Dear Sophomores,

By sophomore year, you’ve probably gotten somewhat used to high school: the block scheduling, our extended lunch & learn period, and music on Fridays. Well, hold on because that’s all about to change. 

You’re not the newest in the school anymore, and you have a better idea of what’s going on. It’s the first year that you have more of a say in the flexibility of your schedule. Some of you might have decided to take your first AP classes or an elective. Since I was a sophomore, I feel like the amount of AP courses available to you has almost doubled. While taking these courses can be a great opportunity to challenge yourself, remember always to maintain a balance. 

It’s so easy to overload yourself with coursework, but there’s so much more to life and colleges, if that’s a motivator for you, than your grades. Being a well-rounded person goes just as far, and above all else, prioritize your mental health. High school isn’t a sprint but a marathon, and remember that you still have three more years to go. Burning yourself out your sophomore year does not do anything for you; take it slow and be kind to yourself. 

Regardless of the class, you might find yourself to be challenged differently. I found that in my sophomore year, teachers placed more of an emphasis on applying the concepts. If you’re finding similar things and maybe even struggling for the first time, remember that it’s all a part of the learning process, and everything will work out. Just keep working hard and doing the best you can. 

A great way to combat some of the challenges you might be facing is to figure out what works for you, whether with studying, taking notes, or just generally as a learner. Sophomore year is a great year to try things out to see what fits. My best advice is to always keep track of your assignments, whether using a planner, your notes app, or even your agenda. It helps to know exactly what you must do because it helps you plan your time much better. It’s always better to start studying in small increments over a few weeks before the test than cramming right before. Most of your teachers will stop telling you exactly how to take notes, so think about what has worked for you in the past and be creative. 

If you’re looking for an outlet outside of class or something fun to fill your time, consider joining one of the many school activities that STHS offers. Studies have shown that by participating in extracurricular activities, students perform better in school because they are more invested in their school community. I challenge you to step outside your comfort zone. You might think you’ve lost your opportunity to become involved at school, but now is a great time to try new things. Join a new club, try out for a new sport, and audition for the musical; Springfield has so many amazing opportunities. Pursue activities that truly interest you, and it will enrich your high school experience immensely. I promise it’s not too late, and clubs will welcome you with open arms. I joined The Chronicle my sophomore year and am so glad I took that chance. 

Additionally, while still early, I think sophomore year is a good time to start thinking about your plans after high school. If college is your plan, start creating a list of possible schools. Naviance and your counselor are great resources and will help you form a list that fits your interests. For your reference, Naviance is a website that will become extremely important when you apply to college. It’s available on Classlink and the school website. Also, Eastern becomes available in junior year, so look over all the programs offered because it could be a great way to get a head start on your future career. Above all else, there are so many resources for students with all kinds of interests, so make sure to reach out if you have any questions so many people can help guide you.

Don’t be scared. Sophomore year is great for learning more and trying out your interests. Take things as they come and make the best of it. Remember, there are so many people who can help guide and support you, so never be afraid to ask for help. 

Good luck!

Ayla

Class of 2024