VHS sophomores are feeling a slump

By Malia Grantor, Reporter

“The Sophomore Slump,” when the expectations of sophomore year become too much for students resulting in a burn out. For many, the pressures of sophomore year have contributed to social disconnection from peers, a decrease in mental health, and an increase of stress.

Following freshman year, many students feel more academic and social pressure than before and as a result notice their performance in school decreases. Senior Katy Kirkpatrick reflects on the stress of her sophomore year.

“I was very stressed my sophomore year, [I was stressed] about my grades and being a good student because I wanted to make sure I could do well in my future. It’s always hard to figure out what social sacrifices I wanted to make. The balancing was stressful,” Kirkpatrick said.

With freshman year online, current sophomores are feeling new pressures that come with in person school.

“[Schoolwork] really ramped up fast from freshman to sophomore year. Especially returning to in person full time, there’s a lot more I had to think about. I couldn’t only focus on school, there was social stuff,” sophomore Nina Di Bernardo Thomas said.

This increase in work and stress around social interactions has many sophmores feeling burnt out and not wanting to complete work.

“I don’t want to do schoolwork at school. I don’t want to do schoolwork at home. I find every way to reach the bare minimum because I’m tired. I feel like the expectations are set very high and for many students it is hard to reach them,” sophomore Mallory Keenan said.

Many sophomores are ready for the year to be over including Di Bernardo Thomas who is registering for running start. She intends to try something new and earn an Associates degree along with a high school diploma.

“I’m ready to go on, try something new, and have new experiences. It’s gotten to the point where I don’t care if I fail this one quiz because I’m only thinking about next year and all this fun stuff I get to do. I’ve lost motivation.”

Even though sophomore year is immensely stressful and draining, Kirkpatrick feels that high school overall is still an enjoyable experience.

“High school is really fun because you only get it once. And so the more you live it, the more fun you’re going to have. It’s easy to get burnt out and stressed [and] you’re like, ´God, I just want to get out of this place.´ I’d say enjoy your time while you’re here. It goes by so fast,” Kirkpatrick said.