Have you ever wondered when the transition is between seemingly nubile college freshman to mature seniors who are ready to take on “real life”? It is, my friends, the dreaded Sophomore year.

With this second year of school comes to the dreaded sophomore slump. The Sophomore Slump, for those of you unfamiliar, is the phenomenon students face their second year of college. They feel lost and unsure of themselves, even though they just completed year one of college. Feelings of being the forgotten middle child of the university start to creep in. You are now the same age as RA’s who set the boundaries for you in your own living situation. Friendships are suddenly altered and feel harder to maintain. What’s going on here?!

I’ve seen this first hand how the SS has affected those who I love and myself. Coming home for Thanksgiving Break last year was a crazy reunion filled with fun and laughs. We stayed up and talked all night about our roommates, friends, classes and love life. We would talk about crazy things that happened at parties or down the hall. Everything was still so new and those who absolutely loved it could not stop raving about it. Even if they weren't ecstatic about their college life they still had at least something to add. Everything still felt so new and wonderful.

This has changed so much since last turkey day. It seems now more than ever I know so many people going through a hard time at once. It's as if this black plague of bad feelings has infected everyone I know. Everyone is in some way sad or bummed out. There are so many different things going on that its hard to keep track of one. Schoolwork has taken over people's lives and the stress of our future has replaced hope of the future. What could possibly cause such a dramatic change in three short months?

Well for one, it is a huge period of developmental confusion. A student’s second year is usually the time to pick a major all while classes become more difficult and professors expect more. In addition, after the novelties of college social life have worn off, nothing seems quite as special. There is no Sophomore geared events or things that help you have school pride. The new advisor you were assigned has 500 other students now. Your friends annoy you and seem distant on the other side of campus or town so the time with them drastically decreases. The dining hall food is, all the same, and not having a body of a 17-year-old is catching up with you. Most sophomores will not be 21 until the next year and those without a fake ID will be forced to attend frat parties full of freshman. Everything about this year seems to be an enigma that can never be solved. Once-happy, naive freshmen has been replaced with depressed, anxious sophomores.

The best way to turn your sophomore slump into a sophomore pump? What's most important is to recognize everything you have already accomplished — like surviving freshman year — then, try something new. It’s not too late to load up on extra-curricular activities.

Get a job, volunteer, play a sport or start a club of your own. Meeting new friends is difficult but talking to just anyone is one step closer to making a new friend.

Be creative with how you go out, and maybe spend time doing other things.

Don't be afraid to ask questions just because you think you should know.

Make sure you're on track with your degree and check credits.

Take initiative and hang on tight guys because the worst thing you can do is let the slump take over.