Last weekend, Lenoir City High School students were given an unexpected long weekend after a heavy snow covered the city. With schools closed Friday through Monday, and a few days in between, students scrambled to adjust their plans. Among those taking advantage of the extra time off was sophomore Joshua Babauta, who found both relaxation and adventure in the snowy weather.
“I was really excited when I heard school was canceled. It’s not every day we get a surprise long weekend and it gave me a great opportunity to relax and enjoy not being in school,” Babauta said.
For Babauta, the snow presented an opportunity to slow down and enjoy time with family. On Friday afternoon, he and his younger siblings built snow forts, had playful snowball fights, and experimented with making snow igloos. These simple activities became the highlight of the day, giving him a chance to step away from homework and the usual school routine.
“There’s something about snow that just makes everything feel more fun and relaxed. I love being outside and making the most of it,” Babauta said.
Even though the weekend promised excitement, Babauta made sure to stay on top of his responsibilities. He dedicated part of the day to catching up on assignments and reviewing notes for upcoming exams. Balancing productivity with relaxation was important to him, and he used the long weekend as an opportunity to set a good tone for the week ahead.
“I wanted to enjoy the snow, but I also knew I couldn’t fall behind. I set aside at least an hour to get my work done before heading back outside,” Babauta said.
The weather also offered a chance for Babauta to try new experiences. As a runner, he decided to take a jog through the quiet, snow-covered streets near his home. The snowy terrain made the run more challenging, but he found the peacefulness of the neighborhood rewarding.
“Running in the snow is definitely harder, but it feels rewarding. The streets are quiet, and it’s kind of peaceful,” Babauta said.
While many students spent the weekend indoors playing video games or watching movies, Babauta embraced a balance of outdoor fun and cozy indoor moments. He enjoyed hot chocolate by the fireplace, caught up on some of his favorite TV shows, and reflected on how rare it is to get several unexpected days off in a row.
“It’s easy to get caught up in the excitement of no school, but I think the best weekends are the ones where you have fun and still feel productive,” Babauta said.
As the snow finally began to melt and students returned to school on Monday, Babauta reflected on the weekend with appreciation. Between outdoor adventures, productive study sessions, and time spent with friends and family, the long weekend left a lasting impression.
“It was nice to have some unexpected time off, enjoy the snow, and still keep on top of my work. I think everyone needed a little break like this,” Babauta said.
From snowball fights to quiet study hours, Joshua Babauta made the most of our snowy long weekend, proving that even unexpected disruptions can turn into memorable experiences.
