In such a competitive academic environment, Vernon Hills students can get overwhelmed with the rigor and stress of school. While that may wear on some students, others see it as an opportunity to grow their identity and forge new ways to enjoy learning.
With the autumnal season in tow, the time of rainy days, pumpkin spice lattes, and big comfy sweaters are just around the corner, and with it, an improved version of our community.
“Especially now [in the fall], I can do things like drinking apple cider in a coffee shop while studying to help keep me inspired,” Lauren Wanna (12) said.
I couldn’t agree more with Wanna; going to Conscious Cup and drinking my warm chai in front of my computer says fall more than all the pumpkin patches combined.
The utilization of aesthetics to inspire and create is seen not just in the student population, but also among teachers.
Brian Voss, a social studies teacher, said that he has found his desk to be an area where he feels most productive in the fall. It is so important that other students find their productive spot as well.
For some, just like Voss, it can be at your desk in school, or for others it can be their favorite park. What’s really important is that the worker adapts their environment to their wants and needs.
Students also can lean into the fall aesthetic through pop culture. A popular fall idol is Rory Gilmore, the main character in Gilmore Girls, because of her academic personality and goals of attending an Ivy League university. The autumnal overtones of Gilmore Girls also inspire students through clothing, music, and academic settings. For me, listening to playlists of songs mentioned or played in episodes while sipping on chai at the library in a comfy sweater represents how I and others can pull inspiration from media such as Gilmore Girls as a way to self-motivate and enjoy the academic season.
“Since [fall] is time for Gilmore Girls, I think it gets me in the mood… to start off well in school and get my grades to the point where if I do mess up [in the future], I have something to fall back on,” Lily Hetzel (11) said.
It’s been my experience that when Stars Hollow, the setting of Gilmore Girls, is on my screen, I feel like I’m a part of that small-town fall time fairytale, and it signals to me that it’s the season to focus on school.
Some students also feel that switching up their location causes a noticeable difference in productivity and inspiration as well.
“When I’m at home, it’s hard to get myself going and be able to start doing school work, but if I’m at the library, it feels like I’m in a more productive environment,” Hetzel said.
In my home, my cat, Ziggy, seems to sense when I’m trying to be productive and will stop at nothing to kill my attempts. Of course it works every time because he’s so adorable, so when it’s time for me to focus, an alternate location like the library is the spot for me.
According to Clara DeSandro (12), students also use aesthetics as a crutch for their mental health to get through long nights of studying and homework.
“The warm and comforting familiarity of fall brings a desire in students to study. Soft music, warm drinks, cozy sweaters, and pretty colors all work together to create an environment that students thrive in, making study habits stronger,” DeSandro said.
Personally, as a senior in high school, I have taken advantage of the romanticization of fall aesthetics by changing my mindset. Instead of seeing homework as something I have to do to get a good grade, I see it as an opportunity to make the learning experience my own.
“[Fall is] just my favorite time of the year. The whole world changes color.” Lorelai Gilmore
“I am an autumn.” Richard Gilmore
For me, doing things like burning vanilla and cinnamon candles and listening to “Kiss Me” by Sixpence None the Richer allows me to enter a mindset of productivity that doesn’t feel forced and boring. Instead, I create a space where I can lose myself in my work, which has been so important to me and my high school journey.
In my opinion, using fall aesthetics is a simple and easy way to make it through the start of the academic season and set up for year-long success.