The weather this weekend seemingly pulled students, faculty members and Athens residents out of their winter cocoons. I live right next to the bike path, so it was wonderful to hear bikes, rollerblades and sneakers cruising the pavement all day. I even took the time to pump up my bike tires and do a little cruising myself.
The uptown streets were crowded with girls clad in skirts, dresses, tank tops and flip flops and guys in khaki cargo shorts and cut-off T-shirts. I am employed at The Other Place and found myself refilling the sunglasses rounder several times throughout the weekend.
With all this sunshine and heat in the air, it can only mean one thing: Spring Quarter is just around the river bend.
Day-drinking, street parties, sunshine and loud music are about to ensue, Ohio University. Seriously, how ready are you? This wretched winter couldn't have gotten any worse - come on, we had a snow day for the first time since 2003 - and I'm not gonna lie, I really miss playing beer pong outside.
For those who are new to the excitement that is Ohio University's Spring Quarter, here are a few things you must know:
Firstly, it is illegal to indulge in the consumption of alcohol if you are under the age of 21. If you're going to do it, be smart about it. Do not lie to cops. They'll still bust you and you have more of a chance of getting out of it if you just tell the truth.
Secondly, every weekend is home to a street party or some other large party - Palmerfest is my personal favorite. Befriend someone who lives on one of those streets now. You will be really happy when they let you have a 'house cup' come party time.
Thirdly, spring intramurals are awesome. You can play softball, indoor soccer, 4-on-4 flag football, sand volleyball, golf, table tennis, tennis, racquetball and corn hole. Sign up.
Fourthly, enjoy what the Athens area has to offer. Strouds Run is just seven miles outside of Athens and offers a great place to swim and lay out. There are also places to go canoeing, camping and hiking just short drives away from campus. Visit the Athens County Visitor's Bureau Web site for more information.
Lastly, live it up. Spring Quarter only comes but once a school year. Sure, your friends that go to BG or Kent may be done in May, but they'll be back home working while you're having the time of your life basking in the Athens sunshine. After Spring Quarter 2012, there will never be a Spring Quarter at Ohio University again, so make each one count.
Kadi McDonald is a senior magazine journalism major. Send her an e-mail at km134305@ohiou.edu if you live on Palmer, High, Oak or Milliron, because she wants to be your friend.
4 Opinion
Kadi McDonald
