Cold Snap, Campus Chaos! By: Rachel Arrey

As the weather grows colder, schools become busier. Holiday season is nearby and for many students it introduces darker afternoons, snow days, winter activities, and final exams. Winter’s impact also forces schools to reconsider aspects from scheduling to student support, which reveals how the environment influences learning. The frosty season may look entertaining from a distance, but it truly shapes the experience of learning.

A student at Hillgrove High School named Tyra Brown shares her perspective on the chilly season. “The best time I feel motivated during winter months is when I look forward to a certain break. When I look forward to a certain break and a certain event, I just try my best in classes so that I can finish out strong. “Tyra shares that many Hillgrove High School students struggle to stay motivated as the semester becomes more demanding. The combination of cold weather and academic pressure often affects students’ energy levels. Breaks and school events become vital sources of encouragement and anticipate how these small moments allow students to push through.

Kamrin McCray, a sophomore at Hillgrove High School, also expressed his opinion on winter this year. “I would say, like just trying to get practice out the way and getting my work done after practice is really the only hard part that affects me a lot because, let's say if I was being held back on like an assignment in class, I learn that I need to work faster, like when I'm using assignments sometimes because I’ve got track practice and other activities.” Kamrin explains that balancing academics with athletic achievements can be challenging for student athletes during the winter season as sports grow more demanding.  Many student athletes find themselves juggling late practices, homework and personal responsibilities, making it harder to maintain a steady routine. 

Winter at Hillgrove High School reveals just how deeply the season shapes students’ academic and personal lives. Whether itfinding motivation through upcoming breaks or learning to balance schoolwork and sports, much resilience is needed to survive the closing semester. These experiences highlight that winter is more than just a change in weather but also a period that challenges students to adapt, prioritize, and learn.