by
Karly Prichard
| Oct 06, 2016
I grew up in the Midwest, but when I began looking at colleges, I was determined to go as far away as possible. I was seeking sunshine + blue skies year round. Obviously that’s unrealistic, but I denied anywhere could be as “weather moody” as Indiana. In my head, the cons of choosing to stay in Indiana far outweighed the pros.
But, then I visited Manchester for the first time, almost exactly three years ago. I still remember the day being my *ideal* fall day – crisp, but warm air, trees in mid-color change, and bright sunshine. I had walked all over campus on the tour and to meet with coaches, professors, my admissions counselor. I remember taking in all the natural beauty of campus, imagining myself here, feeling like I belonged. And then it hit me. If I moved away from the Midwest I wouldn’t experience fall, my all-time favorite season. I’d miss out on pumpkins, changing leaves, warm + crisp air, fresh applies, campfires, warm drinks, + other basic things.
![MU Apples MU Apples](/images/default-source/default-album/mu-apples.jpg?sfvrsn=df76b062_0&MaxWidth=600&MaxHeight=&ScaleUp=false&Quality=High&Method=ResizeFitToAreaArguments&Signature=50D757F5CD70284450652D39E9B651F84EC33084)
![College Ave College Ave](/images/default-source/default-album/college-ave.jpg?sfvrsn=cc76b062_0&MaxWidth=600&MaxHeight=&ScaleUp=false&Quality=High&Method=ResizeFitToAreaArguments&Signature=7E283056C884D51EBD2C1664E09CC3924C1D49C2)
When fall hits, sometimes it’s slow and steady, other years it smacks you right in the face as soon as summer ends, and because this is Indiana, sometimes it’s a mix between summer, fall, and winter until it settles out. It’s a little unexpected + unpredictable. But no matter on how the weather feels, you can count on flannel, pumpkin spice, and picturesque fall pictures to fill every part of your life.
After fall rolls around I can’t help but feel a shift of heart. A shift from feeling like I need to move + be anywhere from the Midwest. A shift into falling more in love with living in a town + state that changes seasons. A shift into believing I could see myself staying in North Manchester.
What do you love about the Midwest + the shifting seasons?
![KarlyPrichard KarlyPrichard](/images/default-source/social-media-and-official-blogs/karlyprichard.jpg?sfvrsn=d801b262_2)
Karly Prichard ’18 is a Communications major from Warsaw, Ind. Her dream job is to do freelance writing, consulting, and photography for small businesses and non-profit organizations.