Congratulations Jaguars! The first two months of the school year have been completed. There is a lot of stigma around sophomore year, and the many struggles that may come with it. While many may be getting stuck on the term “Sophomore Slump,” it is important to remember that many around us are in the same boat. To find out how sophomores are handling this year so far, students and teachers were interviewed to learn what they are discovering and what lies ahead.
Sophomore Daisy-Anne Padilla plays golf and lacrosse, and is feeling stable and excited for this year.
TC: How do you feel about the academics so far? How do they compare to freshman year?
DP: I feel like all of my teachers have been super supportive and understanding with work. I think the workload has been a lot lighter than freshman year. I feel like I have learned to manage my time a lot better. My teachers have been really helpful when it comes to missing class and makeup work, which is something that is super important to me. Overall, so far, I have felt a good amount of support and academic challenge.
TC: What are some things that you are most excited about this year?
DP: Since this is my second year and I am a bit more comfortable with the school, I am excited to participate more. I can’t wait for the aquacades. I am also currently doing golf, and I am going to do Lacrosse in the winter. Mostly, I am just excited to grow my friendships and make lots of memories this year.
Academics are a big part of sophomore year. As time starts getting closer to college and the Honors and AP classes begin, it is important to find the support you need. It is always possible to stay focused on academics and still have time for extracurriculars and events, don’t forget that!
Maggie Singh, who participates in dance outside of school and loves to spend time with her friends, shared her input.
TC: Overall, how do you think your sophomore year has been going?
MS: I would say that it has been going really well so far. I feel like it is really preparing me for the next two years. At the beginning of the year, things were definitely a little more complicated, but as I got to know my teachers and classes, it has gotten easier. I feel more in the swing of things now and more comfortable with my classes and how they work, so I’m really happy so far!
TC: How have you seen your friendships and relationships change since freshman year?
MS: Last year, I found myself switching friend groups a lot, and I didn’t fully have a stable circle. But now that I have had last year and the start of this year, I definitely feel more stabilized. I have a great intimate circle of friends, but I am still friends with everyone else as well. Everyone here is so nice, so it’s great to be able to be friends with everyone. I think my friends really benefit me in and outside of school, so I am just really happy with it.
Friendship is one of the biggest parts of school. Thankfully, we have a great community of girls here at NDB, so don’t be afraid to make those friendships!
For those who have not met Ms. Fee through Modern World History Honors, she joined the NDB community this year and shared how her experience has been.
TC: What made you choose NDB?
GF: Well, I went to Mercy for high school, so I had experience with the all girls environment, and I loved what that did for me and that helped me become who I am. So when I saw that Notre Dame was hiring, I thought it would be a perfect fit. Because I think just like all girls, education is really beneficial and important for girls. So that was one of the main draws.
TC: What are some things that you are excited about this year?
GF: I’m excited to continue to learn from all the students. I think this year so far has been so fun, and it’s so interesting getting to hear what all of you have to say about events in history or concepts in government. And so that’s my favorite thing about teaching just in general. And so I’m most excited to continue to hear all of your thoughts and analysis on different things, because it’s always something cool.
TC: What has been your biggest challenge starting at a new school?
GF: Mostly just learning how everything works and flows. I think also, as like, this is my first year teaching AP Government, and while I love the content, I was making a lot of the stuff from scratch, so just trying things out for the first time is pretty hard. So I think that’s the most challenging thing so far. It’s been going good, and I’ve been able to correct when things don’t go well, but it’s always sometimes I get nervous about how a lesson is going to go because I haven’t done it before.
As sophomores continue to grow more confident in their classes, friendships and goals, it’s clear that this year is full of both challenges and excitement. Whether it’s academics, sports, or personal growth, the Class of 2028 is finding its balance and proving that the “Sophomore Slump” is just a myth.
