Going to school in a different state is hard for anyone. I know that even though I’ve adjusted to not living in Illinois for most of the year, there are obviously still times when I get an inexplicable yearning to go back to Chicago. Last year, I thought it was just another bout of freshman-year homesickness, but this year I’ve come to realize that this feeling always intensifies when fall rolls around. Though autumn in Missouri is surprisingly beautiful, there’s still something about it that will never compare to fall in Chicago.

The thing I miss most about Chicago during the fall is that the leaves change colors all at once. Every tree seems to be on a timer that keeps all of their leaves in sync, and the view it creates even just as you walk out your front door is absolutely breathtaking. Yes, the trees in Missouri are still gorgeous when they start to change colors, but the effect isn’t as awing. Last year there were trees with green leaves on them while others had lost almost all of theirs. This year, I have already noticed the same thing starting to happen. While it’s still a beautiful season down here, it will never compare to fall in Chicago.

There’s something almost magical about autumn. While the changing trees are one thing, just the feeling of fall in general makes me very sentimental for the city. The cool air that begins to whip between the buildings signals that yet another five-month winter spell is on its way. But it’s not here just yet, and instead Chicagoans get to bask in the sunshine and beautiful fall breeze for a little while longer. You can still get away with wearing your lighter jackets and boots, and not having to layer on scarf after hat after glove. To me, autumn is like the last hoorah for Chicago—one final season of warmth and sunshine before we all must face the looming tundra that is winter.

Fall looks good on you, Chicago, and I’m sorry it took me moving away to finally realize just how beautiful you are during this time of the year.