the Sam Jackson College Experience

Assistant Dean of Student Affairs Pamela George sent an e-mail out several months ago with some interesting advice for students who might be experiencing Sophomore Slump, a dangerous affliction quite different from its cousin, Senior Slump, a syndrome which many high school seniors are currently familiarizing themselves. Essentially just lifted from UCA’s website, the e-mail / list / thoughts are still very instructive. I know that myself and most other people in college (as sophomore or later) have experienced some of these worries at one point or another.

Transitions from First year to Sophomore year — The”Sophomore Slump”: What is it? What can I do?

What is the sophomore slump?

The sophomore year is likely to be a time when students may feel they cannot get the institutional attention and support they may have received as freshmen. Although Yale is here for students at all levels, for sophomores, college is no longer new–the excitement and thrill of a new experience has worn away, and they now face the reality that college will be three more years of hard work, courses, papers, and significant financial investment. These feelings of transition also come at a time when students may be struggling to determine career goals, dealing with personal development issues, and experiencing other diversions that may make academic and social integration even more difficult to attain. Not all students will face these challenges; many second year students progress easily into advanced levels of college, but for those who have a more difficult time, by being aware parents you can provide the support and guidance your student needs.

The sophomore slump is often defined as a “period of developmental confusion” and usually results from a student’s struggle with becoming a competent college student, gaining the autonomy and independence they seek, developing their new identities as adult and college students, and finding their purpose in life. Therefore, some sophomores may face a difficult period in their academic, social, and personal development.

Anyhow, I had been meaning to post this and initiate a discussion about it, especially as we sophomores (go class of 2011!) can now think back on our time in college more and think about what it means to go on soon to become JUNIORS (scary!!!) in not so long. Life is practically knocking at the door of our lovely ivory towers. Thoughts? See full post view for remainder of ’sophomore slump’ article, or check out its original form at UCA.

See below for the rest of the piece – note that in some places things don’t make as much sense at Yale, and the references are just to UCA. Still, some fairly universal principles here.

How do I beat the sophomore slump?

1. Recognize that it exists and others are going through it too. You are not alone!
2. Do some soul searching on why you are in college; why Yale; remember why you wanted to go to college, and why to Yale.
3. Remind yourself of all you accomplished by surviving the first year.
4. Think about what is missing from you current situation –what do you feel is lacking from you life? What do I hope to accomplish in college?
5. Consider talking to your advisor, dean or someone you trust about these issues.
6. Ask yourself these questions:
A. Who am I?
B. What do I want to become? What will I be like personally, professionally, morally, spiritually, ethically and socially? Am I comfortable with these decisions?
C. What do I need to do to get where I want to go? Where can I go for help?

SOPHOMORE SLUMP

Do you think you might be facing the Slump? If you are asking the following questions, you might be in the Sophomore Slump:

* What am I doing here at Yale?
* Why do I have more questions now than when I first arrived?
* Why have I picked this major? Why do I now think I don’t like this field?
* Why do I feel overwhelmed all the time?
* Why don’t I seem to ever relax or not worry?
* Why do I not know what I want to do or be when I leave Yale?
* Why am I not having as much fun as last year?
* Why do I resent my parents’ involvement in my life?
* Why do I feel reluctant to accept guidance or advice?

If you’ve asked yourself three or more of these questions in your second year, you might be suffering from the Sophomore Slump –doubting the choices you’ve made and experiencing discomfort with making more decisions regarding you college and career choices.

Other things to look for:

* Trouble with studies:
…can’t do the work
…unmotivated
…no purpose to studies
* Personal crisis:
…depression
…questioning values
…feeling that adults don’t understand or identify
…questioning friendships and other relationships
* Social alienation:
…feeling of having no friends
* Dissatisfaction with Yale:
…too small – not enough to do
…too big – overwhelming, too many people
…claustrophobia from campus/community
* Dissatisfaction with course of studies:
…have not found a major
…doubts about chosen major
…have not found what sparks their interest
…Yale does not offer the major or program I want

WHAT YOU CAN DO

* Take care of general physical well-being by:
-regular eating
-regular sleeping
-stress reduction techniques
-exercise
* Go to Health Services for:
-physical problems
-stress
-sleep deprivation
-referral to physician
* Go to the Mental Health for:
-emotional problems
-family issues
-identity issues
-depression
-referral to doctor/psychiatrist for treatment
* Go to the Career Services for:
-work inventories
-counseling
-Career opportunities
-workshops
-part-time and full-time jobs
-work-study

STUDENT ACTIVITIES

* Talk a dean or upperclassman to:
-get involved with one or two co-curricular activities
-join a club that relates to interests or career goals, or to explore a field to see if it might be an interest
-disengage from activities if over-extended

Take day/half day trips — off campus

* Visit another part of New Haven.  Go to the mall to shop or movie theater.  Outdoor activities and sport can do wonders to reduce stress and give perspective and insight
* Go away or go home for a weekend or a few days might.

WHAT ABOUT NEXT SEMESTER? (SOME SUGGESTIONS TO CONSIDER)

* When you schedule classes:
-do not schedule a heavy load
-consider doing an internship to explore career options which will provide a change of pace and get you out into the real world
-take one class purely for fun, self-expression, etc. (music, art, dance, public speaking, etc.)
* Plan to have a better next semester by:
-balancing in co-curricular involvement
-consider changing living arrangements if living with difficult roommates
-exercising
-explore interests and careers
* Consider an overseas semester:
-Talk to the Dean of International Programs about this possibility or go to website.

IF YOU ARE EXPERIENCING ACADEMIC CHALLENGES:

* Talk to faculty. Most professors and faculty are supportive and understanding. They can advise you and guide you toward other resources that you might need.
* See your dean either in residential college or in the dean’s office or cultural center.
* Utilize the tutoring opportunities. The Language Lab, Math and Science Tutors, Writing Center, Office of Learning and Disabilities and other labs provide assistance with a variety of academic concerns.

IF YOU HAVE CAREER DIRECTION and CHOICE OF MAJOR CONCERNS:

* Go to Career Services to:
- complete interest inventories
- do career exploration –and talk to a counselor to analyze results
- explore internship possibilities