Second Semester Syndrome
If I could summarize the typical college freshman during first semester with one sentence, it would be “I don’t know about this.” If I could summarize the typical college freshman during second semester, it would be “I’ve got this.”
Much has changed in between your first and second semesters. Last semester, you hoped you would survive until winter break.
Even if you have doubts about second semester, you likely feel more confident that this time around will not be quite as bad.
As a college instructor (and a former college freshman), I can tell you firsthand that most college freshmen approach college profoundly differently second semester. And, this change is not a bad thing, necessarily.
How can this change can be harmful?
Overconfidence
You faced each and every challenge last semester. Some you resoundingly conquered. Others you merely persisted through until the end. Nonetheless, you gained more confidence in your own abilities.
While that confidence can be a needed boost (more on this later), sometimes what results is an inflated sense of confidence. When times arise where you should be more wary and cautious, you may be tempted to casually shrug with an “I’ve got this” when you really should be more concerned.
For example, when a big assignment (that would’ve scared you last semester) approaches, instead of feeling pressure to work ahead you may continue to put off that assignment without any guilt for doing so.
The reality is you should probably be more concerned. Just because you have one semester under your belt, doesn’t mean you’re immune to bad grades.
Keep working hard. Keep working ahead. You can do this, but you’ll need to keep putting in the hard work.
Carelessness
The details that would’ve overwhelmed you last semester, may only seem mildly alarming now. Some of this change is normal and needed. However, sometimes the overly conscientious student can dramatically flip-flop to being a careless student.
While you don’t obsess over every assignment and panic about simple reading quizzes, you should make sure you keep track of the details, staying on top of each assignment.
For example, last semester you may have been extremely organized. You had a color-coded planner with detailed notes on each page. This next semester, you decide your planner was overboard and swing to the other extreme: using no planner.
Even if you were “too organized” last semester, swinging to the opposite approach is a bad idea. Instead, try instead adding less detail to your notes. Having some sort of planner for the next semester will still be a tremendous help.
Superiority
Last semester will feel like ages ago as you start your second semester. Before you know it, first semester will feel like a distant memory, along with who you were first semester.
While forgetting can be wonderful, it can also build in you a sense of superiority when approached by other struggling students. You may have figured out the social-life part of college, but there are many other areas in which you still need to grow. Your struggles just look different now.
For example, last semester you struggled living with your roommate. Adjusting to living with a stranger (aka your roommate) took you months, but you got used to it. This semester a friend may approach you, distraught about his horrible roommate. You want to respond with a “really?” forgetting this was you only a month ago.
Empathy is a gift. Being able to say “I have some idea of what you’re experiencing” is no small thing. Because you’ve experienced that struggle before, you have the ability to sympathize with another’s frustrations, fears, etc. Don’t lose this! Don’t let conquering one challenge make you calloused to the struggles of others.
How can this change can be beneficial?
More confident
Last semester, you may have doubted yourself in every area: socially, academically, etc. You struggled even with knowing who you were anymore and if you belonged at college. (These struggles are normal by the way.)
But in the end, you survived. You made it! As a result, you feel much more confident. You know you can face the challenges coming your way you just need to keep working hard.
More decisive
You doubted yourself, a lot. You didn’t know if your instincts were good. You felt paralyzed when faced with even simple decisions.
More confident and experienced with college, you’ve learned to trust some of your instincts, to face your problems, and to eliminate unhelpful choices. You can solve your own problems and make your own decisions without paralyzing fear.
More willing to stand up for yourself
Last semester, you just wanted to fit in or at least stay out of the spotlight. You didn’t want to disrupt people or speak out. You simply wanted to get through the semester.
You’ve learned that you have to advocate for yourself. Whether you’re struggling in class or you’re living with a difficult roommate, you have to speak up for yourself. You know how and when to do this now.
More willing to take necessary risks
You likely took little to no risks last semester, enough in your life was changing without adding more risk. You may have tried to play it safe and avoided doing too much (which is not always a bad thing).
You’ve learned how much you can handle. You’ve learned when a risk is worth it. For example, you know making a potential friend is worth being the first one to reach out. You’re ready to take that leap, send that first text, invite that person to lunch, etc.
You don’t have everything figured out, but compared to last semester you feel like you do. Watch out that your one semester experience doesn’t cause you to overcompensate, overcommit, or belittle others.
Utilize your first semester experience to help you succeed socially and academically in your second semester!
