Considering that the semester is almost at an end and finals season is looming, everyone can foresee that these next few weeks will be hectic. Fortunately, the weather has allowed students to emerge from their dorms and spend time outdoors on every corner of Vanderbilt. 

 Our university stands apart from other schools by not providing its students with days off for President’s Day, Labor Day or Memorial Day. Schools around the country including Amherst College, Bowdoin College, Dartmouth College and many more have traditions like “Mountain Day,” where they grant their students a surprise break from classes to enjoy nature. I believe it is high time for Vanderbilt to establish a “Lawn Day” to allow students to revitalize themselves on our campus’ natural spaces. Since Vanderbilt has not yet given us this opportunity, students have taken the initiative to relax on Alumni Lawn, which serves as a central spot on campus for people to engage in creative and fun activities on these sunny days.

Slip, slide and study 

The majority of students hate Mondays, but sophomore Jake Barrow and his friends wanted to make sure that the Monday before spring break was everyone’s favorite. With the temperature rising to 80 degrees, Commodores across campus were unanimously wishing for a beach day. But our dream of putting out the fire on our skin with waves is made impossible by Nashville’s location, which is at best, five hours away from the nearest ocean. 

Considering this, Barrow and his friends were determined to bring feelings of joy and the splashing of the waves to Alumni Lawn — through a slip-and-slide. After buying and setting up a slip-and-slide on the lawn, Barrow and his friends texted group chats and encouraged their peers to go to class in their bathing suits. 

Barrow described this experience as “a bonding moment” as students who were standing close by fetched soap and joined the celebration of hot weather. He proudly called the turnout “revolutionary,” as it is rare to see so many students roaming around and gathered on campus in swimwear. Prospective students who visited that week likely formed a great impression of Vanderbilt, as the fun on the lawn resembled a scene from a movie brought to life. Barrow invites everyone reading this article to spend more time on Alumni Lawn, calling it “an awesome destressing strategy.”

Alumni Lawn has many functions — it not only becomes a beach but an outdoor library as well. A study by Sydney Salata on academic productivity and the well-being of students showed that college students demonstrate better academic performance during the spring semester when the weather is warm and sunny. 

A fact I certainly did not learn in Introduction to Biological Sciences is that Vitamin D — which we synthesize while sunbathing — improves our mood and reduces the risk of depression. Regulated exposure to the sun can spark your creativity and your motivation. 

If you are experiencing writer’s block or feel overwhelmed by your workload, bring your computer to the lawn. After an hour of grinding an essay, give yourself and your brain a 20-minute rest by joining the people who play frisbee or football; I am confident that when you get back to work you will reach your maximum potential.  

“I love studying on the lawn because it makes me feel more connected to the social aspect of the school,” sophomore Josie Ward said about her love for doing assignments outside. 

A melting pot of music genres 

During sunny days, the lawn becomes a melting pot of music genres, as students bring their speakers and blast their favorite tunes. The combination of good music and hot weather allows us to escape the excessive workload and find pleasure in appreciating the moment. Sophomore Moshe Tambor admitted that the academic rigor and the competitive nature of college life can trap students to only work hard and not play hard. 

“Nature reminds me to be present and brings me to the here and now,” Tambor said. 

Alumni Lawn has become a hub of activity for students looking to unwind and have some fun under the sun. Whether it’s through slip-and-slide antics, group games or even studying, this natural space on campus is proving to be a versatile and much-needed respite from the academic rigors of college life. So, let’s embrace the good weather, connect with our peers and make the most of our time as Commodores!