At the start of this school year, August 2025, I wrote an article called “Finding Balance: My Goals for Sophomore Year”. When I wrote this, I had every intention of writing an article at the end of my sophomore year to see how much I had accomplished and how much has changed. What I didn’t realize was how fast it was going to go. Graduating high school, although only two years ago, feels like a lifetime ago. But sometimes, I still feel like that high school senior, ready to start her life. So to realize that I am halfway through college, an experience I am enjoying significantly more than high school, is a daunting feeling.
Along with impending doom, another feeling I have towards finishing my sophomore year is pride. That, unlike the impending doom, is something that’s different for me. I tend to minimize my accomplishments and never feel satisfied in anything I do, but today, right now, I am extremely proud of myself for everything I did this year and how much I have grown. So, let’s go over it, shall we?
My first goal was related to academics… shocking. If you know me, you know an A- to me is basically failing, I am the epitome of an academic validation seeker. My goal for the year was to set clear times to get my assignments done and actually let myself have a life outside of studying. Did I do this? Sort of. I took it a little too far though, to the point that almost all my assignments were left to the last minute, and I was overtaken by procrastination. It also didn’t help that I was burnt out three weeks into the semester. My grades didn’t suffer, though, so maybe I’m on to something (just kidding, I will be locking in next semester).
My next goal regarded campus involvement. I wanted to help our chapter grow while also making it fun and welcoming for everyone. I also wanted to be more present on campus and not just run straight to my car after class. As for the growth of the club, Her Campus at St. John’s has more than doubled in size this year and that is something I am incredibly proud of. I had so much fun meeting so many amazing women around campus and gaining new friendships. Also, I had classes from 9am-5pm on Mondays & Thursdays so safe to say I spent A LOT more time on campus than I did last year.
The next goal was more about my personal life and I fear I may have dropped the ball in this department. I said I wanted to enjoy my family traditions in the fall which I definitely did. I also kept up with hobbies like baking and writing. Unfortunately, I must’ve forgotten about the dreaded spring semester because I completely stopped doing any of my hobbies and spent all of my (extremely small amount of) free time laying down and doomscrolling. I think the spring semester mentally drained me so much that rest just turned into avoidance. Luckily, this summer will be filled with reading and writing, and maybe I’ll pick up a new hobby if I’m feeling wild.
Finally, I had a personal growth goal. I wanted to continue to lean into my rapidly evolving personality and be unapologetically myself. I wanted to enjoy the little things in life and be extremely grateful for where I am. So, end of sophomore year Emma is here to report that I did exactly that. Was it a challenge at times? Yes. But I did it. I gained confidence in my voice and my ideas, I was kind even when it was hard to be, I gave myself grace (most of the time lol) and completely leaned into change, which is something that was always incredibly hard for me to do.
I’m far from perfect and I still have absolutely no idea who I am but I’m excited to find out. I’m proud of myself and so grateful for everything this year has given me. I’m excited to see what I do in my junior year and who I am by the end of it. Thank you sophomore year!