Pessimism is a Snow-Go

Snow in December! The possibility is thrilling - and more than you actually realize - for two reasons.

One reason it’s extraordinary is because, according to the Western Regional Climate Center, of the snow that does fall in Hillsboro, 57% of it falls during the month of January alone. Additionally, a general reason that snow at all is remarkable is that Hillsboro’s average temperature doesn’t drop below freezing ever all year long.

However, December has the highest levels of precipitation - meaning that the rain that everyone loves to talk about loving? - Yeah, well most of it falls during December. And why is that a positive in terms of getting snow? Science teachers and AP students, say it with me! Rain is just hotter and heavier snow!

If you got through that patronizing explanation, good on you. Moral of the story; snow is fun and exciting and cool, but it’s also uncommon (which only makes it more fun and exciting and cool if you think about it). That leads to my second point.

Something else that is extraordinary about snow is that, no matter the viscosity and velocity of those little flakes, there is always, without a doubt, that one kid that - ironically - rains on everyone’s parade.

“Every time it snows, everyone loses their minds.”

“It’s not that big a deal! It snows all the time all across the country.”

These people aren’t wrong - but in their desperation to take the alternative position, they miss out on a genuine emotion that Oregonians rarely get to experience. Snow!

You’re in high school! You are allowed to take interest in things! Be excited! Or don’t be - but don’t let your pessimism or genuine disinterest influence other people’s hope. But you pessimists could learn a thing or two from snow-hopeful optimists.

Many people don’t realize that pessimism has innumerous influences in their everyday lives. According to Barbara Fredickson, a positive psychology researcher at the University of North Carolina, the human brain instinctively narrows its scope in the face of negative emotions. When our bodies are experiencing a negative emotion, our brains shuts out most sensory information to focus on whatever is causing the negative emotion. This was really useful when we were wrestling wild animals with our bare hands - if we ever did that - but humans still have this evolutionary instinct despite no longer mingling with our furry woodland friends.

Additionally, one of Fredrickson’s main ideas is a phenomenon she calls the “broaden and build” theory. Her research has confirmed a correlation between skilling-building while experiencing a positive emotion and increased retention rates - meaning the happier you are while learning something, the better you’ll be able to recall the information later.

The opposite happens in the face of negativity because there is no point in developing skills for the future if you’re not going to be around to utilize them.1 What that means, is that if you’re stressed or angry right now - you are less likely to have learned anything from this article.

So lighten up, pessimists! Not only are you bumming everyone else out - you’re also damaging your own ability to learn. But then again, it’s not really your fault - it’s evolutionary. Anyhow, regardless of if you rain on snow-hopefuls’ parade, the rain will only freeze which will only increase the likelihood of a snow day anyway.