Spring is here, and the weather is finally warming up. With the final bits of snow melting on the sides of the roads, many new opportunities and activities have sprung up. Camping, hiking, gardening, biking, barbecuing, and going for picnics are just some of the options to reconnect with nature after the harsh winter. In an interview with Raymond Taha, ‘26, he states that although he is not a part of the sailing team this year, “I’m looking forward to getting my boat on the water. I’m blessed to have the opportunity to own a boat and have it on Lake Minnetonka, so I’m really excited for when the ice breaks and the temperature warms up a bit more.” Although the ice is too thin to walk but too thick to boat, Taha further states, “we are looking at in a few weeks for the ice to be completely gone, though. The moment the ice breaks, the sailing team will go out there within the month most likely.” Taha also is a big fan of connecting with nature apart from the water and sailing; “connecting with nature is, for me, it’s this deeper feeling of relaxation […] It really allows me more time with my thoughts and myself, thinking about myself as a human.”

Nature has always been a part of humanity, and perhaps taking the time to listen to the sounds of the wild may just be the break your brain needs from academics and the cold. To that end, Taha recommends checking out Duluth because of its proximity to Lake Superior, various state parks, and even the Minnesota Valley National Wildlife Refuge. However, “always Minnehaha Falls as number one, just cause it’s right here in Minneapolis. It’s absolutely beautiful and way too perfect of a place to have right next door.” Lastly, Taha wants everyone to stay mindful of nature and, most of all, “protect yourself!” With spring comes the sun and bugs, and the mosquitos will come out in droves, especially during sunset. Overall, Taha recommends people to “just be mindful of how things are changing,” which may look like anything from wearing sunscreen to ensuring you aren’t out late to avoid the mosquitos. Despite all this, the oncoming of spring is a great time to get outside, get active, and really enjoy the sun before it gets sweltering hot.