Yes, it’s cold. And there’s a lot of snow. I know. I live in the same city as you. And yes, it might be a little bit colder (and this might be a little bit of an understatement) than it normally is, but it is time to stop complaining incessantly.

Instead of posting tweet after tweet about the weather or spending a sunny winter day inside watching reruns of your favorite TV show, get out there and start exploring. Remember “Northern. Naturally?”

We get to choose where we go to college, and we aren’t bound by that decision. If there’s something that you absolutely cannot stand about your college, such as the weather, pick a college that is better suited for you.

Don’t complain about a situation that you can’t change. And if you can’t do anything about it, positivity isn’t a bad option.

When I chose to go to NMU, I knew what I was getting myself into.

I bought myself a new coat, thick winter boots and a shovel to keep in the back of my car just in case my car got stuck in snow. I was ready to embrace winter.

While snow blankets most of the fall and winter semesters, it isn’t here year-round. So while it may be easy to complain about, just don’t.

There are natural wonders that can only be seen in winter, and I don’t think we realize how truly lucky we are to have this experience.

For example, the Eben Ice Caves aren’t nearly as spectacular in the summer. They’re just slowly trickling water.

And yes, hiking Sugarloaf and walking out to Little Presque are possibilities in the summer and fall, but the views are incredibly different in the winter.

From the top of Sugarloaf or Hogback, you can see frozen Lake Superior. The landscape that is green in the summer is covered in snow, and it is a different type of beauty, the kind that reminds you that you are so small.

All over Little Presque, there are awesome ice formations. The water is still amazingly clear. Plus, it’s an indescribable feeling to be walking on Lake Superior. Who knew ice could tame such a wild and unpredictable lake?

In addition to all the of the natural wonders winter offers, there are activities that can only be done in the winter.

If you don’t know how to ski or snowboard, there are plenty of people here who will teach you. If you do know how, the powder is indescribable, but even icy snow is good.

Ice skating outside is infinitely more fun than skating around a rink. There’s an outdoor rink at the Marquette Commons.

Cross-country skiing is such a great workout, there is no chance of being cold. The Fit Strip is close to campus but Blueberry Ridge out M-553 has more trails.

I can’t speak for snowshoeing, snowmobiling and ice fishing (because I’ve never done them), but it can’t hurt to try something new.

And if I still haven’t sold you, just think about how tough these winters have made you.

While my friends downstate complain about the horrible weather, I just laugh because I know dealing with that would be so easy.

Although you may feel like it, winter won’t be here forever. So layer up and get out there. Take advantage of the opportunities winter offers before they melt away.