Whatever people have said about the "Sophomore Slump," believe me when I say it's true. Sophomore year is no joke but I must say it's been a great time. Both semesters have left me with reckless situations, wonderful moments of success, and friends that I really need to go. Either way, it was full of good and bad times that taught me some important things.
1. It's okay to be a resume builder, but don't forget who YOU are.
Not going to lie, it's super easy to get over involved at Stetson. Once you start one leadership role, it's surprisingly not too difficult to find another one on campus. However, it's easy to lose yourself in those roles and forget that at the end of the day, you're you. There were too many times where I forgot to be a just Vanessa and compromised my happiness and my schoolwork to be a student leader. There's a balance and thankfully I found it.
2. You're allowed to stress out, but make sure you do something about it.
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Sophomore year hits you like no other. You're in the college equivalent of limbo and really starting to hit the books with some difficult classes. The stress can genuinely feel unbearable and sometimes you have to take that mental health day. However, as unbearable as the stress can be, pushing through it is all you can do. Getting a grade for something is better than nothing. And that girl who made out with your crush at the party will eventually move on.
3. Get angry.
Positivity is cool and all but sometimes being upset is valid. That girl tried you by skipping you in line for food when you have to be in class in ten minutes? Be mad. Your friend lied to your face and then acted like nothing happened. Be mad. You feel like crap and your day isn't going well. Be mad.
But the number one thing to not to do is take it out one someone else. No one deserves to be that and just because you're in a bad mood, does not mean that it's ground to be mean anyone else.
4. Toxic friendships MUST go.
It's all cool until someone continuously tries your life and does not take responsibility for it. Trust your gut when someone isn't treating you well or if you uncomfortable around them. If hanging out with a friend stresses you out, then obviously something needs to change.
5. You do not have to do what everyone else if doing.
Fear of missing out (FOMO) can hit all too hard, but it doesn't have to. Never feel pressured to do something or be something you're not. Trust your gut when something doesn't feel right. However, sometimes coming out of your comfort zone is the best thing you can do. Be aware and be careful, but don't forget to have your fun too.
Sophomore year is truly a time of trial and error and that's how it should be treated. Sometimes life doesn't work the way you want it to but there's nothing wrong with that. Just buckle up and enjoy the ride. The adventure is one you'll hopefully learn from.
