Sophomore year brings new responsibilities

The fear of the freshmen 15 has passed and sophomore year is in full swing for Kristin Wells-Lewis.
Junior by credit hours, Wells-Lewis is a second year student.
Wells took a big step and moved off campus.
"Living on campus as a freshman was nice and convenient, but this year I wanted to do something different and save money," she said.
Wells-Lewis believes the biggest difference between freshman and sophomore year is the maturity.
"To some we may look and sound like underclassmen, but for me personally I know I learned a lot from last year to this year," she said. "If I had not, my mother would have never allowed me to move off campus."
As a sophomore, students have the chance to participate in more organizations and activities across campus.
Wells-Lewis was able to participate in the spring intake process and became a member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Inc.
She reflected on the milestone, "Being the youngest on my line and having a lot more responsibility forced me to become a little more mature quicker than others my age."
The mature thing to do is to decide if studying for an upcoming test is more important than the party or kickback this weekend.
This discernment is a must for Wells-Lewis due to her major and her long-term goal to become a pharmacist.
"It's nice not to be looked as a 'fish' anymore; however, my main goal is to continue making my grades and graduate and accomplish my goal," she said.
Biology major Kasie Okonkwo understands that school comes first.
"Last year, I learned that I must have better time management skills," she said.
After being accepted in the Undergraduate Medical Academy she became president of the student organization, Minority Association for Pre-medical Students.
The sophomore experience differs from the freshman year because students have been exposed to more and become more acclimated to the university.
Okonkwo says, "At first I was overwhelmed; however I knew what I came here to do and I did not lose sight of that and I love PVU."