What’s not to love about fall? The vibrant red and orange leaves, the fresh apples waiting to be picked, the smell of pumpkin floating around in the crisp, cool air. This colorful transition from summer to winter gives us plenty of opportunities to get together with our friends and family, whether we are creating spooky Jack-O-Lanterns for our Halloween porches or dorm rooms, or eating warm turkey from our Thanksgiving tables.
One of the most exciting parts about fall is that first morning when you look out your window and see a whole new world. As we take a look at the breathtaking autumn trees that resemble a scene from a magnificent painting, we notice that the leaves no longer contain their rich, green color. Junior biology student, Justin Badamo, explains why leaves change color in the fall. “It’s a chemical process,” he says. “Chlorophyll, the pigment that gives leaves their green color, breaks down in the fall and allows the leaves to appear yellow, orange, or red.”
It’s time to let go of that summer heat and to break out all of the comfy items from your fall wardrobe, especially those big, warm sweaters and cozy scarves. Lecturer of Psychology, Dr. Michele Van Volkom, loves the autumn weather. She enjoys this time of year when “the air gets cold and crisp and that humidity goes away.” Autumn is a lovely change from the hot, humid weather we were used to in the summer.
Once October rolls around, it’s time to say goodbye to the beach. Though it’s sad to put away the bathing suit and beach towels, there are so many fun things to do in the fall. Gather your friends and go to a local apple orchard or pumpkin patch. You’ll get fresh fruit, a big pumpkin to carve, and a cute picture to show for it! Around Monmouth, a good place to check out would be Eastmount Orchards in Colts Neck. Then, after you get your apple and pumpkin fix, you can stop by Delicious Orchards next door for anything from apple cider to powdered donuts!
While enjoying the fall weather, treat yourself with dishes full of various autumn flavors, including warm apple cider, creamy pumpkin pie, and sweet candy corn. Maybe even stop by Starbucks and grab one of their infamous Pumpkin Spice lattes. Preparing your favorite autumn recipes will certainly get you into the spirit of Thanksgiving.
This Thanksgiving, take time to relax with your family and celebrate all that you are grateful for. Enjoy dishes of mashed potatoes, cranberry sauce, stuffing, and of course the main dish, turkey. Thanksgiving is so special because everyone has their own traditions on this wonderful holiday. Freshman English student, Laura Pacelli, shared her own Thanksgiving tradition. “The day after Thanksgiving, my friends and I have Friendsgiving where we come together and eat all the leftovers.” Thanksgiving is not only about family, but also about spending time with those you are grateful to have as friends.
On Thanksgiving day, turn on the television to watch a game of football, or head outside to get a game going yourself. Then after you’re all cleaned up, watch the mesmerizing floats and magnificent performers take over the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade in New York City. There are so many reasons to love Thanksgiving, and these are just a few of them!
Before we celebrate Thanksgiving, don’t forget to enjoy the spookiness of Halloween. Take your younger siblings or cousins Trick-or-Treating, or simply just brighten your neighbors’ day by giving out delicious candy right from your door. Halloween is an opportunity to dress up as whatever or whomever you’d like and attend a fun costume party with friends.
Besides these meaningful holidays, fall also marks the beginning of a fresh new school year. Back to school gives us so many opportunities to reunite with friends, whether we are just bonding in our dorm rooms or attending sports games. With Monmouth’s newly renovated football stadium, going to a game with your friends with a blanket and some hot chocolate could be the perfect fall Saturday activity. You also have the opportunity to get involved in various clubs and activities that spark your interest and help you gain experience for your future career.
The fall events at Monmouth University are perfect opportunities to make new friends, especially as a freshman. Don’t be afraid to check out the Haunted Tour at Wilson Hall to get into the Halloween spirit. Get excited for Monmouth University’s fall production of Hair, which will be held in Woods Theatre on November 10-12 and 15-19. This musical will feature a plethora of upbeat songs that transport you straight to the sixties.
This fall, don’t let the cooler weather and the earlier sunsets bring you down. Instead, look forward to Monmouth’s fall events, spend time with your friends and family on those lovely holidays, and take time every day to appreciate the breathtaking orange scenery right outside your door.
PHOTO TAKEN by Alexandria Afanador
