Sophomore Slump?

It's an old belief in sports as well as other things that after having a great first year, your second year usually doesn't go so well. You think that you've made all the right adjustments in your first year and get complacent. Then, before you know it, you have hit rock bottom and are in a worse position than you were whenever you started from the beginning. It happens sometimes, but not always. And thankful, it didn't happen to me during my sophomore year of college.

Is that to say I didn't have any bad times this year at college? Of course not. Many times I found myself searching for answers and trying to figure out who I was and what I was supposed to do. But I think that I was able to avoid a big slump because of some of the changes I made to my attitude towards things and also by making sure to look for the answers I was needing, and not just simply wanting them to fall in my lap. So what did I learn my sophomore year? A LOT!

Firstly, I learned a lot about myself and the changes that I had made over the years. I realized I no longer was a person who showed little emotion, but however I was now someone who would cry at so many things, whether happy or sad, and could really emphasize better with the people around me. I learned that I had gone from a person who was content with just knowing God was there, to a person who sought to see him in my every day life and longed to talk to him throughout my day. I also realized that I could accept myself for who I was now, no longer striving to obtain the skills of those around me, but developing my own that God had given me so that I could be fruitful. Finally, I learned to share my thoughts and feelings with others, allowing me to find help from those around me, but also help some of them as well.

In addition, this year I learned that I would not be where I am today without those people around me. My parents who always provide me with so much love and care. My campus ministry who gives me opportunities to grow in my faith. The new freshmen who helped me to come out of my shell more and have fun. The sophomore guys who show me great examples of leadership. The junior girls who were always there for me when I needed comfort or to cry. The senior guys and girls who showed me great examples in their love and their devotion. The RFC group is something that has become such a big part of my life that I couldn't even imagine where I would be without it, and I thank God for the people who are a part of it.

So where does that leave us? I've successful made it halfway through my college experience and cannot wait to start the next half this fall. However, first I have to make it through this busy, but sure to be amazing, summer. From Chicago, to Lubbock, to St. Louis, to Europe, this summer is sure to be one full of adventure and fun. I will try to keep this updated from trip to trip, but it probably won't get updated til I go back to school. So for now, I just want to tell anyone who is reading this thanks for being a part of my life, and I hope that my life is a positive impact on yours. Also, keep smiling!