COVINGTON TWP, Pa., Oct. 18, 2024 – The season of pumpkin spice, colorful leaves, football games, and dressing up for Halloween has risen in popularity as people’s favorite time of year. Although there are many fall events to look forward to, long nights of schoolwork is not one of them. North Pocono students all have different opinions on the autumn season, but do most high schoolers have love or hatred for it?
Most people associate the fall season with wearing warm sweaters and drinking hot apple cider. For Junior Alexis Martin, what she loves most about the season is that “it’s not too hot and not too cold.” Though the weather is beneficial, Alexis believes that some students would not favor this season. “I think some students don’t like the season because fall is paired with school starting again.” Students tend to overlook the exciting events happening during the fall and only focus on the long hours of sitting in classrooms. Getting used to the school routine again is never easy, and the workload usually increases by the end of the year. Alexis agrees that this occurs in schools, stating, “I think it’s easier in fall because the end of the year is filled with finals, tests, keystones, etc.” Going back to school is a major part of transitioning from summer into fall; however, students can find ways to enjoy the season when they are out of the building.
Unlike Alexis, Junior Gideon Clausson is not as fond of the fall season. “I don’t personally associate with a lot of the things that I feel are common reasons people like the fall,” he says. “I have no particular feelings on the red and orange leaves, Halloween, Thanksgiving, or pumpkin spice. When I was younger, I really liked those things, but I think as I got older, it just disconnected.” With age, it is common for people to lose interest in certain seasonal activities. He also believes that some students may dislike fall because of the colder weather, and the fact that summer has come to an end. Despite the negatives, Gideon does think that school is easier in the fall rather than later in the year. “Even if it is a little jarring the first few weeks, I feel like adjusting to school doesn’t take too long, so the first couple of months end up being pretty chill.” As Gideon says, the best way to describe school in the fall is: “like the calm before a storm.”
Along with student perspectives, high school office secretary Mrs. Alison McHale has her own opinions about the fall season. “The part of fall that I do enjoy is the leaves changing colors.” she claims. “I especially like the bright (not dark) red leaves.” Alison believes that the weather during the season is the main reason why some students may dislike it. “I think some students and adults do not favor this season because it’s cold and wet. Summer just ended and some truly enjoy the heat, and now we won’t have that for months!” The hot temperatures during summer are also proven to benefit students’ mental health, which is simply the effect of more sunlight. Alison also believes that school is harder in the fall because students are “just coming off of a long break where a lot of students gave up their daily routines and schedules, and they struggle to get back into it.” Once students get used to their school routines, the beginning of the school year starts to get easier and they will be able to appreciate the season more for what it is.
When autumn arrives, like any season, it brings benefits and downsides. Even though students are getting used to the increase in schoolwork, in their free time, they can enjoy activities such as apple picking or simply looking around at the changing leaves. Despite the different opinions about fall, it is still a favored season in America. Since the season goes by quickly, hopefully students and teachers can make new memories while it lasts!
