaces would better accommodate how students naturally use the campus in warmer weather. This is low-hanging fruit; it would make for good photo ops, too. When the sun is out, students gravitate toward the outdoors — but too often, space is limited.
There is also room to reconsider how student gatherings are managed. We reiterate our previous call: The college needs to make it easier for students to plan events and shed its bureaucratic load. Student-led gatherings (like nocturne) are a meaningful part of campus life, particularly in a season that already feels fleeting.
As the semester enters its final stretch, we offer a few reflections on what to carry forward — and what to leave behind.
In: Living for every day, not just the weekend.
It is easy to fall into a cycle of counting down to Friday, but that mindset can flatten the rest of the week. Spring offers opportunities for smaller, everyday moments — whether that means swimming for an hour between the meeting and class, going to Shiretown for a creemee, or just hanging out more with friends. Thursday, Friday and Saturday are not the only days of the week.
Out: Disrespecting public spaces.
Warm weather does not mean that all sense of responsibility should be thrown out the window. This is a reminder to be respectful of public spaces. Do not vandalize public property, do not leave dining dishes outside, and, as always, we should clean up after ourselves.
In: Supporting your friends.
The spring ushers in spirited showcases of student talent, ranging from academic pursuits to artistic creativity. The Spring Symposium and Nocturne Arts Festival are just two examples of this period of celebration, demonstrating the importance of supporting and appreciating your friends and peers. Go watch a student play this weekend.
Out: Being too hard on ourselves.
With finals approaching, it is important to remember not to be too hard on yourself. The human experience should not be devalued to a GPA or letter grade. Middlebury is an academic institution, but there is so much more to learn and experience beyond schoolwork. This is your permission to take a break and relax.
