12/13/22

Dear Barnard sophomore,

Congrats on making it through your first year at Barnard! College is a tough transition, but you did it! You’re here. If you’re feeling at all unmotivated by your classes or confused with the academic direction you want to take, don’t worry. College is not a linear path; there are many curves and changes in your time here and you just have to go with the flow.

I applied to Barnard as an astrophysics major. I’m halfway through my junior year now and I haven’t taken a single astronomy or physics! It’s totally OKAY for your interests to evolve and change and grow as you do!

Last year, I spent a lot of time being anxious over things that didn’t really matter. I was very caught up in trying to “fit in” socially and this led me to overcompensate. I spent so much time trying to get to know EVERYONE that I didn’t really let myself form close friendships with everyone. I wish I had spent more time hanging out with the people I actually enjoyed being around and not just trying to fill up the “friends roster.”

When it comes to academics, it can be really hard to give it your 100% all the time. If you’re struggling in a class, it’s so important that you reach out to your professor, TAs, or other students in your class. Your advisor and class dean are also people in your corner. You never have to feel alone in the struggle; college is hard, people know that. Be honest with yourself with how you’re doing and seek the support you need. Don’t wait for the world to change around you, make your environment work for you.

I want to remind you to honor yourself and reflect on the massive growth you’ve made since getting here. As I said before, college is a tough transition, but you did it. You’re here and you’re doing it. There will always be classes you love and classes you don’t love so much, people you love and people you don’t love so much. Do your best work and treat everyone with kindness, but really put your heart and soul into the classes and people where you feel the most passionate, loved, and excited.

The Barnard student body loves you and is so happy you’re here. Always know that there are many people cheering you on.

Love,

Izzy Lapidus

Current Barnard Junior