Impromptu Grad School Picnic

School is over which means that everyone should be spending as much time as possible outside. I recently went to a picnic with a bunch of grad school friends, went for a walk outside, and played a game of catch with my girlfriend. Here’s an unofficial list of why being outside after school is over, is the best thing you can possibly do with your time.

5. It’s Not Inside.

There’s nothing more not inside than being outside. There is no reasonable way to be a couch potato when you are enjoying the great outdoors. There are so many outside things you can do that can’t be done inside: opening an umbrella, staring directly at an eclipse, running on grass barefoot. Going outside opens up an infinite number of possible non-inside things to do. Examples of things that are normally done inside are class, tests, and watching Power Points. Odds are if you are outside, you aren’t doing any of these school things.

4. It’s Beautiful

The Cityscape of Chicago; Photo Credit: Joshua C. Robinson

Something that is nearly universally true about the outside is that it’s great to look at. So much of the outside is just darn beautiful. Cityscapes look great from outside, the lovely rays from the sun are outside. If you’re lucky you might live in a place with a gorgeous mountain range, lake or ocean to look at while you’re outside. Yes indeed the outside is one good looking place, hopefully all that beauty will ameliorate the pain that you feel from finals month. I know it will.

3. Sports!

There are of course a nearly unlimited number of sports to participate in the outside, and if you are playing Calvin Ball then the variations on these sports are by definition unlimited. Soccer, baseball, football, ultimate Frisbee. The number of sports that are better or only possible outside is certainly much longer. Yet another reason why now that school is over you should be outside.

Sports are a thing; Photo Credit: Katya A. Bond

2. Here Comes the Sun

The sun is out, it’s almost summer, get outside, and soak in that Vitamin D. You will be able to soak up some of that happiness that drained out of you during the long winter months in Chicago. These bright warm sunny days are the best thing that has ever happened to you. The sun is the reason that life is possible on planet earth. Go outside, get some life.

1. It’s Not School

The number one reason to be outside after school is over? It’s not school. It’s outside. Take a break enjoy life, come back to the following school year refreshed by the wonder that is outside. School is challenging, worth it and a lot of fun, but it can also be exhausting. Take a break from it, and come outside; I know it’ll make your life better.