Not only did this week bring the Farmville area a snowy Sunday, but it also brought back college students who are starting their spring semester.

Longwood University and Hampden-Sydney College students bid farewell to their families and their long, relaxing breaks to return to town and finish out the academic year so they can welcome an even longer summer break.

However, for this time of the year — one where students’ anticipation grows to get out of school for summer or one where procrastination kicks in during week one back at school — I encourage students to leave thoughts of what is to come behind and focus on their classes.

I know when I was in college, I felt the same way. But, I wish I would have come ready and excited to learn as much as could.

Don’t be the student who shows up late in pajamas and with their hair all over the place. Come to each class on time, dressed in actual jeans — not leggings — and try to soak in as much knowledge as you can.

Surprise your professors by asking lots of questions and showing them how much you already know on a subject because you took the time to read over materials they suggested reviewing before class.

Who knows, maybe, just maybe, you will in turn get so excited about learning that it won’t feel like such a chore. It might come naturally to read ahead and study longer for a test. You might want to help others that are struggling with the class by studying with them. You might even change the stereotype of a typical college student by doing so.

Make this semester a good one and work hard to do better than ever this year. Good luck to all students and I wish you well in this spring semester.

HANNAH DAVIS is sports editor of The Farmville Herald. She is also editor of The Charlotte Gazette and The Kenbridge-Victoria Dispatch. Her email address is hannah.davis@farmvilleherald.com.