Sophomore Year

For months, I've been meaning to get back on this whole blogging thing. Blame it on a busy schedule, procrastination or fear of not living up to my own expectations, but I just never seemed to make it past my first post last summer.

But, seeing that I'm on day 8 (7 maybe? I've lost count...) of quarantine, I feel like there's no better time to get back to it than now. As I'm sitting here, by my pool at home, it's funny to think about how my life was completely, like ~completely~ different just three weeks ago. I was living in my apartment in Gainesville, waking up every morning to go to class, having Monday bach nights with friends, prepping for Dance Marathon and just doing stupid silly things that all college students do. I know we’re each struggling with this period of change and uncertainty, especially seniors. I could go into detail about how sad I am about missing my friends and life being normal (and believe me, I have my fair share of mental breakdowns to prove it), but I'm going to focus on the positives here and talk about the best thing that's happened to me in a long time: sophomore year.

For those of you who know me well, you know that freshman year was tough. I met so many amazing people and had some really great experiences, but I never really felt like I found my place. Coming into this year, I wanted to really make the most of college, and I'm happy to say that that's exactly what happened.

Sophomore year gave me so many things. A winning season for Gator football, a road trip to NOLA, the funniest and most caring little I could ever ask for, a DM captain team and unit that made my heart full and a group of best friends that make my days brighter.

First, Gator football. I’ll keep it short but may I just say that Dan Mullen is doing all the right things and I can’t wait to come back to another fall full of game days.

Now, NOLA could be a post in itself, but I’ll save that for another time. New Orleans is the craziest city I’ve ever been to but it also has the greatest spirit and charm (not to mention beignets which are seriously pillows of heaven with powdered sugar on top). The weekend was so much fun but perhaps the best thing the trip gave me was my friend Rebecca. Rebecca and I weren’t extremely close before and then decided to go at the very last minute, and I’m so happy that we made that impulse decision. Now, Rebecca is one of my best friends and that really was the true start of our friendship. Sorry to get a little sappy, but with that said, GO ON ROAD TRIP! Seriously, you won’t regret it and you won’t get the chance to make memories like this outside of college.

So I know I started to get a little sappy before, but fair warning that the next few topics may get a little sappy too. I promise I’ll try my best to keep it to a minimum. One of the highlights of my year was finding my little and not to brag, but she’s kinda the best one out there. To Ellie: I knew you were meant to be my little since the first day we met when we went to a volleyball game and didn’t even end up watching because we talked the entire time. I don’t want to hype you up too much but you truly are the funniest person I know and your free-spirited, happy-go-lucky nature is contagious. You’re the perfect blend of sassy and sweet, and I couldn’t be more grateful that Maria found you during recruitment (and speaking of Maria, thanks for being the best mom and making me want to find a little I could be as close with as we are).

It wouldn’t be a proper recap of my year if I didn’t talk about Dance Marathon. This year as a Leadership Development Captain has been one of the most fulfilling and rewarding experiences I’ve had. This organization continues to blow me away at the sense of love and community it provides, and I’m so thankful for all the new friendships I’ve made and the old ones that have continued to grow throughout this year. To LD: After having such an amazing experience as an ELP last year, I was a little nervous that nothing could top that. However, we bonded so quickly and I always felt so loved when I came to our meetings. To Unit 45, Halle, Madison and Zayne: Y’all are some of the sweetest and most amazing people I’ve ever met and I feel so lucky to have been able to spend the year with you. I know the four of us were supposed to be leading you guys, but I can confidently say that all of you have taught me so much and continue to inspire me with your passion for this organization. I miss our weekly meetings!

Because of corona, our main event was cancelled which left me and everyone else in this organization devastated, but I know that this sadness will only light the fire in each of us even more and we will come back even bigger next year! In case you haven't heard of DM, I really encourage you to learn more about it here and find a way to get involved whether it’s through donating, spreading awareness or participating if you have it at your own campus. AND if you’re not doing anything tomorrow (3/28), definitely check out our virtual event that starts at 12 pm and lasts for 26.2 hours until Sunday at 2:12 pm! (I know, shameless plug, but hey it’s #FTK baby)

Definitely the best thing that’s come from sophomore year is finding a group of people who have become my best friends. You know who you are, and no amount of words can describe how much I love you guys. Whether we’re making TikToks, having movie night, or taking random trips to the grocery store for baking supplies, you all make Gainesville feel like home. Thank you for being the best and I can’t wait until we’re reunited again.

In a time where everything seems to be uncertain or cancelled, it can be hard to not let the gloominess get to you. I know it’s gotten to me. But what we have to remember is that everything is going to work out. Yes, I know that’s cliche and maybe a little naive, but everything happens for a reason and even though it’s sad and frustrating and annoying, we’ll come out of this better. We’ll never take for granted a hug or a handshake or going out to eat or spending game day in the Swamp. For now, stay positive and keep your loved ones close (not physically but you know what I mean).

Bye for now,

Landry