Micah Jones loves just about everything about fall.

“I’m originally from Ukraine, I came to the United States in 2010,” said the junior Mechanical Engineering major. “The temperature in the fall reminds me of home.

“The average daily temperature in Ukraine is 65 to 70 degrees,” he said.  “Even in the summer, when the heat reaches 85 degrees, the evening temperatures always cool back down to the lower 70’s or upper 60’s.” 

Jones said fall weather offers a welcome break from summer heat. 

“It’s far too hot during the summer [in Northwest Indiana],” he said. “The hot temperature really makes you appreciate the cool, comfortable weather in the fall.

“I hate sweating. It’s so annoying. The perspiration makes me feel sticky when I’m moving around,” said Jones. “In the fall, I can grab a hoodie, go outside, and not sweat profusely.”

Beyond more comfortable temperatures, Jones loves fall activities.

“There are so many things you can do in the fall that you can’t do in the summer, like fall festivals or harvesting at the pumpkin patch with my friends in the fall,” he said.  “A small tradition we started back in high school in 2015: We love the environment and enjoy the experiences of nature walks and seeing the animals … at the petting zoo.

“In the fall, you can get into costume for Halloween or pick apples at the apple orchard,” he said.  “The changing of the color of the leaves is another reason why I like the fall. 

“Finally, I’m glad the days are shorter in the fall,” said Jones.  “The early darkness is a great reason to go home, relax, and enjoy the comforts of home and family.”