To my sophomore year,

As finals approach I can’t help but look back on my sophomore year and think, is there anything I would have done differently? It has been one of the toughest years I have been through. I have learned so much about life and people. Looking back on the year there is many things that I would change and not change.

First off, I am eternally grateful for joining a sorority. It has given me so much already and I can’t wait to see what it brings in the next two years. It has brought me so many genuine people and so much joy. I honestly didn’t know I could be so happy in an organization. I so happy i met my Big and everyone else in my family, as well as my other families. One of the happiest days of my sophomore year was the day I received my Big. She is one of the best people that has walked into my life and I couldnt be anymore grateful.

One photo can`t possibly describe my sophomore year. I chose a picture of my roommate.My roommate has been there for me through everything. I am so lucky we found each other our freshman year. I wouldn’t want to room with anyone else. I can’t wait to create many more memories with you in our first apartment. I couldn’t thank her enough for being there for me through everything. Although, I did lose a lot of myself this year, they helped me rebuild a lot of that.

I have been a part of track and field since the eighth grade. This spring I realized it was time to leave the sport I love so much. It had become too much for me to handle and I just didn’t love it the way I used to. It took too much time out of the day and my grades were suffering. Quitting was never an option for me but it soon became one. I just didn’t want to be there anymore, I didn’t have the heart for the sport anymore.

I have both gained something special this year and I’ve lost a sport I used to love. However, that is not the only thing I have loved and lost this year. I loved the memories I made with my teammates, my roommate, my sisters and my friends both new and old. I loved the days that turned into nights. The friends that turned into family. The 2 am talks and the 2 am diner runs. The Chinese food and movie nights with my day ones. Although, much of that has changed in some way shape or form, I still cherish every single memory I have made here during my sophomore year.

Even though I have gained a lot I have also lost a lot as well. Late November I lost my friend in a deathly car crash. I found myself in a place I never thought I would be. It was probably one of the lowest points in my life. I wouldn’t have gotten through that time without my friends and family. Throughout the rest of the year I had many other things that popped up in my life that threw me for a loop and affected me in ways I never thought it would. This taught me that life is unpredictable and you need to live every moment like its your last. To be the one to change things, open up people’s eyes for the better, and guide them.

So to my sophomore year, all the good and the bad. Many things people know and don’t know. This year has taught me how to better myself and how to not let people walk all over me. I have learned to be a stronger person to get through the tough times because those will never stop. I have learned that some people are meant to stay in your life for a long period of time and others a short period of time. People can walk in and out of your life as they please but he ones who want to be there with stay with you. I have learned who my true friends are and who will stay with me through thick and thin. I have learned to love all my sisters and become more outgoing while also becoming more poised and professional. My sorority encouraged me to attempt to take on new responsibilities. I find myself looking into the future and seeing a clearer picture of what I want to do or be. I see myself making small goals and working for what iI want. I learned that life is about the little things and not focusing on the what if`s. to enjoy every single moment like it was your last. I look forward to applying everything that I have learned this year to better myself for next year. I have a feeling that my junior year will be an unforgettable year for me and it will be a year that I will cherish forever. My favorite year in high school was my junior year and it was a game changer for me. So farewell to my sophomore year, some lessons learned, some pages turned and one more step closer to the real world.

My Sophmore Self