Sophomore Connor 

I am a sophomore Health and Exercise Science student from Pennsylvania. Coming to Colorado State was one of the best decisions I've ever made, and I am enjoy every aspect of college, ups and downs.

Hey Everyone,

     Well it's almost time for everyone's favorite time of year, summer break. Unfortunately, before that we have the equally fun, finals! Honestly though, this year has flew by. It seemed like just yesterday I was moving into my house, and now my roommates are about to move out already! I'll be living in the house over the summer, thank goodness, because I was able to find a job in Fort Collins, so I don't have to go back to Pennsylvania. I love getting away from school as much as the next person, but I strongly encourage everyone and anyone to spend some time in Fort Collins over break, whether it be summer, winter, or spring break. The town has a completely different vibe when everyone leaves, it's.. peaceful.

     Anyways, looking back on my Sophomore year, I have to say that I'm happy it went down like it did, but I'm sad that it's over already. I know that Sophomore and Junior year aren't too drastically different, but it just means I'm one step closer to growing up. This year, I started paying rent, utility bills, grocery shopping, going to the library more, and just a lot of other stuff that responsible adults do. Weird, I know. 

     The best parts about my sophomore year are just being independent finally. I know the responsibility of all this new stuff is scary sometimes, but it feels fulfilling, like your parents would be proud. Corny, I know, but whatever. Living with my best friends everyday has been unreal. We procrastinate A LOT, but I also get motivated by them to get down to work when it really comes time to do so. So if you can, pick roommates that will push you to succeed. And if you're looking at your future roommates already and thinking that's not even a possibility, then first off, relax, because you are going to have a great time living with them, but secondly you can probably be the one to motivate them and let them know when it's time to get down to work.

     The most stressful parts of my Sophomore year are probably looking for a job, trying to sign up for classes that somehow fill up before you can blink, and I'm sure these finals coming up in two weeks won't be fun either. But if you are reading this USE THE RESOURCES CSU GIVES YOU. The career center is awesome for anyone looking to make some money, they have opportunities left and right and the helped me touch up my resume. Also, talking to an adviser always completely eradicates all of my stress about classes and my future and how I'm going to graduate. This is the stuff that your tuition goes towards, so get your money's worth. 

     For my Junior year at Colorado State, I'll be moving into my fraternity's house with 34 other dudes. Kind of a scary thought. But if all goes according to plan, then I'll be going to Australia for next Spring semester, and that will be an experience and a half. I'm excited with the position I've put myself in by keeping my grades up and bumping out 18 credits this semester. Hopefully Junior year will be even better than this year has been, but if it's even just as good then I'll be ecstatic. 

     Last words of advice: Don't go to riot parties or you will be tear gassed, Don't stress out if you have trouble getting into courses you need, Do use all the resources that CSU has to offer, and finally, Just have fun. You only have 4 or 5 or 6 years in college, make them count.

Peace

Sophomore Connor 

I am a sophomore Health and Exercise Science student from Pennsylvania. Coming to Colorado State was one of the best decisions I've ever made, and I am enjoy every aspect of college, ups and downs.

Hola Everyone,

      Hope you all had a great spring break. I know I did. I was able to go on a backpacking excursion in southern Utah for a week and it really recharged the old batteries. I was surprised to have such a good time without going to Vegas, or Havasu, or Mexico. Its good to know that if school is ever getting a little stressful, I can rely on good old fashioned nature to settle me down. Last year for spring break, I was snowboarding up in Aspen for free and staying at my brother's place, so this year was actually more expensive. It was well worth the money though. Don't be afraid to spend a little money on things like break, you only get a hand-full of opportunities to travel like this while you're in college.

      Academically, I was getting a little stressed in the week leading up to break, with all the last second tests and assignments that the professors were trying to sneak in before we left. I have to say its the best feeling getting done with that final test on Friday and just being done. Now that we're back to school, I'm definitely going to stay on top of my schoolwork and not get behind in any of my classes.  I think that'll alleviate a lot of stress later on in the semester. But speaking of staying on top of things; my house is clean for once! I've been emphasizing to my roommates how it will be easier to keep clean if we don't let dishes or clothes pile up. Just put stuff away right when you're done with it!

      I can't wait to be able to do activities comfortably outside again. It is finally nice out, and I'm hoping it stays that way. When it's nice, everyone smiles, girls look more attractive, everyone is friendlier, and class don't seem so tedious. I love it. Hopefully, I can take advantage of the weather and get some hiking or boating done, before any freak snow storms come through. Although, I am dying to hit up the mountains one last time before I say goodbye to winter. I've been a little too busy with my school work to sign up for any intramural sports, which I regret, but I'm sure I'll do some pickup basketball games in the gym to stay active.

      Overall, I'm excited to finish out this semester strong and see where I'll end up this summer. Hopefully I'll stay in FoCo if I can find a job!! 

Sophomore Connor 

I am a sophomore Health and Exercise Science student from Pennsylvania. Coming to Colorado State was one of the best decisions I've ever made, and I am enjoy every aspect of college, ups and downs.

        Second Semester is in full swing and I'm excited to be back at Colorado State. I'm taking 18 credits this semester and the workload is definitely more than I'm used to. I figured I would have to start taking more credits if I want to stay on the 4-year plan while also trying to study abroad next Spring and maintaining my business minor. The increased amount of time in class is a little bit of a pain, but what's really killing me is all the online homework and busy-work due each week, but hey, it's nothing that can't be solved by more time in the library. 

       I was thinking of getting a part-time job this semester, but I don't know if I'll have the time to make it happen this semester. My parents are probably upset about that because I need money. Even with the large course-load however, I'm very happy with where I'm at and what I'm doing. Because of this, I haven't been able to participate in as many extra-curricular activities as I'd like, but I'm still playing some recreational intramural basketball to stay in shape. It is surprisingly competitive, but fun just the same.

 Last year at this time, I was more excited to be back in Fort Collins than I am now, but that's just because I was in Fort Collins for a good portion of winter break this year. Nothing has really changed in my living situation since the beginning of the year. I still enjoy living with my roommates, but am sadly realizing that next year won't be the same and I'm going to miss living with one of my best buddies. I'm not really searching for a relationship right now, so the coming and going of Valentine's day didn't phase me, like it did for some people. As far as I was concerned, it was just another Thursday night to hangout with my friends. 

 

        Our basketball has been doing insanely well this year and it's been really fun going to the games with all the energy and excitement. Our home streak is increased is 27 games won in Moby in a row! It's nice to see one of our big athletic programs doing well for once. All in all, I'm having an outstanding time in my second year at Colorado State. On a scale of 1-10, I think I'm at an 7. Things are getting busy, but I will persevere. 

 

See ya next month

Sophomore Courtney

I am a sophomore Sociology and Social Work double major from Michigan. I love Colorado State and my favorite part of Campus is the Oval, especially in the Fall. Along with being involved on campus, I enjoy spending time outdoors and hiking the mountains! 

Hello fellow second-year students, and welcome to Spring Semester! This weather is definitely making it feel more like its April already, rather than January, but I’m not really complaining! I hope that everyone had a great beginning to their semester and that you all are enjoying your classes before the homework starts to pile up! One thing that I’ve noticed about this time of year is that not only do the stresses of school begin again, but we must also start thinking about next Fall already when looking into our housing situations. It’s crazy to think that the time of year for house and apartment leasing is here yet again, I feel like I just went through it yesterday.

            And so, with this in mind, I wanted to dedicate this blog to the housing situations of second years. As CSU students, the amount of different circumstances that I have heard has been all over the place! From continuing to live on campus in the residence halls, to living within an apartment, condo, duplex, or house…people have a lot of things to choose from! I was lucky enough to begin living in a condo complex near campus that gave me the opportunity to have a basement, garage, and upstairs living area. I didn’t realize until I began to move in how much STUFF was necessary to have in moving from a residence hall to my own place. However, now that I am all settled in, the thought of moving my belongings yet again seems daunting. However, I feel that I am slowly starting to build up my arsenal of kitchen appliances and bathroom décor for when I have my big-girl house in a couple of years.

            One great thing that I have found in moving from the residence halls to a condo with a couple of my friends has been the step-up transition that occurs with each move. I had to purchase a lot of goods initially when moving into the residence hall, but my furniture and other amenities were already provided for me. During my second year, I had to begin to purchase more furniture and other household appliances, but I have been able to split many of these items with my roommates so that I have not had to buy as much. In a few years when I am looking into my own person housing, I feel that I will be prepared for the next upward transition of needing everything on my own because I have taken baby steps to get to that point so it won’t be as scary!          

            Whatever your housing situation may be, I wish you all the best in finding a residence (or remaining where you currently are) for next year! Good luck with the beginning of the semester, and make sure to start off strong! Until next time :)

Sophomore Connor 

I am a sophomore Health and Exercise Science student from Pennsylvania. Coming to Colorado State was one of the best decisions I've ever made, and I am enjoy every aspect of college, ups and downs.

I'm still very pleased with where I am in my life at CSU in my second year. Things are getting a little busy, as they always do right before winter break. Last year around this time, I really wanted to go home to Philly to see all my friends and family for fall break, but this year I decided to stay in Colorado with my roommates (my best friends) and going up to the mountains all break. This is mostly because I don't feel like paying $300-400 for fall break, and then pay another $300-400 bucks 2 weeks later for winter break. I know a lot of people don't like how close the breaks are together. 

Academically, it would appear that all my grades are right on the borderline between A and B. This is how it always seems to work out towards the end of the semester. Meaning, I really have to be on my game in the 4th quarter of the semester, which is fine, just a little stressful. The break helps with the workload, though. I just have to spend more time in the library and less time in the gym. As we've been progressing through the holidays, starting with Halloween a couple weeks ago, my house has been getting kind of cold, but we're all a little hesitant to turn up the thermostat because that means the gas bill will go up a lot, and I think we'd all rather just deal with it. That's one of the major differences between living in the halls and living in a house. Every comfort that you gain in a house, comes out of your pocket: longer showers, more heat, more light, and more food all cost more money. Socially I've been meeting a lot of new people because of the fraternity I'm joining. It's hard finding time for all the friends I made last year, but it makes it easier to weed out the real friends from just the acquaintances.

I'm starting to play Intramural sports like dodgeball and basketball at the gym. It's a good way to stay active and competitive now that I'm not playing organized sports. I'm also planning on making a lot of trips up to the mountains this winter to snowboard, so I have to put time aside for that. On a scale of 1-10, I'd have to rate my second year experience right now an 8. Maybe it’s just because I'm writing this right after fall break but I feel good, a little stressed with all these grades coming down to the wire, but at least I had a chance to relax this past week.

    
Sophomore Courtney

I am a sophomore Sociology and Social Work double major from Michigan. I love Colorado State and my favorite part of Campus is the Oval, especially in the Fall. Along with being involved on campus, I enjoy spending time outdoors and hiking the mountains!


      Happy Halloween everyone! And happy beginning of November! May the countdown begin for Thanksgiving break, after this week we only have two more weeks of class to go! I hope all of you are having a great middle of the semester and are starting to be able to see the light at the end of the tunnel for break. 

     As I walk across campus I have not been able to ignore all of the posters that are currently up promoting becoming an Orientation Leader or an Orientation Office Assistant with the OTP office on campus (sometimes covered in snow, sometimes glistening in the sun…figure it out, Colorado Weather!). Upon further research, I discovered that the office is currently hiring for leadership positions for next year. This got me thinking about my orientation experience. As an out of state student, I opted to come for a session the week before classes began to make my move-in as convenient as possible. I remember being welcomed to the university by a group of leaders who I truly looked up to as students who knew CSU like the back of their hands, and who were truly interested in sharing their experience with me. I remember aspiring to be a person like that simply because I could then feel pride in my university through and through. 

      I then began to think of the thousands of other leadership opportunities available on campus. CSU is one of those truly unique places in the amount of prospects it provides to its students who are looking to get involved. No matter what your fit or what level of involvement you are looking for, you can find it here. I think that many people forget that simply attending one of our football games or theatre performances counts as being involved on campus. You do not have to devote large portions of your time in order to show off some Ram Pride. 

     It was not until I became involved in the campus organizations that I am that I truly felt like I found my fit on campus. I was a bit lost my first year here because the extent of my college experience stretched from attending class and visiting the rec center for a work out every so often. I then decided to really push myself to get more involved in my experience and have since become involved with several campus organizations. Coming from me: that was the best decision I have ever made. We are all here to attend a great university and graduate with a degree. However, the college experience includes the learning that goes on outside of class as well. Campus organizations provided me with the leadership experience and self-growth that I will always look back on with fond memories of what college provided for me. 

      So, moral of this story: get involved! It doesn’t matter which way you do it, you can choose to stretch yourself and work with the Orientation office on campus if that sounds up your ally, join a club involved with your major, sign yourself up for an intramural team at the rec, or even just go and support some Ram athletics at one of our sporting events! Anyway, do whatever sounds like the right fit for you, but try to push yourself outside of your comfort level at the same time. I can guarantee you will not be disappointed and will have lasting memories because of it!

Sophomore Connor

I am a sophomore Health and Exercise Science student from Pennsylvania. Coming to Colorado State was one of the best decisions I've ever made, and I am enjoy every aspect of college, ups and downs.

     My second year at CSU is going awesomely. My roommates make our house very entertaining, and living close to campus gives me the opportunity to utilize the library when I need to. Last year at this time in the semester, I was a little stressed out by all the midterms, still making relationships with people, and trying to do extracurricular activities. Right now, I'm happily working away at my lectured classes, getting the concepts down. I'm living with my three best friends. And I'm busy in the best way possible: hanging out with friends, joining a fraternity, and getting my school-work done.

     Like I said earlier, sometimes finding a quiet place to study in my house is difficult. Because of this, I usually spend an hour or two after my last class to just go to the library and bump out some school-work, while I'm still in the school state-of-mind. The biggest difference I've noticed about living in a house, instead of the residence halls, is the food situation. Needing to set time aside to go grocery shopping with my roommates is a little bit of a hassle. Luckily, my roommate's tastes are similar to my own, so it makes buying groceries and dividing the bill very simple. Other differences I've noticed, is the bed time that I've been exposed to in my new house. In the halls, you only had to worry about when one person went to sleep, and that was your roommate. Now, there are 2 or 3 more roommates that may possibly be staying up later than you and being loud, preventing you from sleeping. Also since I'm a considerate person, when I'm the one staying up late to do homework or watch TV, I try to keep it down.

    Being off-campus also kind of tests some of my relationships with people, because I have to set up lunch dates and things to try to meet up with people I haven't seen in a while. In the dorms, you're exposed to all your friends practically every day. In this way, I feel my sophomore year has sorted out some of my less common friends, but made many other relationships stronger.

     Joining a fraternity this semester was an excellent decision, even though I'm one of few sophomores in my new member class. Taking the time to shape as a CSU student before joining a Greek organization was a great advantage to me. It's easier to relate to everyone.

     On a scale from 1 to 10, I would rank my experience as a sophomore so far to be an 8!  I love CSU, and everything that it has to offer.