As the days grow shorter and the air turns colder, Keene State begins its slow transition into winter. The bright fall colors are fading, replaced by frost and bare branches. A chill is now in the air that makes students pull their jackets a little tighter when hurrying between classes or to the Zorn Dining Commons. With finals looming and the sun setting earlier each day, the semester’s end brings pressure and fatigue; many on campus feel the weight of the season.
However, through simple routines, creative outlets and moments of connection, students found their own ways to keep spirits high when the temperature drops.
Some students see the season as a chance to slow down and enjoy the calm.
Senior Thupten Sherpa said she finds herself staying positive by having people around her and finding joy in little moments.
“I like to spend time with friends, or if I’m by myself, I’ll watch a good cozy movie or show or listen to music that keeps me uplifted throughout the day,” she said. “I try to appreciate the cold more rather than let it keep me down, like the winter aesthetic. Definitely easier said than done though,” Sherpa said.
Sherpa added that she enjoys visiting cafès with her friends or family nearby, finding that simple activities keep the winter blues away. Still, she admits the shortened days can be tough.
“The hardest part about staying positive in the winter is definitely the fact that the days become shorter,” she said. “I deal with it by trying to wake up earlier so they don’t feel too short.”
For senior Kayla Turner, staying positive comes down to motivation.
“I stay positive by getting myself out of bed, keeping busy and staying in touch with my friends and community,” she said. She said she also finds comfort in the quiet by listening to music and reading.
Turner said the hardest part of winter is the timing of finals season.
“Schoolwork ramps up so much toward the end of the semester, especially as you get further into college,” she explained. “I deal with it by reminding myself that I just have to push through for a few more weeks, and that I get it done every semester.”
While some students focus on routine, other students embrace the uniqueness of the cold months.
Junior Blessing Sithole, originally from Zimbabwe, said he still finds beauty in the season, despite being far from what he grew up with.
“I still remember my first winter in 2023 here in the U.S. and the excitement I felt seeing snow for the first time,” Sithole said. “I grabbed my guitar and started singing ‘Glory to God’ outside that morning. It was such a beautiful and unfamiliar sight.”
Sithole fills his winter days with hobbies and movement.
“To stay positive during those short, dark days, I like to play chess and cards, study and watch TV, mostly soccer and Boeing documentaries,” he said. “On Mondays, Thursdays, and Sunday mornings, I go to the gym to run and exercise. I play indoor soccer at the Fieldhouse in Swanzey every Monday night, and sometimes on Fridays as well.”
Still, he admits the lack of sun can be difficult. “Coming from a country known for its bright, sunny days, it can be tough when everything here turns gray,” he said. “During those times, I like to go for walks around the Keene Airport to get some fresh air and clear my mind, even if it’s cold,” Sithole said the open space helps him to feel more connected and refreshed.
Junior Sammi Goldblatt finds joy in embracing the playfulness of winter. “It can be a lot to go outside in the snow, but it’s so worth it,” she said. “Building snowmen like we used to when we were younger and just having fun is a great way to stay positive.”
Goldblatt also uses hobbies to fill her time. “When you’re home and it’s cold out, it’s harder to do things outside,” she said. “So doing other fun activities like making a blanket, knitting or reading a book helps me take my mind off the cold, and honestly stops me from watching TV for five weeks straight.”
For Goldblatt, the isolation in winter tends to sneak up on her easily, though. “The main way I deal with it is reaching out,” Goldblatt said. “I’ll FaceTime my friends or go get dinner with them, and we talk about plans for next semester or how the break is going. It gives me something to look forward to when it does get warmer and the days get longer.”
For first-year Drew Follansbee, winter is all about finding small joys in the season itself. “I like to stay positive during the winter months by getting as warm as possible whenever I go to sleep while the room is really cold,” he said. “Also, remembering Christmas is right around the corner,” he mentioned, bringing up the festive joy in the season.
Dakota Sweet can be reached at
dsweet@kscequinox.com
