Sophomore year of college was an eventful one, to say the very least. There were lots of new adventures, people, places, and memories. There were good times and there were bad times, but we all made it through. And I wouldn't trade any of it for the world.
It's crazy to think that we're already halfway through our undergraduate career. With two years of college down, there's only two more years to go until we graduate. Sometimes I still question how on earth I'm already 20 years old and in college. But regardless, I'm grateful all of the time for the experiences it has brought with it and the person it has helped me to become. I look forward to the new things that junior year will bring with it. But for now, here are some of the biggest things that I learned from sophomore year:
1. You will never stop learning.
Whether it be inside or outside of the classroom, or both, your mind is constantly processing new information. Constantly learning will not only allow you to expand your mind, but help you to grow as a person as well. In fact, some of the most important learning experiences will happen outside of the classroom.
2. A day without laughter is a day wasted.
The gift of laughter is something that I will never take for granted. It is one of the things in this world for which I am most grateful. When the times get tough and you're feeling defeated, nothing makes you feel better like a good belly laugh. Especially when that laugh is shared among friends.
3. Never stop meeting new people and making new friends.
One of the best parts of sophomore year was definitely the people that I met and the new friends that came into my life. Whether I grew closer to people I had already known, or became close to those who I had just met, I couldn't be more grateful for all the friends I made this year. Be nice to everyone and never be too shy to say hi, whether the person is older, younger, or the same age as you. You never know who will walk into your life and touch your heart.
4. Don't be too hard on yourself.
When it comes to attaining a certain grade, or a certain GPA, it can be hard not to beat ourselves up if it doesn't happen. But what I've come to learn is that although we need to put our best effort in to our work, sometimes it's okay if you end up with a B+ instead of an A. Especially when your mental and physical well being are involved. Your health should always come first.
5. Don't be afraid to go out of your comfort zone.
Unfortunately, many of us aren't mermaids *sigh*. But that doesn't mean that we shouldn't step outside of our comfort zone like Ariel did (literally). Although you may be shy and nervous at first, you never known which nights and which adventures will lead to amazing memories that will last you a lifetime.
6. Yes, it's possible to get homesick as an upperclassman. And yes, it's totally normal.
The first time I became homesick, I was a couple weeks into my freshman year of college. Everything was so new and different that I was a bit overwhelmed. But sophomore year rolled around and I felt myself becoming homesick off and on again. It doesn't mean you're not strong and it doesn't mean that you can't get through it. You just have to find what works for you, whether it's setting aside a couple weekends to go home or FaceTiming your family a couple times a day. You have to do what works best for you.
7. Never, ever, give up on your dreams.
Throughout your college career, you will no doubt face some obstacles along your way to graduation. For example, this year I had trouble declaring my minor, as the university made it extremely difficult to do so. But you have to stay strong and know that you can achieve anything as long as you stick with it. Don't let anyone stand in the way of your dreams.
