Oh, sophomores. The group nobody talks about and no one can spell right. You’re no longer a freshman, which is either a relief or a tragedy depending on how your freshmen year went. You’re not an upperclassman yet, but don’t worry--you’ll get there.
Here are my top 7 lessons from sophomore year:
1. If you're a new driver, you probably won't be a good driver (and that's okay).
Most people turn 16 and get their license sophomore year, which is awesome. You are going to love driving yourself places instead of depending on mom or dad. Most new drivers get into accidents so it won’t be the end of the world if you get in a minor fender-bender. I scratched another girl’s car my sophomore year pulling into my school’s tiny sophomore lot. That day I thought it was the worst thing to ever happen to me but looking back, it was nothing. Also, side note: No matter what, do NOT make a habit of texting and driving. You may think you’re good at it but you could easily kill someone. If you have others in the car let them send a text for you. If you’re alone and it’s that important, pull over.
2. Stay out of high school drama (and I'm not talking about the club.)
Don’t be petty. Don’t tweet at your peers to insult them. Never say anything over the internet you wouldn’t say in person. You’ll graduate and look back on high school and realize how pointless it was.
3. School is important.
Keep up with your school work. Even if you slacked freshmen year, you can still get it together. I cannot stress the importance of a hard work ethic in school. College will be the time of your life so you want to do well enough in high school to make it to a good one.
4. School spirit makes everything more enjoyable.
At my high school, the grades would compete in contests at pep rallies and the freshman class always lost. Always. Sophomores at least have somewhat of a chance. Cheer at pep rallies. Dress in your school’s colors. Go to sporting events and cheer on your fellow students.
5. Find your people.
Not everyone gets along in high school--that’s just the way it is. Not everyone will be your best friend and that is perfectly okay. Find the people who support you and love you no matter what. My sophomore year I got involved with my church’s youth group, which ended up to be my strongest support system throughout high school.
6. Get a job.
This one sounds like something your mother would yell at you. I got a job at the end of my sophomore year--just a simple grocery store job that I swore up and down I’d never do. I kept this job all the way through July after my senior year. I am now a freshman in college and it is SO nice having money instead of needing to get a job. Some days you won’t want to go to work. Suffer through anyway. Learn how to save and budget--you’ll thank yourself later.
7. Join clubs you enjoy and play sports (if you're into that).
Sophomore year I joined the FCCLA (Family, Career, and Community Leaders of America) club at my school because a teacher encouraged me too. I stayed in this club until I graduated. I really enjoyed doing service events and fun activities and it was awesome having another thing with value to add to my resumé.
