The sophomore slump: the transition from general education to major classes which results in lower GPA, lower self-confidence and overall lack of knowledge in general life/future plans. Disclaimer: this can also affect those of junior and senior levels.
In a society with countless standards and expectations, it is understandable why so many feel worthless when they fall short of others. But when did we decide that a lower than expected grade means someone should feel as if he or she is not good enough? A friend recently brought back to my attention the feeling of failing yourself after a not so satisfactory grade. A low grade makes us feel as if we should change majors, trash career plans, or give up. I used to have the same mindset until last semester. Then I had a realization, one I should have had a long time ago, that grades do not matter. To some, this is a taboo thought. To some, this has always been a known understanding. And to others, like my friend, I hope that you see you are worth so much more than a grade on a piece of paper.
1. Costs should never outweigh profits.
I used to tell myself that a B was just second place. And second place did not exist in my world when it came to grades — C’s were unheard of in my mind. I set the bar so high for myself throughout my entire education, but at what cost? My sanity. My freedom. My life. You must find the balance between school and yourself. Education is my entire priority in life right now, but there is a difference between learning and just working for a grade. Don’t become so focused on the grading scale that you miss out on the real lessons.
2. A score does not define your character.
Last semester I studied for hours upon hours preparing for an accounting exam, only to receive a less than satisfactory grade. I felt defeated and like a failure because my grade did not reflect the amount of time I put into this exam. But then I realized something we should all think about when we feel like we have taken a loss in life: “I know I am intelligent. I know I am completely capable of achieving any goal I set my mind to. I have dreams for the future, and I fully intend on reaching each and every one of them.”
3. Life is full of ups and downs.
If we don’t take a loss every now and then, how are we supposed to know what a win feels like? How are we supposed to know the struggle and determination required to achieve our goals? I promise it’s okay to be let down once in a while. Find the lesson within this roadblock and learn to pick yourself up. You will be a stronger person because of it.
4. You are more than a statistic.
Above average, below average, who cares? If you came out knowing more than you did when you began, it was worth it. College is about learning, not just what is in the lecture slides, but life lessons. Learn about the real meanings of love and friendship, learn how to be spontaneous, learn to stand on your own two feet, and learn not to buy the cheap toilet paper because, like your mom tried telling you, brand absolutely matters.
5. C’s get degrees.
If a C is the result of your absolute hardest work, awesome. If a B or an A is reflective of your abilities, good for you. Any passing grade resulting in your best effort will suffice. Your self-worth is not determined by a letter on a sheet of paper.
6. Have faith in yourself.
Every day you face tasks that will make you question who you are and what you’re capable of, like those dreadful midterms we are all struggling with right now. Or maybe it’s not an object but more so a person questioning your strengths. Don’t worry about them! Trust in your capabilities. Once you realize your self-worth, not based on outside determining factors but who you truly are as a person, you will rise above those that make you doubt.
College is where we take our experiences, evaluate why they happened, and try to figure out how to continue with life. Just because I am no longer a straight A student does not mean I am any less of a person. I did not lose my motivation, determination, or perseverance; I did not become lazy and give up. If anything, I am a better person for it. I now know the more important things in life and encourage others to see past the things that tear at your confidence; your self-worth is not determined by a piece of paper. It is determined by your ability to take the hardships you face in life, learn from them, and better yourself for what’s ahead.
