By Samantha Evans
For some, the end of summer is marked by trivial things such as switching from a Frappucino to its warmer, cozier cousin, the Chai latté, or by the inclusion of black tights under one’s flimsy summer dress. But for me, the turn of fall has always been triggered by the unique energy which accompanies something new. In the early years, it was Northern Getaway turtlenecks in purple and turquoise; the middle years, Jacob and flared corduroys; the later years, Urban Outfitters with its Good Will-inspired vintage tees and cigarette holders cum wallets, with all years bespectacled with the joy that is buying seven packages of Bic pens with your mother’s Visa.

This may sound familiar to those who are returning to school in one form or another, but I must resign myself to the fact that in the split second that it took to accept my university diploma, I simultaneously said goodbye to blissful afternoons of labeling binders and blurry nights of sneaking into the Dance Cave sans cover (though I may still try to attempt the latter…), unless of course, we redefine what it means to go “back to school”. Overpriced textbooks and unnecessary midterms aside, the student lifestyle can really be summed up by a varied sleep schedule which allows for one to be perpetually late, themed parties (such as “the ‘80s: Miami Vice vs. Punk Rock”), and a ridiculously wee budget that can, quite remarkably, accommodate every semester’s pub night but never the weekly grocery list. By this definition, it pleases me to announce that I am in fact going back to school! As the FASHION Magazine editorial department’s latest acquisition, I can categorically say that interns are the new students. I can also categorically proclaim that trading in a well-paying cushy job churning out broker account listings for an unpaid internship grabbing coffees and checking others’ spelling is both exhilarating and terrifying. Like dropping by your ex-boyfriend’s birthday party, there are bound to be unexpected surprises. Armed with this season’s must-have patent leather ankle booties and multi-layered chain necklaces, I believe I may be ready. I have a date with the Devil, and she best be wearing Prada.