Sophomore Sentiments: Apples, pumpkins, leaves, oh my!
As the colors outside our windows change and the leaves begin to fall, we start to realize that it is now the middle of the semester here at Rider, and we are saying goodbye to the warm, fun-filled summer. Parting with the warmth does not mean that there is less to do, just different activities to find separate joy in.
Autumn is such a wonderful time of the year to admire nature and the change it brings. Even things as simple as taking a brisk walk around Rider or going for a nice long hike can be enjoyable activities to do while admiring the colorful foliage. Gathering around a bonfire at dusk while surrounded by friends and family, making s’mores and telling stories is a social and festive way to enjoy the cooler weather on campus or at home.
In this season, families and friends love bonding over a fun day of picking apples and selecting pumpkins to carve. Depending on which farm or orchard you go to, there are also other fall activities including corn mazes, small farm stands, shops and carnival rides. Making a day out of these fun and festive activities is definitely worth the trip.
Fall is also an important season in terms of sporting events. Fans crowd stadiums and bleachers, cheering for their favorite sports teams and always rooting for that win. The colder weather definitely amps up team spirit, and also peps up the overall environment for the fans that come out and support their teams. Also, it’s a great time to see a basketball game on campus, or to support another team of Broncs.
I know I am not the only one who thinks of food as the weather gets cooler. Cold weather equals ultimate comfort food. Especially with Thanksgiving right around the corner, cooking and baking are definitely cold-weather activities. Delicious dishes and those yummy Pillsbury sugar cookies with the pictures on them bring back warm memories.
Of course, outdoor activities in the brisk fall air are fun-filled and adventurous, but we all need those lazy days in, too. Cuddling up with a fuzzy blanket and a cup of hot cocoa, or even a pumpkin spice latte is a comfortable way to enjoy the cool weather as well. Who remembers those Halloween Disney Channel movies? Classics like Hocus Pocus, Halloweentown and The Haunted Mansion are entertaining and festive to watch as the seasons begin to change.
As the weather gets colder, there is no need to mope around wondering what to do, because there are plenty of adventures and lazy days ahead of you this fall.
—Hayley Fahey
Sophomore journalism major
Printed in the 10/28/15 issue.
