An Open Letter To Rising Sophomores | The Odyssey Online
Start writing a post
Student Life

An Open Letter To Rising Sophomores

Things are going to change.

24
An Open Letter To Rising Sophomores
First Point USA

Dear “sophomores,”

Congratulations! You made it successfully through your first year of college. Summer will be over soon, and you will be taking on your second year before you know it. If you’re returning to PC in the fall, get ready to embrace change. If you don’t, life will leave you in the dust and it will suck. A lot of crazy things are about to happen. You’re about to experience your freshman year all over again, except this time you know a little bit more about what you’re getting into. This move-in day, there will be less nerves and more excitement. But let me tell you something: it won’t be what you’re expecting. At all.

Just when you thought you had the hang of things, you’re about to get thrown through (another) loop. You’re moving into a new room — maybe you have a new roommate. Some of your closest friends either graduated or are moving on to another school. It sounds silly now. You might think things like that aren’t so important. I thought the same way. I thought I would be coming back to the same place and things would be the same way, minus a few unimportant details. Boy, was I wrong.

Within the first month of school, my friend group had fallen apart. When we left for the summer, everything having to do with PC felt frozen in time, like nothing would happen until we came back. I was so excited for a new year with new experiences that I forgot about the inevitable: people leave, people change. Breakups happen. Friends get in fights — sometimes they don’t make up. School always sucks, no matter what else is happening. Worst of all, you lose your freshman charm. When you graduate to sophomore-hood, you might be replaced with a new, more interesting freshman. That was one of the hardest parts of sophomore year for me. All of a sudden, I was old news to some people. Watching a new group of people do the same things I did in the exact same places, even with some of the same people… it was rough. I began to realize that what I felt my freshman year — the total excitement for everything, the utter splendor of growing up and being on my own — it wasn’t something unique. It was hard to watch these strangers feel my feelings and do the things that I thought were mine. I felt old and insignificant. Honestly, though, if you find yourself in that position, don’t get upset. I did, and it didn’t help anyone. Your true friends will still be your friends, no matter what new people join your group.

To my (former) freshman friends reading this: I’m not saying you won’t be friends with freshmen. Look at us, for example. Some of you are closer to me than anyone else. You absolutely will be friends with this year’s freshmen. I’m just saying that it will be hard to deal with sometimes. When you all came along at the beginning of last year, it took me a while to warm up to the idea of you being here. Be patient with your freshmen.

I don’t mean to scare you, or sound like a know-it-all or a crotchety old lady. I just want you, my babies, to have a great sophomore year. I felt like the best way to communicate that was to write this to you. I don’t want you to make my mistakes. I want you to have a pain-free year. I know that’s not realistic, but it’s what I want for you. I thought if I told you some of the things I wish I had known going into my sophomore year of college then it might make things better for some of you. Just remember, life will be what you make it. Ultimately, I know every one of you will have an amazing year. You will meet some of your new best friends. You will get Littles. You might even find a soulmate.

Just, please, don’t go in blind like I did. Be ready for change and don’t be bitter about the changes that do happen. Be optimistic and try your best at everything.

Good luck, my little Hose!

Your friendly neighborhood junior

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Student Life

A Few Thoughts Every College Freshman Has

The transition into adulthood is never easy

16748
Mays Island
Courtney Jones

Today I started my third week of college at Minnesota State Moorhead. I have survived welcome week, finding my classes on the first day, and being an awkward loner in the dining hall. Even though I have yet to be here for a month, I have already experienced many thoughts and problems that only a new college student can relate to.

Keep Reading...Show less
Students walking on a sunny college campus with trees and buildings.

"Make sure to get involved when you're in college!"

We've all heard some variation of this phrase, whether it came from parents, other family members, friends, RAs, or college-related articles. And, like many clichés, it's true for the most part. Getting involved during your college years can help you make friends, build your resume, and feel connected to your campus. However, these commitments can get stressful if you're dealing with personal issues, need to work, or aren't sure how to balance classes and everything else going on during the semester.

Keep Reading...Show less
Relationships

9 Reasons Why Friends Are Essential In College

College without friends is like peanut butter without jelly.

7185
Bridgaline Liberati and friends
Bridgaline Liberati

In college, one of the essential things to have is friends. Yes, textbooks, a laptop, and other school supplies are important but friends are essential. Friends are that support system everybody needs. The more friends you have the better the support system you have. But you also have someone to share experiences with. And don’t settle for just one or two friends because 8 out of 10 times they are busy and you are studying all alone. Or they have other friend groups that do not include you. Don’t settle for just one or two friends; make as many friends as you can. After the first couple of weeks of college, most friend groups are set and you may be without friends.

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

The Power of Dressing Up

Why it pays to leave the hoodie at home.

5289
sneakers and heels
Sister | Brother Style - Word Press

For a moment your world is spinning. The phone alarm has just scared you awake and you’re flooded by daunting thoughts of the day ahead. You have three assignments due and little time to work on them because of your job. You’re running late because you’ve hit snooze one to many times after yesterday’s long hours. You dizzily reach for a hoodie, craving its comfort, and rush for a speedy exit, praying you will have time to pick up coffee. Does this sound familiar?

Keep Reading...Show less
Entertainment

11 Signs You Live At The Library As Told by 'Parks And Recreation'

A few signs that you may live in the library whether you'd like to admit it or not.

4620
brown wooden book shelves with books

Finals week is upon us. It is a magical time of year during which college students everywhere flock to the library in attempt to learn a semester's worth of knowledge in only a week. For some students, it's their first time in the library all semester, maybe ever. Others have slaved away many nights under the fluorescent lights, and are slightly annoyed to find their study space being invaded by amateurs. While these newbies wander aimlessly around the first floor, hopelessly trying to find a table, the OGs of the library are already on the third floor long tables deep into their studies. Here is a few signs that you may live in the library, whether you'd like to admit it or not.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments