Sophomores: Pave A Path & Uncover Your “Why?”
Sophomore year is an interesting time in a student’s high school career because it doesn’t carry the “newness” that freshman year did or reap the classic benefits that upperclassmen do. Still, students are usually adjusted to the transition and demands of high school, while working to find their footing during a formative time in their life. With foundational pieces in place, sophomore year is a great time to build momentum academically, while taking time to reflect intentionally, with the goal of, in time, uncovering your “why.”
This is the year to begin paying closer attention to who you are, how you engage with the world around you, and what consistently draws you in. This starts with connection. Consider the relationships you build with teachers, peers, mentors, teammates, and your community. Notice where you lean in and what excites you. Write it down, then leave it be, and return to it later on. Maybe something has changed, or maybe you’ve accumulated another experience that reinforces this observation. Just as importantly, remain open to unexpected interests. Sometimes the most meaningful parts of your story come from spaces you didn’t anticipate.
Sophomore year is also an excellent time to build systems that work for you. Discipline is bred through repetition and reinforcement. Managing your time wisely and effectively (via calendars, reminders, planners, and persistence) will lead to better study habits and produce stronger grades. These habits may seem small, but they are paramount. As you move into junior and senior year, responsibilities increase. Oftentimes, the students who have built structure early on are able to navigate those transitions with more confidence and less overwhelm.
But beyond habits and activities, this is also a time for deeper reflection. Our students are encouraged to think about their lives as a series of snapshots instead of a list of accomplishments. One of the exercises we have begun walking students through is called “21 Details.” These details could be anything, including tidbits like:
You’re the oldest of 8
You feel at home around a dinner table
You visit theme parks yearly and love upside down rollercoasters
After jotting these details down, we ask you to ask yourself: What does this say about me? What qualities does this reflect?
You might be surprised by what you’re able to unpack. All in all, it’s important to note: your “why” isn’t something you invent. It’s something you discover. As Simon Sinek put it, “Your ‘why’ is your gift to the world.” It makes you uniquely you.
Your “Why” may take time to find or pinpoint, and that’s more than okay. It also may evolve as you learn and grow. However, here’s our take: inching closer towards your “Why” makes way for deeper self-awareness and understanding. And when you understand yourself, everything else becomes clearer. Sometimes, when you’re lucky, it can even make life just a tad bit easier. Especially in the world of complex college admissions, where your story is what counts, identifying or moving in the direction of your “why” is like striking narrative gold.
