Why do people call you the slump?
Sophomore year felt a little like the middle child of the family. Caught somewhere in between the doted on youngest and the most responsible oldest. Maybe that’s why there’s the “sophomore slump.” This transitional year was weird is different for a couple of reasons. The newness of college fades and with it maybe some of your romanticized notions for the future do too. But you're still fresh enough into college that you may not have found your rhythm yet as a college student. But with core classes creeping up, pressures of internships and just overall worry, sophomore year can be a lot to handle. No one really talks about sophomore year, but it's in that silence that some students can get left behind.
I was heavily involved in my college group ministry all four years, so I can speak about the culture that we had in regards to grade transitions. There’s this huge excitement for any incoming freshman class and all the upperclassmen focus on making sure they feel accepted and want to come out to events. But sophomores who were just recently in that spotlight are quickly scooted off-stage and fade from everyone’s radar. The mentality is as if they should know how to handle things now. They’ve already been in college a year; they know what to expect now and were supported while they were new. Thinking about how short college is, yes, you are already a quarter of the way through if you’re a sophomore. But no one really expects you to know everything after one year of college.
1) Don’t force your worries to become reality
You don’t have to slump. I think I constantly reminded myself that sophomore slump was coming and was always over worrying. Just like how anything becomes popular in today’s society there is a period of time when it’s obsessed over and constantly talked about. Constantly mulling over something asking if you’re ok might make you feel less ok than you would have been otherwise. I think it's good to differentiate mental health awareness from making problems were there aren't any. If you don't feel like you're in a slump don't dwell on why you're not like others; it's a good thing. If you are in a slump, hopefully the next few points will help.
2) Try new things/be social
When I reflect, I sometimes wish I had ventured outside of my bubble of comfort. I generally surround myself with my inner circle, with people and things that I love. But just because you’re not brand new to an environment doesn’t mean you can’t keep trying new things. Don’t be restricted from venturing out because you’ve found something safe. Add new hobbies, classes, and friends to your life. What other time is there for this then now?
3) Don’t give up
Sophomore year is when a lot of major classes start and sometimes intro classes tend to mercilessly weed people out. Explore your options to see what other majors play to your strengths, but also know that one grade doesn’t have to be the end of your journey. Find resources and support to help you find a new method for studying.
4) Don’t be afraid to ask for help
I think sophomores might feel committed to the first major or social groups that they decided on. But reach out to people who have been in your shoes because I have found that to be invaluable advice. Asking questions will give you knowledge that you wouldn't have known for years until you've experienced it yourself. And be open minded to consider advice that may seem out of left field.
5) Don’t worry about all that’s coming
As fleeting as time is, you still have lots of it. Don't be afraid of change. As cliche as this is, really go and explore what the world has to offer you. Most people don't have a linear path in terms of their education and career. Knowing how to find the positives in any situation is a skill that I still try to have. Because if you have that, wouldn't there be less you have to worry about? If life is a non liner journey that you're enjoying and learning from as you go, you don't have to live in fear of what's coming next because you'll make the best of it.
As a friend from home would say,
"You'll be alright." - Paul Kang
Comments