Although some people may believe sunburns, or the scorching hot sun, or sweating in clothes as you walk from building to building, or burning your legs as you sit down in your car is enjoyable. However, it is undeniable that the cool breeze of fall is far better.

Global warming is an ongoing issue that makes summer hotter – even stifling – every year, while during the fall months, you wake up to cool temperatures. Some may say fall is “cold”, and in the summer, there are pools to cool off in. However, there are only so many clothes you can take off during the summer. During the fall, you can layer your clothing, wearing hoodies and a small coat to stay warm. 

“If a year was tucked inside of a clock, then autumn would be the magic hour,” said poet Victoria Erickson.

Indeed, the fall is magical. The holidays in fall are among the best: from the likes of Halloween and Thanksgiving, and all the fun activities they bring, including pumpkin patches, haunted houses, and bonfires. Locally, Sonny Acres offers a haunted barn and supernatural-inspired hayride, making the farm a destination many people go to year after year. Or, you can take a car ride just a bit further and go to Jack’s Pumpkin Pop-Up, which has a maze and Instagram-worthy places for couples to take pictures. Jack’s also offers amazing food, which can be eaten with the Chicago skyline in the background.

Let us not forget the fall sports either: soccer, football, and wrestling being among them. And my fellow columnist cannot deny he loves the sport soccer, as he spent most his life playing it. Not to mention students of all grade levels turn up to the football games, and more are now showing up to the school’s soccer games as the excitement for the State-winning team rises. 

Although some may argue summer has more activities, fall has the Day of the Dead, a holiday celebrated globally by remembering loved ones who have, sadly, passed on. Making food for them is part of this beautiful holiday that celebrates life and death. 

Let’s not forget the pesky summer bugs that finally go away in the fall. Although some may like the annoying mosquitos (but really who likes mosquitoes?), there is no need for bug repellant during the autumn months: the insects are all gone, and no longer pester you all day. 

Fall is also by far the most beautiful season: all the beautiful changing colors emerge at this time of year, and as the leaves fall and all the different shades of red, orange and yellow come together, they create stunning scenery. People will drive miles, hours, or even catch a flight just to see a certain location or park during the fall. Central Park, for example, is a must-see in the autumn. 

I must also mention there are festivals all over the state celebrating the fun that only comes in autumn. Fright Fest at Six Flags Great America, for instance, is a must-do, offering a wonderfully frightening experience.

According to Reader’s Digest blogger Charlotte Hilton Anderson, “Leaves are cool and all, but can we also get a holler for fewer mosquito bites, new seasons of TV, and no more bikini line maintenance? Fall. Is. The. Best.”

Fall is absolutely better than summer: the beautiful color changes are just the beginning. The weather is neither too hot, nor too cold, but perfect. Autumn is the best time to go hiking to watch nature. I have traveled to many places in the fall months, one of the most beautiful being Oregon, which, during the fall, features waterfalls roaring, leaves falling and crunching beneath your feet, and spectacular hikes. During the fall, I love spending time with family during holidays like Thanksgiving. Being around friends and family – those you love – eating a variety of food and spending time together is what autumn is all about. And, like you, I used to look forward to going trick-or-treating in the fall, running door-to-door. Now, I enjoy handing candy out to kids and watching the great big smile on their face. 

As senior Chris Doukas said, “[Fall is] the perfect balance between warm and cold weather.”

And so, this fall, get out there! Enjoy the cool weather without worrying about mosquito bites. For those graduating this year, autumn is a chance to start a new chapter in your life. For those staying at WCCHS, go to the football and soccer games. Celebrate Homecoming (responsibly, of course!). And for those moving on becoming adults go on and take on the world and become successful. Spend time with your families and friends on Halloween, Day of the Dead and Thanksgiving. Fall will be over before you know it, so relish the season.

The sound of waves, rays of the sun, smells of hot dogs, hamburgers, and arrachera cooking on the grill while family laughs and enjoys being sun-kissed. The air conditioner running in the background. The smell of bug spray. The taste of fresh fruit glistening. 

No season can match the feelings summer gives: this is the one season that offers so many fulfilling experiences, it can only be compared to heaven on Earth. 

Summer is the time when all your hard work pays off, and you can go outside in any clothes, not worrying about the cold. According to lisbdnet.com, “summer times are stress free, relaxing, and basically fun. You can never get bored on a summer day or night. During the day, there are fun activities such as: swimming, sports, picnics, and barbecues. Friends and family spend a lot of time together during the summertime.” 

Most of the stress-free moments come from family vacations and perfect blue skies that can only be found in the summer, the time when both teachers and students have at least two months off. This season brings new opportunities to learn and develop social skills through situations that would not typically happen in a classroom. It is the time to catch up on sleep, reading or TV. Summer provides a break from your daily routine – time to adopt new hobbies and hang out with friends. 

Summer is known for its heat, but the mornings are a perfect reminder of what a cool breeze feels like. So, if you are a morning person, you can always avoid the hottest part of the day and still spend time outside. If you are a night person, once the sun sets and it starts to get cooler, the warm temperatures are a dream come true.

Furthermore, arguably one of the most fun times of the year is the 4th of July. You get to celebrate Independence Day by lighting up fireworks with friends and family (or sitting back to enjoy the show!).

While summer is clearly the best season of all, some may incorrectly argue fall is the better time year. While it can be exciting to watch dead trees while the cold wind blows on your face, and having fun raking leaves while the wind messes up the perfect pile, not to mention watching the West Chicago football team get absolutely annihilated, summer contains some of the most amazing moments of your life. 

School starts during the fall, which can be enjoyable to some, but according to Salarship, a student finance company, 73% of students do not like school. Why look forward to a season that brings forth a return to an experience most people dislike?

Summer, on the other hand, arrives at the end of a school year, and offers an opportunity to relax, develop new skills, stay passionate about your goals, and do whatever you want until the next school year. 

American non-fiction author, journalist, and essayist Charles Bowden said, “Summertime is always the best of what might be.” 

Summer can also improve mental health. According to Psychreg, a digital publication that explores mental health, “More than just getting Vitamin D, sunny weather can have a positive impact on mental health and mood. By getting out, for at least 30 minutes, the positive impact of warm, sunny weather can have on mental health and mood is real.” 

Also, spending time with family and friends is vital for mental well-being. 

Canadian author L.M. Montgomery said, “All in all it was a never to be forgotten summer… one of those summers which, in a fortunate combination of delightful weather, delightful friends and delightful doing, come as near perfection as anything can come in this world.”

Every person’s summer will always contain some form of happiness, likely because there are many fun activities to do in the summer. Going to the beach is just the beginning: it is an activity every person can enjoy, whether lying on a lounge chair, tanning, reading a book, enjoying the view, or participating in thrilling activities such as volleyball, frisbee, building a sandcastle, and most importantly, swimming. In addition, riding a boat is even more riveting. You get to enjoy your favorite music, enjoy the breeze, and spend time with family or friends, all while gliding across a river or the ocean. And when the boat is anchored, jumping in the water provides a great way to cool off after enjoying the sun. 

Another fun activity in the summer is to play sports. While it can get pretty hot playing soccer or baseball in the summer months, it is beneficial to withstand a wider range of temperatures. According to Outside, “Heat acclimation provides more substantial environmental specific improvements in aerobic performance than altitude acclimation.” 

Hiking is one way to improve endurance in a fun way. On a hike, you are challenged, yet rewarded, at the same time. Starved Rock is one of the best places to hike, especially in the summer. Since walking can get tiring when it is warm, there are plenty of waterfalls to cool off. Starved Rock also offers visitors a chance to enjoy the beautiful canyons. 

Lastly, the overall feeling of being outside, knowing everyone else is enjoying the beautiful day, is one of the best moments of summer. 

Senior Michelle Tafoya said, “I absolutely love summer. Not the summer that’s humid, I like it when it’s really nice cause you get to do so many things, and I feel like it motivates you.” 

Summer will always have its perfect moments – really, it is the season that encourages us to cherish the happiness in life, and to enjoy Earth’s diverse activities.