I step outside on a crisp October morning to the sight of golden leaves fluttering in the air. The air smells fresh as I walk to my car excitedly to go to school. I feel that familiar excitement– fall has arrived in full, and with it, the season’s unmatched charm. Whether it’s pumpkin-spiced treats or apple-picking trips, fall brings in a unique feeling that makes everyday feel exciting. 

With new friends, new colors and new classes, fall is all about embracing change and letting go. As the leaves begin to change colors and a crisp chill fills the air, a familiar debate arises once more: Which season is better, fall or spring? While some may embrace the bloom and warmth of spring, we must acknowledge the truth– fall reigns supreme. 

The start of fall means the beginning of a new school year. While many might dread returning to classes and having to do homework again, I enjoy the opportunity to make new friends and work on myself. The workload to the school year usually starts out light, leaving an opportunity to focus on friends and family. Specifically at CESJDS, the high holidays fall during the beginning of the school year, providing us with an opportunity to reconnect with religion and our families.

Conversely, spring is the time where school work is at its heaviest, leaving students locked up in their rooms studying for finals instead of enjoying the nice weather. It’s no secret that teachers up the workload in the second semester, assigning copious amounts of homework and tests. 

While the workload is light, fall provides a perfect time to explore nature and enjoy the trees, as the weather is neither too hot nor too cold. In fact, a Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health study found that time spent in nature can boost physical and mental well-being.  During fall the leaves create the perfect atmosphere for a relaxing fall walk or bike ride. And when the day winds down, nothing beats the warmth of a bonfire, roasting marshmallows while wrapped in blankets. 

Another highlight of fall is Thanksgiving. It brings time to gather with family, share a delicious feast and reflect on what we’re grateful for. Unlike spring’s busy pace, Thanksgiving brings a moment to slow down and create cherished memories around the dinner table. A study done by Highland Springs clinic found that spending time with family reduces anxiety, an opportunity given by fall.

Arguably the best part of Thanksgiving and fall in general is the warm hearty food. From pumpkin flavored everything to warm butternut squash soup, fall food is sure to leave your heart warm. Fall’s flavors are bold, comforting and perfect for gathering around the table, making it the ultimate food season. 

In spring, we don’t get that same opportunity to come together with family as there are few breaks and holidays, and it often feels like a whirlwind packed with endless tasks and obligations that make it hard to fully enjoy the season. Between spring cleaning, preparing for summer vacations and dealing with the rush of school or work deadlines, there’s little time to relax.

The constant pressure to “get things done” seems to overshadow the beauty of the season. While flowers may bloom and the days grow warmer, spring can feel more hectic than refreshing.

As the leaves start falling and the peak of autumn approaches, it’s important to remember to make the most of your fall. Go outside on a fall walk, pick apples or have a game night with your family. Whatever you do make sure to seize the fall season while it lasts and embrace the beauty of it. Soak up every bit of fall’s charm, knowing that soon enough, winter will be here and the warmth of autumn will be just a cherished memory.

As I walk around my neighborhood on a March day, I feel the warm sun on my face and instantly feel overjoyed. The weather feels perfect, with a mix of wind and sun, and it is almost as if I can feel the end of winter and the start of summer in the air. I see people all around me on walks or bike rides, embracing the start of spring. 

Spring is a time of renewal and growth. As nature starts to rebloom, we have the opportunity to change our routine and improve for the better. I always notice that fall gets so much praise for the colorful leaves and cold weather, when in reality it doesn’t compete with the flowers and warm weather that emerge in the spring. While I can appreciate the cozy, fresh feeling that fall brings, there is no question that spring is the better season. 

At the start of spring, there is so much to look forward to. There is Passover break, which I find to be the best break of the year. Not only is it nice and long, making it the perfect time to see family and friends, the weather is perfect to go on vacation. Also, summer is right around the corner, and with the end of school in sight it is so much easier to work hard. 

In contrast, fall can be extremely stressful, as the start of school brings a whole new set of challenges. At the beginning of the year there is often discomfort with new classes, and fresh dynamics from the summer can be stressful. By the time we have reached spring, everything seems to flow much more smoothly and be more familiar. 

After a long winter of staying inside, spring feels rejuvenating. The sunshine increases my overall happiness, especially after being so long without it. Spending more time outside is also very beneficial for your mental health. According to healthline, exposure to sunlight leads to a release of serotonin, a chemical in the brain associated with happiness and improving mood. 

This is extremely important for health as well. According to UCLA Health, 8-10 minutes of time in the sun is needed everyday to produce the right amount of Vitamin D. Not only does soaking up the sun boost your spirits, but supports overall well-being as well. 

These benefits can be enjoyed for longer as in the spring days start to get longer, offering more daylight to take in. Especially as a student and athlete, in the fall I feel like I never have time in the daylight, as the days get shorter. When I get home from school, it is already dark out so often I go days without spending time in the sun. I really enjoy doing homework outside and feel more productive when I do, and the spring offers this opportunity. 

Another thing I love about spring is the endless activities. Some of my favorites include going to see the cherry blossoms, going to a baseball game or going on a hike. Spring also encourages us to do more exercise. With the motivation to spend more time outdoors comes activities such as going on walks, jogging or biking. 

While fall may offer cozy sweaters and pumpkin spice lattes, spring brings a sense of optimism and renewal that’s hard to beat. It’s a season of sunshine and joy, with each day filled with energy.