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.