Noelle Haak, 21’ 

    Ah fall. Every normal person's favorite season. As the leaves turn brown and fall to the ground and we begin to remember just how much homework we actually get, you may find yourself lost without a companion. You may think to yourself: do I need a significant other? Do I need new friends? Should I adopt a new pet? Should I become friends with strangers on the street? I can tell you the answer is no to all of these (maybe not the pet one), and not just because COVID-19 makes these things significantly less likely to occur. No, it is because the only companion you will ever need during this time of the year is a hoodie. Not a sweatshirt, zip up, cardigan, and certainly not one of those itchy wool atrocities but a hoodie. Whether pink or grey, graphic or plain, a hoodie is a hoodie all the same. 

    Having a good quality hoodie, with a soft interior, and visually appealing exterior will change your life. I speak from personal experience when I tell you that there is no comfort like wearing that one perfect hoodie when you’re having a bad day. You may ask, but why a hoodie not a sweatshirt. The reason why the hoodie is superior is in the name, the hood. Sweatshirts may possess many of the comforts that accompany a hoodie, but without the hood, they cannot even compare. The hood will protect you in a way you have never felt protection before. Raining outside with no umbrella? Hoodie. Your hair looks terrible and you have no idea what to do with it? Hoodie. Ears are cold? Hoodie. Have to have your camera on in the zoom call but really not in the mood to show your face? Hoodie. When choosing a winter coat, the average person will gravitate towards the one with a hood, further emphasizing why hoodies undoubtedly overpower sweatshirts. Aside from the versatility of the hood, a hoodie goes with every outfit. You can throw a hoodie on with sweatpants, cargo pants, baggy jeans, skinny jeans, flared jeans, even a skirt, and the outfit will still fit together perfectly. 

    Like everything truly wonderful in this world, hoodies are sadly expensive. A very good quality hoodie with jaw-dropping graphics on the front can often range anywhere from 30-80 dollars, sometimes even more. But, there is a solution to this heart-wrenching problem, and that solution is thrifting. A thrifted hoodie is on average well below this range, and it is still in perfect condition. Either way, whether it be new or preowned, an investment in a hoodie is one that you will never regret. I cannot even begin to stress the sentimental value that accompanies hoodies as well. Whether you are wearing a hoodie from a friend, sibling, or significant other, there is no better way to express your love to someone than by letting them wear one of your hoodies. Although it is a travesty when you lend someone a hoodie and you never see it again, you can always trust that the hoodie is in a good home, because anyone who mistreats their hoodies is a borderline psychopath and you need to run far away from them. 

    So this fall, holiday season, anytime for that matter, give your dear friends the gift of a hoodie. The most sentimental value that a hoodie can contain is when it is given to you by someone that you love. As we go further into our school year, there is nothing that will keep you company like a big hoodie that you can melt into. I promise you, the only support you will ever need is a hoodie. With a good hoodie, life's challenges are diminished and you are ready for anything that may come your way.