It's Fall at Grand Valley

A group of girls pass by with their long jackets closed tight. Their bulky scarfs stay closely wrapped around their necks. They wear tall boots laced up, with fluffy socks protruding from the tops. As they pass, their hair dances in the autumn breeze. They hold their cell phones in their hands tight and somehow manage to make it around without ever taking their eyes off of the screen. Another group of girls comes along, with another group of similar jackets, boots, scarfs, and fluffy socks. Boys walk by in hoodies, and keep their hands in their pockets. One boy walks by with only a T-shirt and shorts. He appears to be too cool for the obvious changing of weather. It’s fall at Grand Valley.

The leaves have all changed from a dark green to shades of orange, red, yellow and brown. The sidewalks are littered with fallen leaves from the naked trees above. A gust of wind whirls tattered leaves into the air and they are barley heard as they touch back down on the ground, only to be whipped back into the air. You can hear the crunching of leaves as students hastily work their way across campus. You can see the stress of the first semester in their eyes as they push against the wind and into their classroom buildings. It’s fall at Grand Valley. 

Then there comes rain. An outbreak of rain boots emerges and those girls’ jackets turn into colorful rain coats. Instead of cell phones they hold umbrellas. They hold their umbrellas up against the wind and rain and only the lucky few remain in their intended shape. Puddles form and shoes squeak. Students run to escape the rain and take shelter wherever they can find. Hair-dos are ruined and motivation to go to class is crushed. It’s fall at Grand Valley.

Soon all will be covered in a thick blanket of snow. Large flurries will fill the sky, float around, and then cling to whatever they come into contact with. Campus will become a snow globe that an entranced child never seems to stop shaking. Heavy duty coats will replace light jackets. Clunky winter boots will make their appearance. An array of thick scarfs, gloves, and hats can be seen on anyone who is willing to compromise good looks for warmth. Rosy cheeks and sniffles will fill campus. But for now, it’s fall at Grand Valley.