For the past few weeks, every venture into the Twitterverse has launched me into a full length summary of every little redeeming quality the fall season has to offer. I am constantly bombarded by pictures of pumpkin patches, chunky knit sweaters and, my personal favorite, an endlessly entertaining video of a skeleton dancing down the street to the beat of “September” by Earth, Wind & Fire. Witnessing all of this social media hype causes me to a be a little bit torn. Part of me says “it’s only September” while the other half of me gets in my car immediately and drives to Starbucks for that satisfying first sip of a Pumpkin Spice Latte. (Just in case you were wondering, it did not disappoint).

Personally, I feel that fall deserves the most praise out of all of the seasons. I’ve always had a complicated relationship with summer, because while it allows me to get in the lake, it also means I can’t wear sweatshirts every single day. Spring means tornadoes and allergies while winter means not being able to feel your nose when you walk into school. Fall, however, is just right. Especially this year.

I’ve been looking forward to this fall since the beginning of last winter, and not just because it’s my favorite season. This fall holds a lot of important milestones for me. I’m closing out my high school tennis career, hopefully with one last run to the state tournament. I’m turning 18 years old. I’m applying for college. I’m taking my senior pictures. These events may seem minor, but they signal the beginning of my transition into adulthood. A trace of independence is floating on the fall breeze and I couldn’t be more ready to feel it. This fall isn’t just about the sweaters and the deliciously flavored coffees, but it’s about preparing for my future. Despite the nuisance that is the annual repetitive tweets, I’m ready to transition into adulthood with a Pumpkin Spice Latte in hand.