October in New Jersey is signaled by the changing of the leaves to vibrant hues of red and yellow, and the cool air that brings in the fall season. It means leaving your dorm room in the morning freezing, but regretting having worn so many layers by midday. I have always loved fall, but there is something special about the season here on campus.
There are a million ways to enjoy the fall in Princeton. Often, residential colleges host trips to nearby apple orchards where students can pick their own apples. The Student Events Committee (PSEC) hosts its annual fall fest with crafts and fall foods. Last week, our student government held a screening of Twilight in one of our lecture halls (the quintessential movie of the season), and for Halloween, the Garden Theatre across the street from campus will be playing Nosferatu. Additionally, Coffee Club—our student-run coffee shop—never disappoints with its fall drinks, and it's not hard to come by donuts and apple cider from Terhune Orchards.
Of course, National Hispanic Heritage Month also takes place in late September and early October. The Princeton Latin American Student Association (PLASA) hosts a variety of events throughout the month, including its annual "Festival Sabrosura" and flag photoshoot. In early November, PLASA always returns with more events for Day of the Dead. Although I did not attend any of PLASA’s events this semester, I took advantage of the many other events taking place on campus.
McCarter Theatre is not directly affiliated with the University, but students can receive free admission to several performances per year. As part of its Hispanic Heritage Month programming, McCarter hosted an intimate performance and conversation with Mexican singer and songwriter Natalia Lafourcade. Growing up listening to her music with my mom made this an extremely exciting opportunity, and it was a heartwarming night of music.
The day after the concert I attended an art workshop hosted by a local community member and artist where I learned the basics of the repujado art form—a traditional Mexican technique in which designs are created on soft metals, like aluminum. We received materials and instructions while enjoying tamales, flautas, and aguas frescas from a nearby Mexican restaurant.
As the semester continues crawling towards finals, I am looking forward to continuing to enjoy the fall, even if it also means inching closer towards the winter. I’m looking forward to more strolls around campus while the leaves fall around me, celebrating my 22nd birthday, drinking more cappuccinos, and finally getting to pull out my warmer sweaters from the depths of my closet.
