After spending my first year and the University of Florida (UF), I could not wait to get back to Gainesville and take on my second year of undergraduate school. Little did I know that after a few months of being back at school, I would consider leaving the university I had been dreaming about since I was a little girl.

It seems to be a common theme for people to get the “sophomore blues.” After spending a year in the same area, going to the same places, with the same people, it is not uncommon to become tired of the same, old routine. I am guilty of this feeling and the purpose of this article is to ensure others that they are not alone.

I would have never imagined that the “blues” would make me start to consider transferring to a different university and blaming the way I felt on the school I was at, rather than attempting to change the way I perceived things. I had been dreaming about attending UF for most of my life and I thought that the idea of going there was better than actually going there.

To those feeling the same way and are worried about leaving their friends, school, and life behind to move to a new place, I want you to know that you are lot alone. You may be unhappy now but the cures to the “blues” are simple and doable.

By taking advantage of the most opportunities, the “blues” will soon become nonexistent. The trick is to try new things, just like you did freshman year. I used to perceive things as boring and routine but I saw all of the opportunities and things I could get involved in and I realized that as a freshman, I fell in love with my school because I saw all of the doors it could open for me and those possibilities do not just fade away after a year.

After just a week being back at UF and taking every chance that is thrown in front of me, my love and appreciation for my school has grown. Every year, you should go into each school year with the freshman mentality: no matter what school you go to, each place offers students many opportunities and taking advantage of those lead to happiness.