Patrick Fergus
@Fergus5Fergus
A welcome relief to the sultry days of summer, fall brings shorter days but crisp air and sublime surroundings. Although a season of transition, what you feel, see, taste, hear and smell produces an unrivaled combination that, for me, firmly places fall as the favorite.
This is not a controversial opinion, especially for someone who lives in New England, a section of the country whose entire identity has been narrowed down to apple orchards and piles of multi-colored leaves.
Still, there’s no time to appreciate and celebrate the seasonal joys like the present.
Its defining characteristic of fresh fall air can’t be emulated. A typical fall day is neither too hot nor too cold and is a much-needed remedy to the oppressive summer heat. The warmth is unseated by the fall serenity, layered in sweatshirts, vests, scarves and hats.
For someone who would happily slap on an oversized pullover and some sweatpants every day of the year, those first days every year when it’s chilly enough to do so are a revelation.
Sophomore Lily Thomas sees the fall as a mark of a distinctive transformation.
“I love it because it reminds me of the start of a new school year,” Thomas said. “I also love wearing sweaters and being able to feel comfortable in them.”
I would be remiss not to mention the postcard material that paints the mountains and forests. The deciduous trees adorn rich shades of red, orange and yellow leaves that glide through the air before settling on the ground. An explosion of color that creates a picturesque backdrop that no other season can match.
In its historical context, fall has always been the harvest season. Despite an oversaturation of new pumpkin-spice flavors, the fresh apples and pears – either straight off the tree or baked into a pie –offer an exceptional taste to the season.
As an October baby, I was seemingly destined to truly embrace the fall, and it doesn’t hurt that two of the best holidays take place during the season. Halloween and Thanksgiving are a time for fun and food and for family, something that sophomore Cameron Bencivenga values.
“It’s great to dress up and have fun with your friends, and I love Thanksgiving because you can have the family over,” Bencivenga said. Also, he cites the relaxing aura that the fall can produce.
“The entire vibe of the season makes me feel at peace,” Bencivenga said.
However, it’s not all relaxing, cozy nights by the fire, as the start of three major sports and the MLB playoffs provide electrifying moments. As a self-proclaimed sports nut, this sports equinox is one of my favorite times of the year.
Above all, though, the sense of nostalgia appeals to me the most about the season. More than any other time of the year, I am often transported to a time I know I can never truly relive. The chilly air brings back distinct memories of playing in the leaves with my brother, carving out pumpkins for the front porch, or reclining on the couch and watching When Harry Met Sally.
A significant part of it is the time you spend with family and friends, but the unique aromas of autumn allow you to recall and relive memories.
The smell of pumpkin pie, apple cider donuts and that slightly resinous and earthy scent after a rainstorm.
It’s addicting.
So when someone tells me they prefer the dark and frozen winter nights, the allergy-filled days of spring, or the blistering heat of summer, I can’t wrap my head around it.
The perfect peaceful harmony between the waning dog days of summer and the eventual freezing winds of winter; all is made right in fall.
Photo Courtesy of Patrick Fergus/The Student