You’ve made it through your first year of college and can’t wait to start again in August! Am I right? You’ve met a ton of new people, gotten a job, experienced new things, etc. You have a firm foundation at your school.

Well, I’m here to tell you, that may change a bit in your sophomore year.

1. Make new friends... again!

My freshman year, my floor was like a second family to me (shoutout to the 3T GOATS). They will forever hold a piece of my heart after the late night conversations about nothing, random Micky D’s coffee runs or even hiding in each other’s rooms to scare each other. However, as the parking lot scenery outside our windows change, our mindsets have to as well. Go outside your friend group. I made friends with people on my new floor and they even helped me when my loft fell down. (That’s a whole other story). I also made friends in classes and at my on campus jobs. I was very nomadic, and I loved it.

2. Don’t let classes become a second priority.

Freshman year was kinda easy. I had all the motivation in the world to go to class, get good grades and make the Dean’s list. I found my motivation to plunder once I got into my biology class sophomore year. It was super difficult coming from straight A’s and B’s to barely getting a C on my first test of my sophomore year. This caused a domino effect, and instead of staying on top of my classes and the assignments, I found myself doing things last minute and having to ask my peers what the actual hell was going on.

3. Branch out even more.

I went to a lot more activities and club functions than I ever did my freshman year. I don’t exactly know why this is. I think I had more confidence in knowing the people and faculty running the clubs. It truly was a great way to meet people and for connecting. I was given an amazing opportunity to work on a billboard, which I can now put on my resumé. I’ve made new friends, learn to come up with fresh new ideas, and even got free stuff out of it!

4. Find out who you really are.

Freshman year was a good start to finding your true self. You’ve met the good, the bad, and the not so pretty personalities this world has to offer. Find out what you believe in and what you stand for. In a way, college is about learning to form your own opinion and critically think for yourself. To be independent. To be unafraid. To be happy. Don’t let anything or anyone stand in the way of that. Find out what you want to do with your life, and live it the way you want to without shame.