Autumn in the ‘Burg!

I think it’s safe to say that autumn has finally arrived in Williamsburg! Temperatures are starting to dip below 70 degrees, the leaves are beginning to change colors, and Halloween decorations are appearing in all of the shop windows in Merchants Square.

Maybe it’s because I have always associated fall with the beginning of the school year, but something about the change of season always makes me nostalgic. Over the past couple of weeks, as the temperature has cooled and the leaves have started to fall, I’ve been reflecting a lot on my time here at W&M.

Around this time of year nearly three years ago, I attended a Fall Focus Day at William & Mary. Fall Focus Days are comprised of a variety of different activities for prospective students, including a student/professor Q&A panel and a campus tour. After my tour, I distinctly remember walking out of the Wren Building and telling my parents that William & Mary was the only school where I could really see myself spending the next four years of my life. That visit was what ultimately convinced me to apply early decision. (A decision that was all the more noteworthy, because I am notoriously indecisive!) Fast-forward to my freshman year at William & Mary, where the fall season witnessed the making of what are now well-loved traditions. My friends and I watched the Homecoming parade and cheered for the Tribe at the football game. On Halloween, we went trick-or-treating at President Reveley’s house and danced to “Monster Mash” at costume parties. For the past two years, during the height of the “leaf season,” I’ve trekked along the Lake Matoaka trails in order to see the gorgeous fall foliage. And finally, who doesn’t associate fall with cider runs to Colonial Williamsburg?

“Cider Run” – Enjoying free apple cider in Colonial Williamsburg with friends!

It’s hard to believe that I’m now a junior at W&M, and as summer turns to fall, I’m excited to once again participate in these seasonal traditions. Homecoming weekend is already upon us, and alumni are flocking back to the university to celebrate their Alma Mater. As I see these past generations of William & Mary students reconnecting with old friends and supporting their school, I’m filled with pride for my college. (#TribePride) I love hearing from alumni about their college memories and sharing with them my own experiences at William & Mary. Before I get too nostalgic, I have to remind myself that I still have two more years at William & Mary and many more memories to make!

Each season at W&M brings with it unique traditions, but fall festivities in particular always remind me of my beginnings.

I’m looking forward to sharing both old and new memories with you all through this blog, and I hope you enjoy walking through campus in my shoes!