Lelia Contee, Contributing Writer
As a winter storm last weekend swept through Virginia, froze over Richmond’s streets and forced VCU to cancel in-person learning, many students found their schedules open and routines disrupted.
Some students embraced the sudden break to slow down and appreciate the little things.
Aja Williams, a third-year painting and printmaking student, spent the snow day baking brownies with her sorority sister and watching “They Cloned Tyrone.”
The snowy weekend was “a double edge sword,” as Williams put it. While it is important for her painting classes to be in-person, the break allowed her to slow down and consider her next steps, especially after a hectic start to the semester.
“With everything going on in the world right now, it was very nice to just slow down and enjoy the little things,” Aja Williams said.
Aja Williams hopes people stay safe during the harsh weather conditions and appreciate essential workers.
Allison Music, a first-year biology student, used some of her free time to catch up on schoolwork, chat with friends, spend time with her cat Takashi and read the bible.
“I’m really bad with change and stuff, so like the snow, it took me out of my routine,” Music said. “It’s also given me more time to call friends and talk to my boyfriend.”
Music also used the break to indulge in her crochet passion. She started a business in 2024 called Crochet Companions, which she uses to craft through her chronic illness and support other autistic or disabled artists. Sheep-shaped coasters, strawberry plush dragons and McDonald’s hashbrowns — all made from yarn — are among her creations.
Bailey Williams, a third-year environmental science student, decided to foster a dog named Bindi after the Richmond SPCA announced fostering opportunities ahead of the winter storm, she said.
The Richmond SPCA is a non-profit, no-kill organization committed to the well-being of animals through education and resources. They provide supplies such as beds and crates, free of charge.
When it was safe to do so, Bailey Williams took Bindi on walks through the snow — which she relished.
“It’s nice to take the dog out of the shelter and give them something new to look at,” Bailey Williams said. “I’m glad that she’s here and happy, and I’m glad to have spread the word about her so she can get adopted later on.”
Deron Dejon, a second-year mass communications student, spent the storm seeing punk band The Missing Peace at The Camel.
Dejon is a commuter student with a mixture of in-person and online classes. Despite the road conditions, sold-out grocery stores and icy roads, he said he values moments where he can socialize and interact with other students.
“As a commuter student, it can be depressing sometimes because it’s like you’re just in your room, doing work all day,” Dejon said. “Even though a lot of people were cooped inside, surprisingly there were a lot of students that also went to the concert, so that was fun.”
Amid the college grind, moments like the storm give students rare time to do the things they have been meaning to, according to Gabrielle Christian, a third-year kinetic imaging student.
Christian used their time to learn Blender, a free 3D modeling software, set up their second computer monitor and finally watch their new favorite anime, “The Summer Hikaru Died.”
“To me, it honestly just meant a time to reignite that light within me to do creative things for myself and not for class,” Christian said.
VCU has called students back to campus for in-person class — but with Virginia on winter storm watch again this weekend, students may have another chance to pause and enjoy themselves.