Put Spring in Your Step
Written by Aarya Mahapatra. Graphics by Aarya Mahapatra.
Spring feels like the true beginning of the year—a fresh start, a new cycle. After the quiet hibernation of winter, spring feels like a deep inhale after months of holding your breath. It’s the perfect time to pause, reflect on our decisions and ground ourselves in the present moment.
Just the other day, something wonderful happened: my math professor brought a glass full of tiny pink flowers to class. “Redbud,” he said, gesturing to the tree right outside Arnold Hall. I walk past that tree every day but I never really saw it. Turns out, those tiny blossoms—bright and delicate—are not only beautiful but edible. Who knew?
We all tried one. They had this fresh, slightly tart and citrusy flavor—like spring itself in edible form. They’re commonly used in salads or as garnishes but in that moment, they were something much more: a surprise reminder of how much joy is sitting quietly around us waiting to be noticed.
It made me wonder how often we rush past beauty, distracted by our own busyness, waiting for what’s next instead of appreciating what is.
Spring invites us to slow down and take it all in. The sun warms your back as you walk to class. Flowers bloom in sidewalk cracks. You hear lawnmowers, birdsong and someone on Broughton playing their favorite album in front of Ben and Jerry’s. You finally say “yes” to that spontaneous picnic in Forsyth Park or take the long way home just to enjoy the golden hour light.
It’s the season for iced coffee walks, flip-flops and light jackets, for spotting turtles under the Turner bridge and overhearing laughter from restaurant patios. You might press a flower in your notebook or want to soak in the sun at SCADbeach. Even pulling out your spring clothes can feel joyful—like reuniting with an old cheerful version of yourself.
This quarter, I’m making a conscious effort to stay present. I want to sit in the grass and remember how good this feels. Joy doesn’t have to be big. Sometimes it’s in the breeze. Sometimes it’s in a flower. Sometimes it’s in having a conversation with a stranger.
So, what’s putting a spring in your step lately? Maybe it’s time to notice the tree outside your window or finally try something unexpected. You never know what small joy might be right in front of you.
