The class of 2028 has finally reached the 10th grade, sophomore year. A time when highschool no longer feels brand new, yet with challenges that keep coming. Freshman year is all about getting used to highschool, adapting to challenge and more pressure. Now, it is all about being in the thick of it- the different classes, growing independence, and finding balance in busy schedules. From tougher assignments, to shifting friendships, students still find new ways to adapt, grow, and balance the new year. So, how are sophomores managing this new year? What are the biggest deal breakers, challenges, or situations that are shaping students?
Ariela Kotton 28’ described her personal fears before coming into O’Dowd, from her middle school. “Before high school, I only knew one person coming into O’Dowd. I was afraid no one would want me as their friend and that I would be alone,” however, she contrasted, “but now as a sophomore, I know people will always want new friends and actually really enjoy meeting new people.”
What was especially different between freshman year into sophomore year? Maitri Sudindranath 28’ touched about her class freedom, explaining, “freshman year was more of an introductory year, while sophomore year opened us up to more freedom in classes that I’m actually interested in. Freshman year we had specific classes, now we can choose what we actually like, which I enjoy.” Kotton however, shared how this year, she spends “hours working on homework at night,” but also how “classes are hard, but a good challenge with very intriguing classes this year that push you to grow more as a student.”
Sudindranath added how her social dynamic has changed and evolved from middle school, freshman year, and now 10th grade. “Social, the dynamic has changed because I’m able to be more sure when it comes to friends, I can tell by the way someone interacts with me, if they’re going to be a good person for me.” She used the school lunchline, as an example. “In the lunchline, if I’m with someone and they’re not able tolerate waiting, then maybe I may not be as good friends with them, because the lunch line is a common occurrence. Little things like that.” She also connected her social life in middle school, explaining how they were all scared but eventually connected, but transitioning into highschool, friendship was simple. “Everyone was thrown into the position where they had to find friends.” She finished her answer noting that it is harder to find friends as a sophomore than in freshman year, when everyone started out not as close, compared to now.
Both sophomores mentioned how the work balance this year is already very challenging, and different from freshman year. Kotton said during freshman year, she would “goof off during my flex and wouldn’t do work,” but this year is “always studying, even at home.” She continued how “Especially in Spring, I’m going to be doing a sport, so the work is just going to pile up more.” However, Sudindranath added, “For me, the balance is better then last year. Now I know what to expect, with my class decisions and which I need to push more in. It’s definitely harder, but it feels more rewarding because I’m getting accomplishments done. Freshman year everything was just based off of tests, so it was harder to balance, with the aptitude of my classes. But I feel I have grown more this year in that space.” Both concluded that the experience has taught them to stop procrastinating, and focus more on their classes, despite being different situations from eachother.
The pair explained their goals before reaching Junior year. Kotton detailed, “I really want straight A’s and a good GPA, but I also want better relationships with my teachers and my counselors so by the time college applications roll around I will be more prepared. But I also want new friends and to do fun things.” On the other hand, Sudindranath wishes to “achieve in a leadership position, like a club.” She also, like many other students, is eager to get “good grades, form good skills and develop a solid foundation that makes learning a lot easier.”
Kotton finished by suggesting her own advice to all freshmen, “Take advantage of your flex! Procrastinating really adds up. But also, build good relationships with your teacher, and enjoy your freshman year while you have it, because the work is the simplest right now.” Sudindranath also finished with suggestions for freshman, explaining “Go after what you genuinely enjoy. Don’t set yourself up to do something you arent interested in because it will come back at you. Also, do as musch as you can, find the interest that drives you. If you really like something, stick with it!”
Starting a new school year is always a challenge, and sophomore year comes with it’s own challenges. For the class of 2028, the transition has pushed students to grow, discover classes they enjoy, new subjects, and a batter sense of balance and how O’Dowd operates. Despite challenges, sophomores are all together eager to continue growing as students and young adults. This new year has given and official perspective of being in high school, knowing what to expect and how to work efficiently.
