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It’s official, I am a junior in college. The first thing my mom said to me after my last final was, “Amy, have you learned everything you possibly could this year?” My answer? I don’t know, but I don’t want to learn any more.
A while ago I wrote about the “Sophomore Slump.” It takes place during your sophomore year of college, and is basically a time when you are trying to figure out who you are and where you’re going. To say I merely experienced that would be an understatement.
I lived in Europe without my parents for a semester, trying to navigate through an entire foreign continent speaking only English and a small amount of Spanish. I had to readjust to living in the United States before my second semester, which was probably one of the most work-heavy semesters I will ever have. I lost my best friend over a petty argument, learned how to stand up for myself, and tore my ACL in my knee for the second time. All while trying to meld European Amy with normal Amy and figure out who I was.
It was a pretty exciting year.
I think, I hope, it’s safe to say that, on a personal level, this was one of the toughest years I have yet to experience. But despite all of the obstacles and challenges that dared me to be anything but myself, I survived. And to be honest, I wouldn’t have done it any differently.
Out of the mess that was my Sophomore Slump came a world of amazing opportunities. I got to live in EUROPE for goodness sake! And after the falling out with my best friend, I felt like I had no one to talk to outside of my family. But then I got to be really close with two of the girls on my soccer team, who have made me feel more “at home” than ever before. It’s funny how people come into our lives when we need them most. From these two girls I’ve learned that who I am is good enough; I’ve learned that the only thing I can be is myself and people will either like me or not, and either one is ok.
I also found out a few weeks ago that I got my dream job in college- I’m going to be a Resident Assistant in my favorite dorm next year, helping all of the freshman adjust to college life and making sure their college experience has been as incredible as mine has thus far.
Everything has fallen into place, and I can say, with immense confidence, that I am so content and happy being me. It took a lot of work and tears to get here, but it’s a fabulous place to be.
I’m halfway through college and I have no idea where or what I’m going to be in two years. Mom calls this the “Junior Jitters.” But I come from a family of survivors. And if we can get through cancer and the Sophomore Slump, then there isn’t anything we can’t do. 
