Florida State University’s Class of 2026 — my college class— has just begun its sophomore year, and we’re already worried we might have a tumultuous relationship with a second year of learning once again. Our sophomore year of high school was cut in half by a pandemic we are all too familiar with. Don’t get me wrong, I do think we are extremely lucky to have had that year interrupted instead of our senior or freshman years, but it did put a new meaning to the term “sophomore slump.” Only being able to see friends via Zoom calls and FaceTime and not attending in-person classes made the year even harder to get through, but we made it and are now facing a new sophomore year… in college.
My sophomore year of college at FSU had a rough start with only a day and a half of classes before they were cancelled for the rest of the week due to Hurricane Idalia. This led to me going back home to Tampa after only being in Tallahassee for four days. When I returned a week later, school hit a little too hard. The second week combined syllabus week and the first week of work into one, making it extremely busy.
Along with the busy second week of classes post-hurricane, I also had to juggle involvement in several student organizations, two of which I hold leadership positions in. Oh, and did I mention that COVID-19 is spiking with a new variant again? Now I must avoid getting sick, which in Tallahassee is a near-impossible task. As I’m writing this during the fourth week of school, I still feel like I haven’t gotten a chance to breathe. However, I still have plans to get through my sophomore year at FSU on top, so here are a few things I will be doing to make the most of it.
1. Attend all home football games!
Going to school in Florida, you can’t have college without football, and it doesn’t hurt when your football team is a playoff contender. I counted down the days to the return of FSU football since last year’s season ended, so I am so excited that they are back at Doak Campbell Stadium and better than ever. I am planning on going to every home game this year and hopefully helping to cheer our team on to a National Championship. I know it’s still early in the season, but I think it’s safe to say that every FSU student and fan is expecting an appearance in the championship in January. If the ‘Noles make it, I sadly won’t be able to attend the game, but I will try to be at as many games before then as possible. Plus, student tickets are free. Why not go?
2. Be super involved on campus!
Last year, I became super involved on FSU’s campus. This year, I am keeping up with that involvement. I serve on the executive boards of two on-campus organizations, write for Her Campus at FSU and a second publication, and I’m an active member of my sorority, Delta Nu Zeta. I love how busy my involvement keeps me, and it is an amazing way for me to meet some awesome people. I am also going to be taking a Little in my sorority, which is something I have been so excited to do since I rushed last year. I cannot wait to welcome her to the sisterhood!
3. Spend lots of time with friends!
The best way to spend your free time at FSU is with friends, and I plan on doing just that. I made so many amazing memories last year, and I’m so excited to be back with my friends here. With how chaotic the semester has been so far, I haven’t been able to hang out with them as much as I wish I could, but I will always do my best to make time for them. Whether it’s going to a volleyball game or just having a movie night, I’m always guaranteed to leave with super fun memories.
4. Study abroad!
I mentioned that I wouldn’t be able to attend the National Championship game in January if the FSU football team makes it there, and that’s because I’m not going to be in the United States during the spring semester. I’m going to be studying abroad in London through FSU’s International Programs at that time, and I’m planning on making some British friends. I have wanted to study abroad during college for as long as I can remember, so I am so excited that it is finally time. I’m choosing to do it during the spring of my sophomore year because that semester is honestly dull and doesn’t have much for me to do compared to the fall. I am doing my very best to fight off my “sophomore slump,” and it is honestly the perfect plan. I cannot wait to go to London and take lots of fun trips across Europe during weekends and spring break!
To the Class of 2026, you can make the most of your second year at university and make up for the time we lost during our sophomore year of high school. Have fun and stay safe!
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