It takes a seasoned attitude to adapt to the change from summer to fall. I’ll admit that I even find myself lacking a bit of spice. While plenty of students and teachers alike have gone through this transition process annually for years, it doesn’t necessarily make the switch from long summer days to short winter days in school any easier.
For many students, including myself, what makes this process so hard is the sudden change in temperature. In the case of sophomore Eli Castaman, it’s what he misses most about the long-anticipated summer season.
“I miss the warm heat from the sun,” Castaman said. “Waking up in the morning, I have to put warm clothes on now because it’s cold out.”
For others though, such as sophomore Ali McKee, it’s the lack of relaxation that is the hardest to adjust to.
“I definitely miss the freedom of being on break from school,” said McKee.
These sentiments are echoed by many people. Going from almost no homework to an exponentially growing to-do list can give students whiplash. Getting back in the groove of time management and focus can be a daunting task after our minds have been checked-out all summer.
In order to crush the negativity that can arise from the shorter and darker days after three months of sun, some have found helpful techniques to instead enjoy the fall and move forward. Senior Megan Lawson continues to do comforting activities from the summer so that the change is less jarring.
“I like to find things that I can enjoy in both summer and fall,” said Lawson. “I really enjoy reading and spending time with my friends during movie nights.”
Not only does she recommend turning to these activities, she also suggests creating fall traditions to look forward to every autumn.
“A tradition I have is going to Yesteryear Pumpkin Patch with my friends,” Lawson said. “My friends and I have been going since sixth grade.”
Located in Wilsonville, this pumpkin patch is one close venue that you can attend to find joy in the spooky season and beat the summer sadness. Other local fall activities include visiting The Pumpkin Patch at Sauvie Island, which houses a large corn maze and hay rides, the haunted house ScareGrounds PDX and Fall Fest in the Forest in West Linn.
As mentioned earlier, students aren’t the only ones who experience the fall frowns. Teachers and staff also struggle with the transition from summer vacations and freedom to the confines of the classroom environment. However, LHS teacher Ryan Inahara has also found ways to find things to look forward to and remain grateful despite the change in mood.
“I get a little bit sad because I like the sunshine,” Inahara said. “But it also means that the holidays are coming, and I love the holidays, especially because it means getting to see family.”
This reminds us that even though we have just wrapped up our long summer break, we have many other vacations to look forward to. Fall means one step closer to our winter break, and participating in holiday activities like seeing family. In fact, this year we get a week and a day off for our Thanksgiving break. Talk about a holiday gift!
