When people ask me how my classes are going, I typically sigh, and say they are okay. I am in classes that, to me, are just leftover general education classes -- nothing I am invested or interested in taking, yet am required to take. But wasn't that the same situation my freshman year? And what has changed between then and now?

The answer I have come up with is that we are no longer the new kids in town, campus is no longer shiny and new, and we aren't quite as engaged as we were the first time around. And this is all fairly common for those who are now sophomores in college. We know what to expect because we have the experience to prove it, yet we aren't experienced enough to go after internships in our intended career fields. This mentality is a part of what is known as the sophomore slump.

The sophomore slump is a phrase that the Internet has assigned many meanings to. But my interpretation of this phrase is that it is a loss of motivation and a lack of interest in all things surrounding your college experience. It is feeling as if you have hit a low point in your academic pursuit. So how do you snap out of a slump?

For one, take a step back. I don't mean a physical step. I mean, you should reexamine your life. Do you like the classes you are taking that are indicative to success in your major? Are your friends bringing you down, or are they lifting you up? Are you happy? Meditating on these answers can help you find what the root problem, or problems, are in your life. Try this approach when finding the solution or solutions, because then you will know you have considered every option before making your next move.

Another thing you can do is talk to people. Talk to your friends, roommates, academic counselor, family. Chances are, the people in your life will be there for you and listen to you. The reason I like to talk things out is because when I am talking to someone, it helps me sort out my thoughts and feelings, while having input that I may not have come to on my own. You come to feel relieved after getting your thoughts off of your chest.

No matter how driven, lazy, or anything in between that you are, you have to remember to give yourself a break. You deserve it! Your mind and your body will thank you for it. Just get away from the campus mentality, and you can do that in several ways. Spend a couple of hours on a Netflix binge and catch up on your favorite TV series. Or, go shopping and splurge on something that will make you feel good. Leave campus and the area around it if you are in close proximity to it. The more space you give yourself, the better off you will be. Make a point to let yourself relax and unwind. It will help you out in the long run.

The main takeaway from this article is that you should acknowledge the fact that the sophomore slump is a real and that it is okay if you are experiencing the sophomore slump. It is normal! To be aware of these slump feelings is the first step towards a new and refreshed you. So set a time -- preferably before Halloween or the first week of November -- and tell yourself that you will have at least one meeting with someone -- a counselor, friend, parents, or someone in your intended profession. Then, tell this person that you want to do the same over Thanksgiving break. This will allow you to come back before the end of the semester and have plan --or even a solution -- to your sophomore slump.