During the third week of the 2026 spring semester, much of Oklahoma experienced a record-breaking snowstorm. For Southern Nazarene University, this meant what many students consider great news: no in-person classes for two days. From making snowmen and snow angels to bundling up in residence halls, SNU students took advantage of the unexpected pause to enjoy the little things.
For freshman early childhood education major Klowe Gaisford of Fargo, Oklahoma, the snow days provided rare time to rest and spend quality time with her fiancé, Colby Green. “We got to spend a lot of time with each other and eat every meal together,” Gaisford said. She appreciated the opportunity to slow down, especially since she rarely has time to rest or catch up on homework and everyday tasks.
Gaisford said her first collegiate snow day taught her something meaningful about her professors. “I realized that even if we had virtual days, a lot of my professors canceled class,” she said. “They told us to go play in the snow, be safe and stay warm. It showed me that our professors care about our safety and well-being while still holding us accountable for our work.”
Junior commercial music production major Jenna Davis of Montgomery, Texas, described the snow day as a rare experience. Coming from a region more accustomed to tropical storms than winter weather, she was excited to see snow on campus. “We don’t get snow days in Southeast Texas — let’s be real,” Davis remarked. “We hardly ever got days off because of the weather, so getting to experience it here was pretty cool.”
Davis also noted one drawback. “Having to walk and drive in the snow was the most inconvenient part,” she said. “I’m kind of clumsy, so I was slipping a lot,” she added with a laugh.
Sophomore multidisciplinary studies major Emily Ellis of Caldwell, Idaho, said snow days at SNU were similar to those she experienced growing up. “The experience was pretty similar, except we probably would have reopened earlier back home,” Ellis said.
As a missions student and ministry intern, Ellis said the most difficult part of the snow days was canceled church services. “I want church back,” she said.
Although she appreciated the time off, Ellis said the break made her realize how much she values in-person learning. “I was excited to learn from and alongside others again when school reopened,” she expressed.
While the snowstorm brought SNU’s campus to a temporary halt, it also gave students an opportunity to slow down, connect with one another and reflect on what they value most. As classes resumed and daily routines returned, the snow days served as a reminder to appreciate the little things — whether that means sharing meals, slipping on icy sidewalks or returning to the classroom after a brief, chilly pause.
Photo by: MaK Wilkerson