Second Time Around: The Sophomore Transition
Your heart pounding out of your chest as you pack up your childhood home. The butterflies in your stomach as you meet a new friend who instantly becomes the person you will be living with for the next nine months. Sophomores, we know this feeling all too well. The transition into Freshman year is undoubtedly overwhelming, but no one talks about the one that comes in the year to follow.
Everything is the same, but everything is different. The fountain by Alamance is just as blue, and the sunny days are just as bright. However, contrary to Freshman year, where there are so many things assisting you in charting your path, now it is your job to create your own. With abroad plans and future career paths not too far out of sight, the days are filled with fun, of course, but also uncertainty and unanswered questions.
The first fall semester of college especially is filled with putting yourself out there and meeting as many new people as possible. Typically, as time goes on, social groups become tighter-knit. You tend to feel a sense of security and do not have the same desire to branch out and extend social efforts. Shrinking your friend circle is a comforting feeling, but it is definitely a change.
The pressure deepens as Sophomores do not get to pull the “first-year card,” and are constantly expected to always know exactly what they are doing. Instead of a tail end of August filled with orientation and introductory meetings with advisors, second-year Elon students simply move in and pick up right where they left off—if only it were that easy. The classes are increasing in rigor, a major needs to be declared and all of the clubs and social groups you eagerly dove into last year are stretching you thin.
This second journey as an Elon student can be daunting and uncertain, but it is also remarkable. This is the time for young adults to get the opportunity to fill in the blanks for what they want to pursue and what brings them joy and happiness. Whether this comes from the transition from a dorm to a flat-styled apartment, a life-changing class, a newfound friendship or an undiscovered passion, the spaces Sophomore year leaves can be filled with opportunity.
The lessons learned through the trials and tribulations of Freshman year can be used to students’ advantage, as they navigate college: the second time around.
Did you have a similar experience transitioning to Sophomore year? Let us know @TheEdgeMag