Lessons I Learned in the Sophomore Year of College

It still seems like yesterday when I was traveling to different cities to find the suitable university for me and today, I'm halfway done through my college. It's insane how time flies.

Image: imgkid.com

Also read: Lessons I learned in the freshman year of college
I have some great memories of the last year. Comparing it with my freshman year, I think I have started to know so much more about me and it's amazing and terrifying at the same time. Here are 10 things that I have learned:
1. You will freak out because you will realize that you're halfway done with the college:
If that wasn't obvious from the first line of the post, I'm actually freaking out. Everything is happening so fast! Do you remember how exciting it was moving on from high school to college? I think moving on from college to the corporate real world will be a much larger transition. I need to remind myself to make an effort and enjoy every moment of it because this will not last forever.
2. People will start to show their true colors:
In the freshman year, everyone and everything was new. People wore masks to impress people, make friends or to be in the cool crowds. Once they get settle in the sophomore year, they start revealing their true colors and then you realize the true identity of the person.
3. You will lose friends but the ones you have will be closer to you:
Because of the above point, you will lose friends. You will leave some and some might leave you. You both can blame time, work,distance and this is inevitable but there would be a few people who would cling closer and you will realize that you never had such closer and stronger bonds with your friends ever before this time.
4. Grades matter now:
I have always believed that your CGPA never defines your self worth but the grades would matter to some extend and you will learn this pretty quickly once you start taking in major classes. So start studying from day 1 and practice questions from the beginning. Trust me, it would save much time in the future,
5. Master the pomodoro technique:
The pomodoro technique has saved my life when it comes to assignments and projects. I usually set up a timer and concentrate on a particular topic for 50 minutes and a 10 minutes long break. This helps me to be productive even at a long stretch of work. Master this and master time management.
6. Meet your professors:
Since the beginning of time, I have never really interacted with my professors and now I understand it's importance. you should go and meet your professors outside classes and have your doubts cleared regarding the syllabus or even anything extra. Interaction comes in handy if you are drowning nearly at the end of the semester. They would be more likely to help if they already know you than just going in their cabin when you are already in the bad spotlight.
7. You need to own up and start taking responsibilities:
You're almost 20 now. You're no longer a kid and the earlier you realize this, the better it would be for you. You need to step up and start talking responsibility for the things happening in your life because this is the only way you would be able to change it. Stop running away, young lady/man.
8. You're your own cheerleader:
Since now you take up your own responsibilities, you need to understand that no one can make you happier than yourself. You are in your own control. I know, there are times when you feel even worse than a plastic bag but you need to cheer yourself up and focus on the silver lining among the clouds.
9. Create a bragging list:
I have created this at the back of my annual to-do diary. I list all my smallest or huge achievements in this year. It makes me happy on my gloomy days and reminds me of my power on the days when I feel worthless. You should make one too. You can decide to make it private only to you, which I did or make it public.
10. Explore the city:
You're miles away from home which you call your home now. It's a new city with a new culture and heritage. Let your hair down and immerse yourself in the new environment. I admit to not exploring the city as I should in the last two years. I plan to do this in the next two years. Below is one of the tourist attraction in the city. Isn't there much to explore and experience? :)

A photo posted by Sakshi Raina (@capturesunshyne) on May 18, 2015 at 5:18am PDT