My first winter at Columbia was a big shock to my system. I was a Freshman all the way from Texas, and had absolutely no idea what I was in for. I was a member of the track & field team and remember thinking my coaches were crazy the first day the temperature dropped below 60 degrees and we were still expected to run outside in Riverside Park! I wore thick running tights and a ski mask (yes, a ski mask!) on those runs and long underwear under my clothing throughout the day (top AND bottom!). I will never forget how much my friends thought I was a dork and told me that NO ONE wears long underwear under their clothes. I had no idea, but they sure kept me warm! After the first winter, my body built up a tolerance for the winters to come, and I haven't moved back to Texas yet!