To You the college sophomore,
Yes, You. You, the one over there gazing aimlessly out your classroom window watching the summer beach day fade into Fall. Yes, You. Yes, You. You the one who was told of the freshman fifteen. But, are You as ready now as you were ready to hear that reality then?
I write to You. To warn You, the one on pace to complete half of their college career.
For the college student, October must mean more than pumpkin spice lattes, sweaters, and Halloween parties. It is the halfway point of the fall semester. The start of mid-terms. And for You, the college sophomore, the last chance before You had before sliding into the slump - the Sophomore Slump.
The Sophomore Slump is seldom mentioned. And as students, we are blessed to enter the new academic year with a false sense of security.
Everything comes fast. Like a rush of adrenaline, like a torrential downpour, or like a flash of light the academic rigor and social rigor can force you to fight.
It gets harder.
You become more involved within your major. You take classes directly pertaining to your field of study. Your job is to study. Your job is to achieve good grade. You may have a paying a job. You may have an internship. You may be more stressed.
You become more involved. You seek out new secondary commitments as your previous ones intensify. You may join Greek Life. You may be in student government. You may volunteer. You may be more overwhelmed.
Just because it gets harder does not mean it is impossible. It does not mean You cannot do it.
Avoid the slump first by accepting it. Accept the slump is a possibility all students face.
Don't fall into the assumption that every year will be just like your freshman year. It is not. Every year will intensify academically and socially. Acknowledge this early, and you will adapt.
Don't forget why You are here. You are here to earn your degree to then being your career.
Don't forget to be organized. Whatever way is comfortable is best. Calendars, planners, applications, are all excellent ways to time manage your schedule from assignments to co-curricular activities.
Don't forget to balance. Your job is to be a student, but like another other working human it is okay to have a social life. It is okay to have leisure time. Do things You love with the people you love.
Don't burn yourself out. It all goes back to time management. Study and work for your grades. Just don't over do it - spread your work out. Only become involved with the co-curricular activities you can handle. It is better to be involved in a few activities than many as You can be more dedicated to them that way.
Don't forget to say "no". If events, activities, etc are conflicting with your academics or simply Your desire for "you" time, then simply say, "no". It gives you powers. It gives You a voice. Your stress will decrease and You will feel confident to push through.
Don't forget it is okay to ask help. Never be ashamed to seek out tutoring for a subject that poses a challenge. Seek out the guidance of a professor through their office hours. Be mindful of the advisement services on campus too from counseling and psychological services to general advisement, never be afraid to seek help.
Don't forget to take care of yourself. Eat healthy. Sleep close to eight hours. Exercise. Do things simply because You love them and because they make You happy. You are allowed to binge on Netflix, have solo dance parties in your dorm, go on adventures. Take time for yourself. It is not selfish. It is necessary for your own being, your own happiness.
Most importantly, don't forget, YOU CAN DO IT.
All the best,
A fellow friend
