Spring is a season of renewal, rejuvenation, and growth. After the cold, dark days of winter, spring brings warmth, light, and color back into our lives. It is a time of new beginnings and fresh starts. However, in the academic world, the first day of spring is not a beginning but is a mid-way point, halfway through a semester.
For the earth it is also a midway point. In the Northern Hemisphere, spring begins with the vernal equinox. This is the time when the sun reaches the Earth’s midpoint, the equator, as it moves from south to north. At the equinox both hemispheres receive an equal amount of sun, and the length of night and day are virtually the same. Likewise, the sun rises due east and sets due west everywhere but the Earth’s poles. On the equinox the Earth is in balance evenly split between light and dark, north and south, warm and cold.
The equinox calls us to look for balance. This can be difficult to do, however, when juggling academic responsibilities, extracurricular activities, part-time jobs, and social commitments. Prioritizing selfcare – getting enough sleep, eating well, and exercising regularly – can be essential in this, improving mental health and academic performance. For a little selfcare break, visit our display of spring children’s books on the first floor and check out the games and other fun items from our Library of Things.
Support and assistance are also vital to finding balance. Having a network of friends, family, and mentors who provide emotional care and guidance can help one cope with challenges. The Loras support system of professors, coaches, and counselors are also key. In the Miller Academic Resource Center you can find Research Assistance with librarians, as well as help from the Writing Center, Math Lab, and Academic Success. Let all these resources help bring you balance this spring.
