Sophomore Year
The second year can be a time of uncertainty and students may experience a “second year slump.” And it’s no wonder! Second year college students experience a whole new set of stressors than they did during the first year. The thrill of that first year has faded and your college student may be questioning some of the choices they made, they may think that everyone else has their future figured out, and they may feel added pressure to choose a specific path, declare a major, choose an internship, or if they want to study abroad. The academic pressures increase, while the energy levels decrease.
In this year of soul-searching, it is important for second year college students to stay active and connected to the University community. Whether through involvement in student activities, or sporting Ram pride at one of the football games, these connections and supports will help college students through their “second year slump.”
After their first year of exploration, the second year is a time for college students to find direction, and to start to move toward graduation with a chosen major. This year is also a time for college students to begin to consider their future after college, and start to look into opportunities to explore their career aspirations. Encourage your college student to identify and pursue some goal-centered activities to help explore some of their interests. Also be aware that your college student may lean on you more this year as a support system to help them through a time that can be a confusing and overwhelming. Your advice and guidance, as well as your role as a mentor, will help anchor your college student and propel them through a successful year.
“Work hard, be well, and plan ahead” should be the mantra for the year.