As my sophomore year comes to a close in the next few weeks, I have been thinking a lot about everything that has happened this year. I didn't think it was possible to learn more from my sophomore year than my freshman year, but here are just a few things I learned from my sophomore year of college:
1. You will find your people.
Sure, I had my freshman year friends. However, I never felt like I had my "people" and I started to think I'd never find them. However, my sophomore year has brought me my people. The ones to laugh with, cry with, and share so many memories with.
2. College gets a lot harder.
Those freshman core classes can be easy to breeze through. It can be kind of overwhelming when you hit your sophomore classes and some of the work seems unbearable. But, stay strong. You can do it.
3. Staying in is okay.
Sure, it can be fun to go out and be wild. But, it is also okay when you don't feel like getting all dressed up and being out till 3 in the morning. Staying in with your friends and laughing over Disney movies can be just as fun.
4. It is so important to go to class and not skip.
Most of the time when you're a freshman it is super easy to skip a few lectures here and there. Nobody will notice and you won't miss anything. However, once you get into those smaller classes, you will miss stuff. Don't skip class. It's a hard habit to break.
5. You will get over that dumb boy.
I thought it would be impossible to get over the first boy in college I really liked and talked to. I was wrong. I did get over it, and I was so glad when I did. Stay strong, you'll get over yours too.
6. Living off campus isn't as fun as it seems.
Don't get me wrong. I love living off campus in my sorority house. However, I really miss being on campus. Having meal plan and being closer to everything is something I really didn't appreciate. Now, I have to buy my own groceries and never feel like walking to campus.
7. It's important to get involved in other things.
Get involved! However, get involved in more than one thing. If I learned anything this semester it's get involved with different groups and different people.
8. Dressing up for class is overrated.
There's nothing wrong with dressing up for class, especially at Kent State where most of the fashion majors love it. However, it is also okay to roll out of bed and go to your 7:45 lecture.
9. Don't be afraid to come out of your shell.
Don't be afraid to go out of your comfort zone and make new friends. Talk to new people. Talk to that cute boy. Take a chance.
10. Time management is key.
Being able to manage your time between class, work, homework, and a social life is the hardest thing to accomplish in college, but also the most important. Don't put too much focus on one thing. Try to balance it and manage your time evenly between it all, even if it seems impossible.
11. You will live of coffee.
The Dunkin drive thru line will be your favorite place to be before class.
12. Making a nap schedule is a must.
Make time for yourself to nap and rest.
13. Don't let anything bring you down.
Don't let one bad grade make you hate school. Don't worry if you didn't have a date for formal. Those things that seem "so bad" aren't really that bad, I promise. You will get over it and before you know it you will realize those things didn't really matter.
14. Enjoy the little things in life.
Take the time to enjoy the little things. Sit outside and study. Go downtown and explore. Dance around with your friends at 3 am and laugh. Just enjoy all the small things in life and be happy. Everything will be okay, even if doesn't seem like it, it will be, I promise.