I loved freshman year— I met so many new people and excelled in my classes and got into relationships I didn't expect. So, naturally, coming into my sophomore year of college, I was expecting excitement and fun and a new school year full of adventure in my favorite place with some of my favorite people. I expected it to be easy because everyone warns you about the difficulties of freshman year, but I never had any of those, so I wouldn't have any sophomore year either, right?
Wrong.
Yes, I am in my favorite place with some of my favorite people, and I wouldn't change that for anything in the world, however, this semester has consisted of some of the most difficult and trying times of my life. Between school and life and relationships and mental, emotional, and physical health, it often becomes too much, and, as one of my friends said, "I'm not even on the struggle bus anymore— I'm being dragged behind the struggle bus." So, if you are one of the many people struggling this semester, I have some tips for you that have helped me tremendously throughout this semester.
1. When someone asks how you're doing, be honest.
If you're having a great day, that's fantastic! Tell them that. But if you're "being dragged behind the struggle bus," just be honest with them. You don't have to go into detail about what's going on, but a simple "I'm making it" or "I'm exhausted" will oftentimes go a lot farther than an "I'm fine." In doing this, you'll more likely than not find a lot of people who feel the same way you do, which is always comforting.
2. Skip class if you need to.
Obviously don't make a habit out of it, but know that your mental and emotional health are a lot more important than a couple of missed classes. We all need mental health days every now and then.
3. Surround yourself with people who love and support you, even when you're not the most fun person to be around.
I know I've been quite a bitter person this semester, but recently, some of my best friends got together and wrote in a journal for me about how much I was loved. So, now, if I need a reminder, I can grab it off my bedside table and read it over and over again. Find those people who make your life better, even when you feel like you're drowning.
4. Try your best to find joy in the little things.
This is huge. We tend to think of the future as just a destination instead of a journey, having constant thoughts of, "If I can just make it to ____, I'll be happier." But even those moments are fleeting. So, while you're waiting for whatever moment it is to happen, I encourage you to find joy in the little things— a hot cup of coffee, sleeping in late on a Saturday, a class being cancelled, the leaves changing colors— whatever it is that makes you happy, even for the briefest of seconds.
5. Know that this semester is almost over and that you can do it.
If you're overwhelmed by the sophomore slump, know that this semester is almost over and that you are more than capable of finishing it out strong. And if your version of strength right now is in fact being dragged behind the struggle bus, keep being dragged. Because it's okay to not be okay and to be struggling with classes and life in general.
So, as we finish out this tough semester, keep your head up, my dear one. You are loved and cherished by so many, and you are so, so strong. You can do this.
Love,
Another Struggling Sophomore
