HIGHLAND
FLING SEPTEMBER 2013
THE
INSIDE
news Upcoming Events p. 2 feature Taste the Rainbow p. 3 Summer Endeavors p. 4-5 opinion Fairy Tale Politics p. 6 arts Mac Miller Concert Review p. 8
Goodbye Summer, Hello Fall
S
Maddie Hehir
eptember, youth’s least favorite month. It marks the beginning of a new school year, homework assignments, and hanging out on SparkNotes all night instead of with friends. Yes, September marks the end of summer, but it also marks the beginning of fall—one of the most unappreciated seasons. And while I love the beach, the sun, and tan skin, all of which inevitably fade from memory, there is a lot to look forward to in the fall. While pizza might be available every day of the week, every month of the year—there are some foods (most of a higher caliber than pizza) that are more fall specific. The fall harvest, which is mainly only appreciated on Thanksgiving, provides us with warm, earthy flavors foreign to us during the summer. Pumpkin, squash, apples, pears, and carrots are all in season and at their best. From pies to casseroles, once the leaves change, it is much easier to heat up the oven and use fresh fruits and vegetables to make a festive fall creation. Yes, winter holidays are pretty exciting and generally provide us with the most “loot,” but fall holidays should not be taken for granted. Halloween and trick-or-treating may seem childish, but that has never stopped teenagers from continuing this fun tradition for the joy of free candy. While I have personally retired from trick-or-treating (although
I like candy as much as the next guy), it is great to see so many of my peers still dressing up for the glory of Reese’s or M&Ms. Even better than Halloween is Thanksgiving, a holiday with a universal theme of being thankful and appreciating family—and the food, of course, is amazing. Fall is one of the most beautiful times of year. While raking leaves can be tiresome, watching them turn from green to yellow to orange to red never gets old. The weather is absolutely perfect as well; and though it does grow colder as December begins to approach, fall only requires a light jacket. It is never terribly hot or bitterly cold—instead, there is a balance. Summer is the perfect time for barbeques, but fall is the perfect time for outdoor fire pits, smores, and friendship. The crispness to the air, the crunch of the fallen leaves at one’s feet, and the beauty of the world outside the window give the season of fall a truly special atmosphere. September may seem scary, but try to fight through the drama of going back to school and just enjoy one of the best seasons. Take a moment and grieve the end of summer. I certainly will, but then open your eyes to fall. The pools may be closed and the beach may be too cold, but there is still plenty to come.