When I entered Carolina last year, upperclassmen repeatedly told me how much fun I would have during my first year. A conversation about sophomore slump often followed the previous notion. Now, as a sophomore, I often ask myself if I am undergoing sophomore slump. Since this personal debate could go on for hours upon end, I decided to ask my peers what they think.
“I think sophomore slump is real in terms of academics, but not necessarily in terms of campus involvement and social life,” said UNC-Chapel Hill senior Judy Robbins.
“Personally, I got really involved in activities outside of the classroom, whereas my first year I was just really focused on not messing up my grades,” she continued.
Judy Robbins
“That being said, I don’t think my academic slump has gotten resolved since my sophomore year; I’m just not as stressed about labeling it since I feel really engaged in other things on campus. So for any sophomores feeling like they’re losing their academic shine – yeah, that’s probably happening,” she concluded.
UNC-CH junior Regan Buchanan took a different approach to the term “sophomore slump,” as she claims it makes her sad.
“We have such a short time in college, and it would be a shame to think that even one year was wasted. Yes, sophomore year is different than our first year- everything has lost it’s shiny new feeling and classes get harder, but sophomore year is also a time to strengthen your wonderful college friendships and grow as a person,” said Regan.
Regan and her friends in front of their dorm dressed up as different holidays for a “Holiday Card”
“I was free to grow in confidence, take leadership positions in organizations I loved, and become even closer to the people who are now the best friends I could have ever hoped for. So no, I don’t like to think the sophomore slump exists. Every year of college has the potential to be life-changing if you make it that way,” ended Regan.
To conclude this on-going debate, I asked Morgan Newell, a fellow UNC-CH sophomore how she feels about sophomore slump.
“I don’t think sophomore slump is real. Honestly, I feel like I am involved in more things than I was my freshman year. I also think I am working just as hard if not harder than my freshman year to maintain my GPA and keep up with all of my classes,” said Morgan.
“I think it is safe to say that this year is a lot more important to me because I will be applying to the MJ-school next semester and I want to make sure all my ducks are in a row. Also, I don’t think the sophomore slump is just for the sophomores,” she ended.
With all these opinions, I am still as confused as ever about sophomore slumps’ existence. However, I believe it is safe to say by the end of the semester most students are tired of papers, exams and classes.