Unearthing cars with helpful friends and strangers

Due to the recent system of snowstorms that have covered cities across the Midwestern and Eastern states, several of Seton Hill University (SHU) students experienced the problem of digging their vehicles out of overnight snow banks. Cars and trucks were buried beneath 16 plus inches of snow on Feb 5-6, making it a chore to clean off cars but also a workout after the SHU snowplows started clearing the roads. Kudos to those of you who have 4×4 ability.

By Maddie Gillespie

Editor in Chief

Due to the recent system of snowstorms that have covered cities across the Midwestern and Eastern states, several of Seton Hill University (SHU) students experienced the problem of digging their vehicles out of overnight snow banks. Cars and trucks were buried beneath 16 plus inches of snow on Feb 5-6, making it a chore to clean off cars but also a workout after the SHU snowplows started clearing the roads. Kudos to those of you who have 4×4 ability.

Needless to say, shovels quickly became a precious commodity at SHU. However, if you were attempting to unearth your vehicle and another student was not using their shovel or improvised digging tool, he or she often graciously lent you both their tool and labor.

It was uplifting to see that students who may not have known each other before the storm were well acquainted after autos were pushed and revved out of parking spaces. Even friends received a great opportunity to pose for silly pictures on Facebook after they could see their vehicles again.

Students were ingenious at times when creating tools to either dig cars out of the snow or relax by sledding down the many hills available on SHU’s campus. Garbage cans, plastic sand shovels, brooms and hands became the best tools at hand for excavating cars. But sledding afforded a wider variety of creativity. Such sleds were pizza boxes, plastic boxes and accompanying lids, garbage bags, car floor mats, and more in addition to the lucky few who had a snowboard or sled already on hand.

The official cancellation of classes on Feb 10 only added to the hype of snow sports all across campus. Students had their time to scope out the best locations for going downhill fast and flattening the fresh powder to make snow runs faster than ever. Some students also took the time to build a massive snow fort coming out of their suite’s window on the side of Farrell that faces DeChantal. Others tried their aim at throwing snowballs at friends behind dorm windows or climbing snow covered trees.

Homework and worries seemed to take a back seat for a time last week thanks to the storms that left SHU white covered and vaguely resembling Narnia. Maintenance crews also worked nearly nonstop in efforts to plow the roads, parking spaces and salt sidewalks to make travel safer. Despite several of SHU’s events being cancelled due to the inclement weather and road conditions, a bit of fun was had by all. Even though more than a few students experienced trouble exhuming their vehicles, or will have in the near future, SHU’s community pulled together to help each other out.