Every high school grade level is known for its well-known schtick: Freshman are entering their first year of high school, Juniors have events such as Junior Ring and the SAT, Seniors are a priority in themselves, which leaves the Sophomore class with well, nothing. Otherwise known as the ‘Sophomore slump’, Sophomore year is said to be “the forgotten year”, according to the perspective of Academy girls.

Sophomore Erica Dierks sates, “Being a sophomore kind of feels like being the middle child. The juniors and seniors are like your cool older siblings, the freshman are like your annoying younger siblings, and you’re just there!”

With new honors-level classes offered, one AP course, and Chemistry in itself, the class of 2018 felt more challenged than ever before.

If the lessons learned Sophomore year could be summarized by the class of 2018, they would be:

1. You’re no longer the the youngest

Though it goes without saying, becoming a Sophomore results in no longer being a newbie on campus. You finally learn exactly where everything is, the golden rule of knocking before entering the teachers’ office, and to never, under any circumstances, walk into the senior lounge.

2.   Your grades really do matter 

From the second you enter Academy, the importance of making good grades is almost drilled in your head from parents, teachers, and especially Haiku. However, it doesn’t exactly hit how important your grades are until it finally comes the time to meet with your college counselor sophomore year and discuss your future.

    3.   Watch Mrs. Z’s Chemcasts

Sophomore Chemistry teacher, Mrs. Rebecca Zambrano is well known for her “flipped classroom” which means that her lessons are taught on online videos, and the material is applied in class. This means that it is crucial to watch the videos in order to be successful in the class.