The weather this week has hit me hard with summer fever. Two days ago, I went to the tanning pool at Dedman for the second time in my two years at SMU.

It’s not that I haven’t had the option to go, but living in the North Quad, it’s just easier to lie out on the grass or to go to White Rock Lake and enjoy an escape from campus. But two days ago, I found out why the tanning pool is always so crowded when the weather is warm.

My friend Lauren and I made plans to go together.  We agreed to go to class with our bathing suits under our clothes in order to save time.  We made the long trek after our class at Hyer Hall at a leisurely pace, which was relaxing. I was already feeling the vibe of summer days.

We got to the tanning pool and pulled our chairs out into it. We placed them at the spot where the water is right below you without actually getting you wet.  It was perfect; if I got too hot from the sun, I could just splash some cold water on myself instead of having to move inside or into the shade.

Suddenly, I realized why the tanning pool was a genius idea. It is the perfect spot. I love being outdoors.  I was able to just relax and take a breather from everything. I actually had time to think, which I haven’t really been able to do since winter break. It was exactly what the doctor ordered. Just an hour and a half outside made me feel like a million bucks.

Unfortunately, I got a sunburn, but after an incredibly relaxing hour and a half outside, a couple days of applying aloe won’t bum me out that much.

If anyone is feeling way too stressed out, I highly recommend the Dedman tanning pool; it’s a great way to forget about everything – just use a really good sunscreen.

Nicolette Schleisman is a sophomore journalism and French double major. She can be reached for comment at [email protected].