Like most of you, the first thing I associate with sophomore year of college is the "sophomore slump." It is defined by Urban Dictionary as, "During a college student's sophomore year, their GPA drops after having a high GPA from their freshman year." Well, I guess I don't know if my GPA will drop this year (hopefully not), but I've already found so many things to love about sophomore year. There are definitely a lot of perks to being a sophomore.
1. You're no longer a freshman.
In my opinion, this is the biggest upside of sophomore year. There are so many extra challenges that come along with freshman year that many people don't expect or realize. It can be very stressful being away from home for the first time. While you're still adjusting to living on your own, you're expected to be successful in classrooms full of new professors teaching completely new information and to make friends with classmates who are pretty much strangers. At least this year you don't need to worry about these extra stresses.
2. ... But you can still look up to upperclassmen.
You're older than the freshmen, but you're still on the younger side. You have both the junior and senior classes to look up to. You know more than the freshmen do, but you're still allowed to make mistakes and look up to upperclassmen for help, advice and guidance. Since they're only one or two years older than you, they can be your role models, but also your peers and friends.
3. You have your group of friends.
I'll never forget how nice it felt coming back to campus this past August looking forward to seeing my friends. It was great to already know people and look forward to seeing them, instead of stressing about making friends. My first meal in the dining hall was like one big reunion instead of a stressful event like it was freshman year. Even though you do already have friends, you can always make some new ones as well.
4. You know the social scene.
When you come back sophomore year, you already know the social scene and don't need to take time to explore. You know whether or not you like to party every weekend or if you'd rather go to movies with friends and take advantage of on-campus activities.
5. You know the campus and all the little tips and tricks.
You know things such as the shortcuts to get from one building to another or the least crowded time to go to the gym. School has felt much more like home this year than it did last year because I've been able to make it my own.
6. You can take on leadership positions in clubs and activities.
It is finally time for you to get a chance to be on an executive board of a club or become that orientation leader you always admired. Becoming more involved in school through leadership activities allows you to challenge yourself, gain confidence, make friends and find what you're passionate about.
7. You still have some time before you have to worry about "real life."
Although you obviously need to focus on doing well in school and finding internships because you want to be successful in the future, you still have time before you're thrown into the real world. Enjoy it while you can because you'll never again be right where you are now.
So the next time someone tells you about the "sophomore slump," just think of all these great things about sophomore year (and don't let that GPA slip).
