As a naive freshman, I arrived to college with a dream of going to medical school and doing whatever I can to accomplish that goal. Although the bigger picture hasn’t changed, I have come a long way in terms of developing interests and changing my mind frequently about my life. I have always been that person that had a set plan and had no desire to stray from it. Change is scary and it is a lot easier to stick with what you’re doing rather than taking risks. But things take a turn in college. You become a different person. Within my first year, I changed majors and explored new programs that would force me out of my comfort zone—- Yes, I will be studying abroad and cannot be happier about that decision. Currently a sophomore, I cannot be more nervous about the future and I know that a lot of other sophomores are in the same position. Here are some suggestions for overcoming the dreaded “sophomore slump”:
1. Don’t be afraid of change.
You may have come in with an athletic scholarship with dreams of playing as a Division one quarterback on the college football team but now you find yourself questioning why you picked up a football in the first place. Or, you may realize that medical school is not the right fit for you when you realize how much you actually hate your science courses. No matter what career path idea you come in with, be prepared to change your mind often. No one expects 17 year olds to come into college with their lives completely figured out. So, follow your gut feeling rather than the social pressures— be okay with changing programs, schools, or clubs.
2. Be proactive but take a step back when you need to.
Sophomore year is a busy period and you’ll probably have a lot going on— taking upper level classes, joining labs, working, joining new clubs, the list just goes on and on. You’re being productive and using your resources for your personal growth, which is great. But at some point, we all reach a point of burn out, where there seems to be no end to the dark tunnel. Quite frankly, I am in this position myself. When you feel yourself searching for that light, it’s a sign that you may desperately need that break so that you can create time for yourself. It is perfectly acceptable to step down from your responsibilities if it means you’ll be happier. Speaking from personal experience, quality ALWAYS beats quantity.
3. Talk to people.
If you’re feeling really down, know that there are people willing to help you. As helpful and convincing as your friends may be, you may need to seek outside help to reach that “better place” in your journey. You should never feel like a failure if you do so because you are not alone. The sophomore slump is REAL and a lot of students and adults have been in your shoes and have benefited from the campus psychological services in terms of overcoming this tough period.
4. Create a strong support system on campus.
At this point, you might just feel defeated and as if there is no one on campus to help you with your classes or sorting out your interests. Feeling lost sucks and I have those moments where I feel like I have no direction. But these feelings have helped me realize the importance of talking to professors and advisors and seeking their help. You’re paying so much money for your degree and you might as well get the most out of the educational experience. If you’re really struggling with your classes, go to office hours and ask your professors questions. Professors are not scary and are definitely willing to help you succeed. Same with your advisors. These people want you to succeed and you should really let them guide you and give you that direction that you need.
5. Helping others may be the perfect medicine.
Whenever I’m feeling down, I make it a point to find opportunities to serve the people around me. Volunteering and campus activities help me feel better about myself, especially when I can see how my work is benefitting others. As a pre-med student, volunteering at a nursing home gives me motivation and an idea of the type of career that I am looking for in the future. Search for fun volunteer opportunities on and off-campus—- you’ll be amazed at how energized and motivated you become.
Sophomore year does not have to be an awful experience. It is up to you to find the light at the end of the tunnel and make the necessary changes to have a fulfilling year.
