That incurable fever strikes again

By Alexis Lear

April 25, 2005 | It's that time again. It comes every spring and can be the downfall of many Utah State University students and their grades.

"I definitely am a victim of Spring Fever," said Maryah McKinley, a USU junior majoring in business information systems. "When April comes around and it starts to get warm outside school is the last thing on my mind."

This seems to be the case for many USU students. Spring can be an exciting time in Logan because the snow is finally melting and the grass is green again.

"Spring is my favorite time of year," said Michael Borton, a USU sophomore majoring in math education. "Spring means that winter is finally over!"

Unlike the spring of 2004, the weather has been cold and spring has gotten a late start. But it is spring all the same.

It is not only the USU students who are having a hard time concentrating in school. Amber Wardle a student teacher teaching kindergarten at Millville Elementary in Millville, said even young kids get spring fever.

"It is so hard to teach in spring because when the kids see the sun and feel the warm weather all they want to do is go outside and play."

Wardle said that even in the classroom she can see a change in the moods and energy of the kids.

Spring is a fun time of year, but are students' grades really dropping as a result of the weather?

Lindsay Meintel, a USU junior majoring in broadcast journalism, says her grades always suffer during spring semester. "I don't know how to stop it! No matter what I do, my grades drop significantly during the spring." Meintel attributed her poor grades to the fact that the good weather and fun outside activities prevent her from going to class.

After being cooped up all winter, USU students are ready to be anywhere but the classroom.

"The last place I want to be right now is in class," said Borton.

"It's just that time of year. The sun shines and suddenly my math scores don't seem so important anymore."

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