The changing leaves have not gone unnoticed as I walk around campus. This precursor to Syracuse’s treacherous winters doesn’t seem ominous: the grounds are scattered with gradients of autumn, and words, such as pumpkin-spiced lattes, have been sprouting up quicker than I could get my coffee from the baristas.

It’s hard to imagine that in a few weeks, we’ll be bearing heavy coats and boots, trying to survive sub-zero temperatures.

I’ve learned to train myself to prepare for the brutal Syracuse winters, but the season of fall here on the East Coast has been overwhelming, if not, pleasantly surprising. Instead of the palm trees and sunshine that I’m used to, the campus is delicately sprinkled with autumn festivities. Apple and pumpkin picking are new concepts, introduced to me since coming to school here, and I’m sure for many of us rarely take advantage of the plethora of flavors the locals offer.

The mild Syracuse temperature is also a plus. By the time December hits, we’ll be trying to remember when was the last time flats and sneakers were appropriate to wear for walks around campus. When I’m lugging around 10-pound snow boots to class, I’ll be wishing for days like these.

Jed Greenwald, a sophomore advertising major from Pittsburgh, Pa., agrees that fall in Syracuse is something only Central New York can offer.

‘It’s exquisite this time of year,’ Greenwald said. ‘I remember driving up to school and all that I could see were trees that spanned for miles.’

Greenwald says that once the leaves start falling and changing colors, the last thing on his mind is the snow.

In an effort to absorb the short season gap, I wonder if we’ve cloaked ourselves in the pessimism that weather brings for us here on campus: devastating rain and snow, instead of relishing in the beauty that autumn brings.

I certainly haven’t begun to fully appreciate fall in Syracuse as much as I should have.

I need to get over my worries about the harbingers of winter’s starry past, before I can take in the campus for what it is.

Stevie Jasuta, a sophomore art history and public relations major from Los Angeles, Calif., says that fall has become her favorite season since coming to school here at Syracuse.

‘I didn’t think anything of fall back home because I didn’t consider it a real season,’ Jasuta said. ‘But here on campus, it’s so rich and vibrant; it’s almost become a culture here.’

Josh Scarcella, a sophomore television, radio, film and management major from Leesport, Pa. says that beautiful fall days remind him of the vintage, classic fall he sees in movies.

This fleeting autumn weather will last only as long as we can hope. Appreciate it for what it is, until the harsh winter swallows our sunshine and pride.

Angela Hu is a sophomore public relations major. Her columns appear weekly, and she can be reached at ajhu01@syr.edu.

Published on October 26, 2009 at 12:00 pm