Sophomore year is a strange time. You aren't yet an upperclassman but you aren't a freshman either. We have a lot of responsibilities, but we haven't gained all the freedom of being a real adult.
Maybe you're still trying to find your place here at Ohio State. Maybe you have no idea what your major is (I fall into this category). Maybe you have a completely new friend group this year from last year. And you might feel totally overwhelmed by that.
Recently, I've been given a few pieces of very solid advice.
Take it one day at a time.
It's so easy to get caught up in the bigger picture. Where will I go to grad school? Will I get married? What kind of job will I get after college? These anxieties are totally normal, but can be relieved by just focusing on your day to day life.
Will this really matter in 10 years?
It can be hard to really tell the importance of something. Everything feels like a really big deal. But will getting a D on your chemistry exam really matter when you're 45? Probably not. Of course that being said, it is important to always try your hardest, but when things don't work out it's okay to just let it go. I know it's hard, but really try to remember that you're here for so much more than just doing well academically.
Leave some time to have fun.
It's too easy to get caught up in school, extracurriculars, sorority life and so much more. Always be sure to leave some time for yourself. Whether that means leaving a weekend free to go home orsetting aside a few hours to cuddle in your bed and watch Netflix, it's important to have your time.
Don't grow up too fast.
By this time in our lives, most of us have realized that our youth was great. We miss being carefree and irresponsible. But by our sophomore years, we get caught up in the second wave of wanting to grow up. I myself am so guilty of this. I count down the days till the end of a semester. But instead of wanting the semester to be over, I know that I should be focusing on enjoying the time I have here.
College is a stressful time, we all know that. And sophomore year is a very strange time within that stressful time. Instead of stressing about various exams, activities or whatever else causes us stress, we need to enjoy our time instead. This is one of those times when listening to older people's advice is key.
Even if you go talk to a senior, they will tell you to slow down. They'd give anything to be back in their sophomore years, so be mindful of that and just enjoy.
