Opinion

Surviving the sophomore slump, one 8 a.m. at a time

As a sophomore at Tech, I’ve been noticing something a little off about myself. Every morning since the beginning of the semester, I’ve had to force myself out of bed in time for my 8 a.m. class. I’ve skipped more classes than I’m willing to admit, and I haven’t worn anything cute to school in months. It’s like I’ve contracted senioritis with two or more years to go. I’m in the midst of what my friend (and that really good old Fall Out Boy song) calls the sophomore slump. Having a diagnosis for my condition has been of some relief to me, but I’m still struggling with the symptoms. This week, I’ve decided to finally get it together. Here are a few tips for putting your hot mess of a life back on track before it’s too late.

First of all, I advise you to GO TO CLASS. Unless you’re sick, drag yourself to that classroom if you’ve got to. I get it, we all need the occasional skip days for one reason or another, and I’m not advocating for taking those away. But try to keep those days lower than the amount you actually show up to your classes.

Second, do your homework. Do it. Do your homework, guys. Seriously. Don’t procrastinate. Don’t be like me and wait until you’re crying to your mom on the phone at two in the morning. I know Netflix is calling your name every night, your professor is being unreasonable and work is stressful, but do your homework.

Third, don’t worry about the dishes that need washing or the laundry that needs to be folded. It will get done. I repeat, it will get done. Don’t let it pile up for a month and don’t make your roommate into your maid, but no one’s going to bust down your door and arrest you for leaving that pan in the sink for a day. And don’t fall into the trap of cleaning your dorm or apartment top to bottom to avoid doing your homework. You know who you are.

Finally, let yourself relax. The world won’t stop turning if you fail a test. The sun won’t fall out of the sky if you show up to class looking like you just rolled out of bed. Your friends won’t abandon you if you have to miss one night of hanging out so you can do laundry or study for that sociology exam. Things can be fixed, and everything’s going to be OK.