By Giulia Gutzwiller, Staff Writer

TGIF: Thank God It’s February! As someone who loves frolicking in the snow and wearing comfy sweaters, even I experience seasonal depression. Winter is just too darn long, and I believe the entire month of January is to blame.

In December, as the chilly winter weather starts setting in, it’s thrilling to put on a heavy jacket for the first time in months. The first few snowfalls of the season bring about plenty of excitement, and the upcoming holidays and reprieve from schoolwork fill me with joy.

Once January begins, there are no more fun celebrations to look forward to, winter break is over in the blink of an eye and it’s ridiculously cold. You’re telling me I actually have to go to class when it’s eight degrees outside? No thanks!

February comes along and literally brightens up our days since we’re approaching Daylight Savings Time. Many highly anticipated celebrations take place in February, including Black History Month, Valentine’s Day, Groundhog Day, the Grammys and the Super Bowl.

Along with January’s lackluster vibe and unbearable weather, there are other aspects that make this month a challenge to get through.

From the moment the clock strikes midnight on New Year’s Day, January starts to go downhill. One way many people celebrate the start of a new year is by coming up with meaningful resolutions, but I’ve noticed that it can be difficult to stick to these resolutions in everyday life.

I’ve realized I put a lot of pressure on myself to maintain the “new year, new me” attitude by setting impossibly high standards. Toward the end of January, after I realize I haven’t been getting 10 hours of sleep every night or going for a run every morning, I end up feeling disappointed in myself for not living up to my own expectations.

One frustrating aspect of January that I have recently become familiar with is homesickness. It’s hard being back at school after experiencing the wonders of the holiday season with my family in our perfectly decorated home. I spent so much time surrounded by loved ones that it feels odd sitting alone in my undecorated dorm room.

On top of that, there’s the physical toll that January takes on us. With all kinds of illnesses that go around, such as the cold and flu, it’s impossible to avoid getting sick in January. I’ve had the same symptoms for the last three weeks, and no matter how much medicine I take, the constant sniffling, coughing and headaches never seem to go away. The combination of dealing with dreadful sicknesses and overwhelming emotions this past month have clouded my view of January as a whole.

I can understand why people love winter, but I can’t imagine why anyone would like January. It’s way too cold, depressing and long. Let’s all agree that January should have been the month with 28 days, not February.

Unfortunately, Punxsutawney Phil saw his shadow on Groundhog Day, predicting we’ll have six more weeks of winter. While there’s a chance this prediction is accurate, I’m crossing my fingers that the next six weeks will fly by.