Sophomore sentiments: Getting over the hump

I have done it. I have made it through the first few weeks of school without pulling my hair out or crying in a corner of my room. However, I can’t lie. I must admit I thought about doing one of those things at least once during any given week.

After getting familiar with my schedule and my professors, I felt a sense of accomplishment and the hardest part seemed to be over.

Unfortunately, that did not last long and I realized I would actually have to keep up this work for the rest of the semester. I kept telling myself, “Katie you are no longer a first-year, you know the drill. Get over yourself and do your job as a student and things will be OK.”

Little did I know, all of the goals I had set for myself outside of schoolwork would take a toll on me physically.

About a week ago, my body started to feel weaker and I always wanted to take a nap — outside of my afternoon snooze, of course. This is when it hit me: I had caught the beginning of the year student cold that had been going around.

Although, I had been careful, avoiding my infected friends and eating somewhat healthy, I had become infected.

This cold took a turn for the worse and turned into an infection that led me to be a zombie for the next couple of weeks, the exhausted look on my face was proof enough I am sure.

I had to reevaluate my life. Dramatic? Yes, but truthful no less. I told myself that this is not how I want the rest of the year to go, and I actually want to enjoy the semester.

Once I made the decision I would not let my workload take over my life, things became easier. I took a step back and took 10 deep breaths and sure enough, things were a little bit clearer.

The advice I gave myself went a little like “Buck up, you knew what you were getting in to, you took on these goals and it is your responsibility do get them done,” with more colorful words and a stronger tone of internal voice.

If I had to give advice to other students who are going through this, which I am sure there are a few of you, it would be: Evaluate what is going well and what is not going well in your life, and focus on what needs to change.

Reach blogger Katie McGuire at [email protected]