Sound Off: What is your favorite part of the fall season?

With more triple-digit temperatures in our forecast, summer refuses to yield to fall. What part of the fall season do you look forward to the most?

James Burns, Journalism instructor 

There is no season I enjoy more than the summer, largely because of the endless possibilities created by the “freedom of schedule + warm weather + cold water” formula. A day at the lake. A trip to the beach. Backyard barbecues and pool dates. Sleeping in and staying up late. However, too much summer can be a bit annoying. Eventually, you tire of the triple-digit heat, no matter how refreshing the water might be, and start longing for rain, gray days, and a bit of wind. The part of fall I love the most is the wardrobe. After wearing shorts and flip-flops for months, it’s time to break out the boots and jeans, the long-sleeved shirts and hooded sweaters. There’s something comforting about a hoodie. On those cold mornings, it acts like a blanket, keeping you warm and cozy. Outside, you’re protected from the elements. It pairs well with jeans, khakis, and shorts. My love for hoodies borders on obsession. My wife hates that I have a stack of hoodies in the closet and that I am always shopping for more. Everywhere we go, whether it’s soccer tournament or vacation, my ideal purchase is a hoodie.  

Simar Mann, student reporter 

To me fall is the most exciting and aesthetic part of the year. Fall marks the beginning of cool weather, gray skies, and of course the holidays. Around this time, people pull out their fuzzy sweaters, Halloween decor, and heavy blankets. Goodbye to triple-digit, sunny days and hello to the brisk, chilly weather of autumn. My favorite aspect has to be the shift between summer and fall. I love stepping out of my house and witnessing all the colors change and the leaves falling gently to the ground. Fall is also the best time to play tennis thanks to the combination of cloudy skies and cooling air. When I look up to serve, I no longer have to worry about being blinded by the sun and no longer do I have to dread playing in scorching, hot weather. In reality, nothing tops fall weather because it’s the most refreshing and relieving after the excruciating heat of the summer. 

Addison Jackson, student reporter  

Fall is the most exciting part of the year, as I walk outside and notice the changing leaves on the trees, and the dropping temperatures I can feel the second half of the year coming to life. The best part about fall is how many different aspects can come together to make the best of the season. The epitome of fall for me is waking up when it’s still dark outside, putting on my favorite hoodie, leggings and Uggs to drive to Starbucks to get a hot chai latte before going to HomeGoods and browsing all the spice scented candles and warm cozy blankets. I think fall really doesn’t start until the end of October especially in Manteca where the temperatures don’t cooperate. Another great part of fall is Thanksgiving, which is in my opinion the second-best holiday after Christmas, which is another reason why fall is amazing because it is a perfect transition into the Christmas season. 

Rebecca Navarro, student reporter  

My favorite part of fall is the cozy vibes, nice colors, and weather. It is the time when candles can be lit and we can get comfy under blankets and warm layers as the weather begins to cool. Saving us from the scorching California heat. Getting to bundle up in warm hoodies and sweaters. The vibes cannot be completed without the spooky movie marathons some are my favorites are the classic Nightmare before Christmas, The Lost Boys, Mickey’s House of Villains.  Getting to redecorate the house with hues of orange, burnt reds and browns sets the vibe for thanksgiving. You can’t forget the pumpkin spice everything. Pumpkin spice muffins, lattes, and even candles. A scent that brings joy to my mouth and soul. The time of gathering around with friends and family as the holidays approach, Halloween and trick or treating with friends, thanksgiving and the delicious feast, and the promise of Christmas approaching. Fall marks the beginning of the best time of the year how could you not love it. 

Christian Ambriz, student reporter  

Sky turns grayish, clouds covering up the sun, temperature getting chillier. I look forward to fall, because honestly, I can’t with the heat especially here. Finally transitioning from being mad and sweaty from the heat, to being able to enjoy the weather, watch scary movies, trick or treat, pumpkin patches, and many more stuff to do. Finally, it is time to pull out the hoodies, and the blankets. It's just such a prosperous time, you get to hang out with your family, watch movies together at night, with some hot chocolate in one hand and cookies in the other. We go to a relative's house to celebrate Thanksgiving and give thanks for everything we have. Finally getting to see those cousins you see rarely, then at the end you get to eat that deliciously homemade turkey with whatever you eat it with. Fall is just a time to be warm and enjoy it with family. 

Rocco Rattaro, student reporter 

For me, there are a lot of stuff to look forward too. I like that the weather cools down to the 70s and the wind starts to pick up. The sun doesn’t shine as bright as it does in the summer. I’m happy that there will be no more sweating from the heat. Unfortunately, it means no more swimming for me. Something that I like about fall is that I get to wear hoodies without having to feel sweaty all day. Hoodies are probably my most favorite thing to wear. I also like the weeklong break that we receive. During that break, my family and I usually go on a vacation. My family makes jack-o-lanterns around Halloween. I hand out the candy while some of my family goes trick-or-treating. Also during the fall is Thanksgiving. I get to see all of my family. My birthday occurs at the end of the fall, which is probably my favorite part about it. There is also a whole lot of football to watch. 

Salvador Paniagua, student reporter 

My most favorite thing about Fall isn’t just the activities you can do, but the overall vibe. I love being able to stay at home and having the blinds open to view the beautiful colors of Fall. The raking of leaves is a bit of a hassle, but it just adds to the aesthetic. Along with the natural aesthetic, you also have the clothing that you can wear during Fall. I love being able to go outside in a sweater and not be too cold or too hot. You can also wear other Fall accessories like gloves, beanies, earmuffs, etc. Me personally, I’ve been waiting for cooler weather just to wear beanies with my hair down. Fall just has a very distinctive vibe to it. You see leaves falling, Fall. You see orange, Fall. You see brown, Fall. You see yellow, Fall. You see red, Fall. Another big aspect of Fall is Halloween. The vibes of Halloween are enough for a whole other sound off but you get the idea.