On Friday evening Jan. 23, a large snowstorm covered much of Joplin as well as many other parts of the country. Students at MSSU share how they dealt with the storm and about their time away from classes.
A big storm covered the MSSU campus and its surrounding areas, forcing the school to cancel classes and alter students’ schedules. This snowfall sparked a range of emotions in the students. While some enjoyed the beauty and calm of the snow, others struggled with online classes, and daily routines. “School was closed and we had to do virtual work. I tried doing them, but the fact that my bed is so close made me close my laptop,” said Saddam Serious, explaining the challenge of staying productive at home.
The amount of snow surprised several students. Serious explained that the snow reached halfway up his knee, making it difficult to leave the house. His car became stuck multiple times, preventing him from spending time with his friends. “I spent the day with my family only. No way out in the snow to pull a get-together with the crew,” he said.
For others, the snowstorm felt magical and nostalgic. Mina Yamakoshi described her experience as joyful and emotional. “Snow is beautiful and I feel I’m back to childhood.” She spent her time walking outside, making a snowman, and even playing music while enjoying the moment with her friends.
Despite the difference in experiences, several students admitted that this snowstorm gave them a break for their daily routine. Serious said his favorite part was seeing work and school shut down, allowing him to rest and enjoy the beautiful snow view. Yamakoshi highlighted that the snow day “opened a new world” for her.
Students also shared some advice about future snowstorms. Yamakoshi emphasized the importance of warm clothing, especially protecting the ears, while Serious kept it simple, “Sit down, relax, grab some snacks, and be warm” he said.
Despite everything, there is no doubt that this snowstorm ended up affecting many students in a significant way. In the end, many could not help but wonder if it could happen again.
