As Spring Break passes us by, we are again confronted by the harsh reality that is college life. Once more, we return to last minute cramming, borderline poisonous food and unpleasant communal bathrooms. Nevertheless, for the sophomore class, these final few weeks in particular are a time of anxiousness.
Anxious not because we now have to begin the quest for summer jobs or declare majors, but anxious because we are trapped in a period of frustrating stillness.
Sophomores are housed primarily on the Quad. While the centrality of this location was initially appealing, after two years of dorm-style living, we want out. Unfortunately, the shared bathroom space and the cramped atmosphere of the double (or even triple for some) is rapidly beginning to lose its magic. Consequently, the urge to move on to a space larger than a prison cell is creeping upon us.
Likewise, those lucky sophomores who managed to snag housing at either the townhouses or apartments are more than ready to relocate to their spacious, more private new digs. Now that Pick Night has passed and we have had a teasing glimpse of the beauty of what lies ahead, we are endlessly discussing future sleeping arrangements, planning potential parties, and debating on exactly what poster should be hung in the living room.
Similarly, although convenient, the regimented meal plan no longer waters our appetites (not like it ever really did, but how many turkey-Swiss-mayo-lettuce-and-rye sandwiches can one ingest in a two year period before one can never eat a sandwich again?). And the “Create-a-Meal” station? Equipped with the scant tools of a frying pan, spatula, malfunctioning hotplate, and egg syrup derived from a carton, I can hardly create an appetizing meal.
Academically, things aren’t much more exciting. Yes, it’s major declaration time, which is a huge leap forward in itself. However, for those of us who have already declared, we have sampled upper level classes but are prevented from completely diving in due to a lingering core. It’s also too early for an internship. It’s much like academic limbo: when can I begin my engaging yet intense major classes without a religion or philosophy appearing on my schedule?
Needless to say, sophomore eyes are focused on the horizon. The anticipation of what lies ahead – spacious living arrangements, more personalized schedules, exciting internships, and a somewhat functioning kitchen – is nearly within our grasp, but – oh no – not quite. Nevertheless, as we prepare to forge ahead, we must be reminded to enjoy these final, allegedly warmer days of spring semester, and that is advice that can be heeded no matter your graduation year.
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