The Sophomore Slump

I can proudly say that my sophomore year of college is over. Thank freakin’ goodness. I will try not to sound dramatic when I say this, but this past year has been the hardest year of my life. People I loved, (including myself) turned on me and I didn’t have any idea on where to go.

Really beautiful drawing of one part of life I struggled with this past school year.

To try to get you to imagine the way I was feeling this year, pretend like you are sleeping, someone wakes you up, blindfolds you, drags you to a place you’ve never been, and there is no one around. You yell and cry and run to try to find help, but at the end of the day you are still alone and scared.

After months of starvation and sadness, you are beyond exhausted. You’re physically and mentally drained. You’re so low that you don’t have the energy to cry for help. But luckily, out of nowhere, a bus comes speeding towards you. A good friend comes out of it, with a flashlight, food, water, and most importantly, a hug. God, you haven’t touched anyone in months. It’s crazy how good that could feel. You and your friend go on the bus, sit down, eat food, talk, and go home.

This is kind of what I went through this year. I like to think that freshman year was the honeymoon phase of college, and sophomore year I was hit with reality. And boy, it sucked. But, I am here to say that it does get better, as cliche as it sounds. College is all about learning, and I learned a hell of a lot, even if it wasn’t in the classroom. I learned while running on the track, cooking in the kitchen, shopping in the grocery store, driving on the highway (sorry, officer for going 85 in a 65…) and I learned how to bounce back after a rough run up in the hills.

I learned so much about myself. I learned that I really need 9 hours of sleep at night. I learned that having that second scoop of ice cream will not kill me. I learned that I love to dance, and write, and sing. Most importantly, I learned that I am a good person, worthy of love and happiness.

If it wasn’t for those dark nights, I wouldn’t have grown as a person.

Hiking here > studying for finals.

During these dark nights, I realized a few things, and I am writing this today to share them with you.

1. If you’re feeling down, leave your situation. If you’re cooped up in your room feeling alone, get in your car and go to your favorite hiking place. Or call up a close friend and get ice cream. Leave the negativity!
2. Go to your room, turn off your lights, blast your favorite song, and dance until you feel better. I’ve only done this two or three times but every time it has made me feel so much better to just let loose.
3. Don’t be afraid to reach out. Friends are your friends to help you during difficult times. Don’t feel like you’re being a Debby downer.
4. Know that someone has felt the same way before and has gotten through this. You’re going to get through this as well. Also, know that someone is having the day/week/year of their life. Know that your time will come soon.

Long story short, as sucky as things may be right now, you will get over this, and you will be an ever better, radder person. Don’t be discouraged. We can get through this.

Shine on.