Everything is changing. The leaves are much prettier, the air is getting crisper, and the smell of the outdoors is refreshing. It smells new again. I go weak for a beautiful summer day and for the smell of the ocean waves, but there’s no feeling quite like the feeling of being able to reinvent yourself every fall. There is something so distinct about the smell and the feeling of the air in early October. I don’t know how anyone can deny it.

To be honest, I’ve been doing a lot of thinking. And I’ve realized the importance of change and growth, and have been inspired to do so because of the cool weather. Summer is for the dreamers: we can be people who are bubbly and feel invincible. Then fall comes. And it’s the time for us to put all those dreams and ideas into action. With the beginning of a new school year for all students, our dreams and goals are revisited, and we can begin to plan what we want our new year to hold.

The leaves change colors and are more beautiful than they ever were before. Do you think that’s the case with people, too? Do you think if we showed our true colors and stopped hiding that we’d appear to be more ourselves? I think so. In fact, I know so. Nature is so beautiful when it goes through this cycle. It’s everyone’s favorite time of year. Why can’t we as people create this change for ourselves, too?

The brisk air hits my skin; it hits my bare legs, my arms, my face – and I feel alive again. Sometimes, too much homework, too many club meetings, too much stress just gets to you. Being able to feel the air against your skin makes me feel like I’m home again. It brings me back to reality, and it reminds me of all the possibilities ahead.