I can finally see the light at the end of the metaphoric tunnel that is sophomore year. I finally made it and I didn't think it was possible. A lot of tears were shed to get here and I wouldn't want to endure this year ever again. I learned a lot of lessons this year that I want to share with any freshman who doesn't know what they are getting themselves into when they come back to school in the fall. Hopefully they will be better prepared than I was. You

Keep your friends close.

This goes for both your friends at home and your friends at school. It's hard to maintain friendships with people you don't see everyday so make sure you keep in contact with your friends from home. I know sophomore year was a lot more stressful and it was harder to find a weekend that I wasn't overwhelmed with school work to take the time to go home. As for your friends at school, these people will be your saving graces this year. There were many times I sat on my friends couch and just cried about nothing this year and if I didn't have such great friends I wouldn't have made it through this year in one piece.

Don't take your parents for granted.

Like I said earlier it's hard to find a weekend to make it home to visit mom and dad so make sure you talk to them every so often. They miss you and they deserve to hear from you even if you are busy trying to live your life. Also they are obligated to listen to you complain about your life so give them a call when you need to complain to someone.

Stay on top of things.

You are into your major now so there can be no slacking off. Do your work on time and keep your priorities straight. If you have 3 exams and 2 papers due next week and you haven't started studying or writing the Frat party you got invited to isn't a great idea. Get a planner it's really helpful to keep all your assignments and due dates in order.

But remember to have fun.

Do your homework throughout the week so you have most of your weekend to hang out with friends and have fun. Go sled riding when it snows. Go get ice cream when its warm (or cold ice cream is always a good idea). You are here to learn but also make some memories along the way. If I forgot to have fun I probably would have lost all my hair and I don't think a lot of people can pull off being bald.

Remember why you're here.

This is the most important advice I can give you. Remember what you are here to do. You are in college to get an education and a future career. If you lose sight of this you might not make it. Knowing that you are one step closer to you dream career should be enough to get you through your days. So keep studying and doing your thing you'll make it. Just remember after sophomore year you only have 2 more years to go don't let the slump get you down.