By Brianna Wallen
News Editor
Many residents on campus awoke to a winter wonderland on Jan. 25, as a fierce snowstorm transformed the city and campus into a blanket of white.
The heavy snowfall forced the university to hit pause on all classes and events by closing doors on Sunday and Monday, giving students an unexpected break.
“I’m happy to have the day off,” business administration major Jené Pena, a freshman, said. “I’m going to have a snowball fight with my friend and build a snowman later.”
By 6 p.m. on Jan. 25, roughly 10 inches of snow had accumulated according to the New Haven Independent.
This created a frosty landscape for residents to have fun in the snow and even fall victim to the icy conditions.
“I took a tumble outside of Neff, and it was horrible,” special education major Natalie Lindwall-Thomas, a freshman, said.
Many students also decided to make their way outside.
Communication major Gerryiki Williams, a junior, chose to spend his snow day embracing the beauty of the snow-covered city.
“I took pictures of West River just for fun,” Williams said. “I enjoy taking photos, and I really like to be out in nature.”
Armed with his 1995 Sony camera, Williams said he was thrilled to capture the captivating photo of the winter scene.
“The river freezes over, so you get these nice radiant hues of white and blue,” Williams said.
After spending the day outside, Williams said he planned to warm up in his dorm.
“I plan on staying in to watch movies and heat up some hot cocoa with marshmallows,” Williams said.
Other students treated the storm as an opportunity to rest and catch up.
Communication major Jermaine Gunzell, a sophomore, said he enjoyed being snowed in, as it allowed him to unwind.
“I did homework and caught up on sleep,” Gunzell said.
With this snowstorm being one of the heaviest since 2013, Gunzell said it will be a memorable event.
“This is my first big snowstorm that I was aware of,” Gunzell said.
Gunzell also noted concerns about campus safety as the snow continued to pile up.
“I wish they shoveled some areas of the school better to prevent slipping and sliding,” Gunzell said.
Williams also encourages more students to take advantage of future snow days.
“Go explore West River and enjoy the snow while you still can,” Williams said.
