There’s an extra day in February this year thanks to leap day on February 29!
So why do we only have a leap year every four years? A quick google search says an extra day is added as a corrective measure because the earth does not orbit the sun in 365 days.
For the lucky (or shall we say unlucky) few that are born on leap year they only have a real birthday every four years. At UT Permian Basin there are FIVE current students who are leap babies. We caught up with two of them who told us their favorite and least favorite thing about being born on leap year.
Danielle Strawbridge has been attending UTPB since fall 2019. She’s an online learner studying psychology:
Tell us your favorite thing about being born on leap year?
"My favorite thing about being a leap baby is just seeing how people react when I tell them. To me, it's normal- to other people, it's pretty unique."
What is your least favorite thing about being born on leap year?
"I honestly don't have a least favorite thing - I'm totally fine with my birthday!"
When it's not a leap year, when do you celebrate your birthday?
"I always celebrate my birthday on the last day of February, whether it is the 28th or the 29th. My mom didn't want me to have a March birthday three out of the four years, so that's how we do it. "
"Technically" how old are you?
"I will be 24 this year, but technically I'm turning 6!"
Annaliese Schwartz is in her first semester at UTPB and is study mathematics:
Tell us your favorite thing about being born on leap year?
"My favorite thing, I suppose is that, once I turn 100, I can still say I'm in my mid 20's."
What is your least favorite thing about being born on leap year?
"The hardest part about being born on a leap year is hearing the same "You belong in kindergarden" joke for the 200th time in a row."
When it's not a leap year, when do you celebrate your birthday?
"I celebrate on the 28th of February, that way I still celebrate in February."
"Technically" how old are you?
"Technically, I'm 4 and three quarters. I will finally have my 5 birthday this year!"
Happy birthday to Danielle, Annaliese, and all the other UT Permain Basin leap year babies!
