Spring break has come and gone, and you might be feeling a little blue as you dread going back to the grind of school. For me, however, spring break is the easiest break with which to part. Sure, I love having time to relax with family, and spending time on a beautiful beach is an added bonus, but spring break also marks the beginning of the end. By that, I mean that spring is finally in the air in Michigan. After a grueling winter with blustery winds, wet snows and gray skies, the sun is making a return. The slush is diminishing as green grass and flowers replace the drab landscapes of winter. The end of spring break also symbolizes the beginning of the countdown to summer. With no more breaks in the way, it is all downhill from here. Of course, a lot of studying will take place between now and then, but having only a little over a month to get our GPAs in order and the reward of a three-month hiatus from school at the end of that struggle is just the thing to keep us college students motivated. With all of that said, here are some of the best parts of spring to savor in between studying.

1. The smell of the air after a fresh rainfall

There is just something about the earthly smell in the air, known as petrichor, after a spring shower that refreshes the senses.

2. The first blooms

After staring at mounds of dirty snow for the past three months, mixed with the occasional glimpse of dulled-green grass, the pop of color and fresh scent of newly-blooming flowers is just the thing to cheer up even the most stressed college student. Also, if you're lucky enough to be a Hope College student, tulips are kind of our thing.

3. Opening day

Opening day in many cities is like a national holiday. People call in "sick" from work in order to partake in all of the fun festivities. After all, baseball is our national pastime. Play ball!

4. The chirping of birds

In cold climates, it becomes eerily silent during the winter, when all of the birds fly south to find refuge from winter's grip. The return of pleasant bird songs is one of the first signs of spring, and it seems to make everything come alive again.

5. Those teases of summer

You know summer is on every student's mind when the hammocks come out and the frisbees start flying. Those days in March with sunshine and warmer temperatures will make anyone have summer fever. Summer will be here before you know it, so finish strong!