Rain Gear for College Students

Students only learn the true meaning and appropriateness of rain gear in college.  In high school I never would have allowed tall rain boots or a clingy rain jackets to interfere with an outfit choice.  If my mom told me as I was running out of my house to get to first period on time that it might rain in the afternoon I casually and carelessly dismissed the very thought.  Raining in the afternoon?  No big deal, I’d put on a hooded sweatshirt and run the thirty or forty feet to my car.  Today, however, is the rainiest day we have had yet at William and Mary.  I dutifully checked weather.com this morning, and when I saw the dreary forecast I laced up my sneakers, grabbed a rain jacket, and threw a large umbrella into my backpack.  Now, as it is pouring outside, I am pleased with my decision.  As I walk through campus, however, I feel I can easily spot the newest members of our community.  The freshman leap over puddles in their slippery flipflops and hide under balconies with their soaking wet sweatshirts hugging them.

Phoebe Boutwell ’11