Last week, Chicago woke up to the worst weather of this  year thus far, with temperatures dipping to sub-zero levels and a citywide cold weather warning being issued. Jones students found themselves walking to school in 17 mile per hour winds and temperature lows of negative six. 

Students who live farther away and rely on public transportation felt the full effects of the cold almost immediately.

“One thing you don’t expect is how much the cold slows everything down,” said Zohar Gafni-Kane ‘26. “The CTA runs slower, the sidewalks are icy, and even walking takes longer because you’re bracing against the wind. It makes the whole commute feel like an uphill battle,”

The long commute, compounded by the physical and mental toll of extreme weather, created significant school-related challenges for many.

“I had to leave home way earlier to make sure I didn’t miss the train. There were delays because of the weather, and I didn’t want to risk being late to class,”  said Gafni-Kane. Standing there waiting for the train in negative six degrees with wind blowing at my face just to avoid a tardy was definitely a low point of the school year.”

The extreme cold has not only impacted their commute but also their activities outside of school.

“It’s been hard staying motivated to do things outside of school, like sports or hanging out with friends. The cold just makes you want to stay home,” said Ezra Malamuth ‘26. 

Some students, however, have found unexpected ways to embrace the cold and even use it as motivation.

“Actually, since it’s gotten colder, I’ve been going outside more and pushing myself—kind of the opposite of what you’d expect. I guess you could call it my ‘winter arc,’ where I feel this need to improve myself,” said Eli Conover ‘26. 

Despite their best efforts to stay warm, most Jones students still see winter as more of a challenge to endure than a season to enjoy.

“I try to make the best of it by using hand warmers and drinking hot coffee on the way,” said Malamuth. “But even with that, there’s no escaping the feeling that winter in Chicago is just something you have to survive.¨