Settling into college life and your upcoming sophomore year

As summer approaches, the excitement of college life and the anticipation of your first break as a college student become real. This summer, sandwiched between your freshman and sophomore years, offers a unique chance to reflect on past experiences while gearing up for new adventures. Perhaps you will work over the summer or maybe take a well-deserved break? Regardless, this first summer "back home" offers unique opportunities for personal growth and career exploration.

Reflection on Freshman Year

Your first year of college is often a whirlwind of new experiences—friendships, late-night study sessions, and a taste of independence. As summer rolls in, take a moment to reflect on what you learned during this transformative year. What or who shaped your college journey the most?

Think back to those late-night discussions with roommates that solidified your friendships. Remember the stress of finals that taught you resilience? Even minor events, like discovering a favorite study spot, can serve as important lessons. Consider the details that made your first year experience positive and those moments that maybe weren't so great...what will you take into your sophomore year?

Reassessing Academic Goals

For many students, sophomore year is when decisions about career paths or academic majors are finalized. This can be stressful! Consider the classes you took during your first year and if they inspired you to continue. Or, did some classes help you realize that career or academic path is not for you? Use the summer months to connect with academic advisors or classmates to discuss your future options. Engaging in conversations can provide insights into new opportunities or realign your focus.

Consider enrolling in a summer course, either online or at a local community college. According to a study from the National Center for Education Statistics, students who take summer classes tend to have higher GPAs. This could reinforce your commitment to your current major or introduce you to academic fields that intrigue you, like psychology if you’re interested in understanding human behavior.

Exploring Summer Opportunities

Summer break isn’t just a pause from classes - it’s a prime opportunity to explore hands-on experiences. Seek internships, volunteer positions, or part-time jobs that relate to your interests and career goals. Gaining practical experience can be invaluable. Research shows that 70% of internships lead to full-time job offers, making this an excellent time to gain skills and make connections.

Networking in these roles can help you meet industry professionals and gather insights that will shape your long-term career trajectory. For instance, if you're studying marketing, working with a local business can provide real-world knowledge and a chance to apply classroom concepts.

Building Relationships

Don’t overlook the importance of building and maintaining relationships this summer. Strengthening bonds with college friends and nurturing connections with family can provide emotional support when times get tough. Consider hosting a barbecue or heading out for a fun day with friends from your freshman year.

Prioritizing Personal Development

Summer is also a perfect time for personal growth. Returning home to see "old friends" may also reignite interest in sports or hobbies. Whether it’s joining a local club, attending workshops, or indulging in fun novels, personal development plays a key role in enhancing your college experience. With any luck, you'll return to campus in the fall ready to succeed academically!

Preparing Financially

As you gear up for sophomore year, assessing your financial health is no small task. Create a budget that aligns with your lifestyle needs for the upcoming school year. Consider expenses like tuition, textbooks, housing, and social outings. Perhaps you'll need to renew or re-apply for scholarships during the summer months. Be sure to review any institutional aid offered freshman year and complete renewal packages by deadlines. The average college student spends about $1,240 on textbooks and supplies each year, so plan accordingly - summer is an excellent time to work, apply and save money!

Looking to the Future

As summer draws to a close, it’s time to anticipate what your sophomore year holds. Prepare to face new challenges and embrace more responsibilities in your academic and personal life.

Start gathering necessary textbooks and organizing your supplies to avoid the chaotic back-to-school rush in the fall. Set specific goals for what you want to achieve academically and socially. Write these down and keep them visible to remind yourself of your ambitions.

Need assistance with college planning? Feel free to contact me to discuss how Aspen Ed can support your student's goals after high school.

Is this American education system in crisis?

Buckle up folks, it's going to be a bumpy ride! Yesterday, hundreds of Department of Education employees received noticed to stay home and many, will likely be laid off before March 21, 2025.

For consultants AND educators like myself, the future is unknown and the state of education is unstable - to say the least. I am sharing an podcast from NPR (2025) which I know is "left leaning" and I am also sharing an article from The Hill (2023) which tends to lean "right." Regardless of your political persuasion, I hope every student and parents of current students or future students will take some time to consider the impact of dismantling the Department of Education.

First, many believe there is duplicity in job focus or goals between the Department of Education's protection of civil rights (Title I) and the Department of Justice's investigation & prosecution of civil rights violations. Removing the Department of Education could result in a single agency handling all claims, investigations and case resolution - to include guidance on punishment, policy changes or other federal regulatory processes. Will personnel at the Department of Justice have the time, expertise and resources to carry-out the newly assigned duties?

Second, with half of the Department of Education's federal arm laid off, what national guidance remains to standardize education policy? While there have been controversial ideas and themes taught at various levels of K-12 education, this is NOT NEW. Prior to the Department of Education being created, many women in the 1950s and 1960s were discouraged from attending post-secondary education and while in high school, assigned to tracts in shorthand, typewriting, filing and other secretarial-type work. During the same time, men who returned from military service used GI Bills to attend college, enter the work force in manufacturing and industry; however, the gender-based education was questioned for discriminatory practices, finally being removed. Brown v. Board of Education (1954) ended segregation in public schools and Perez v. Sturgis (2023) allowed students with special needs to seek redress when their rights to free public education had been violated. Will these landmark cases remain without strong federal support?

Some claim the Department of Education has overstepped and infringed upon parental rights regarding content taught in public schools. Yet, history about racial violence, discrimination, religious conflict, science of evolution versus creation and many more topics have more than one viewpoint. Science-backed research with data & facts exist for every conversation on these topics and more than one view exists. This is not infringment of parental rights. Instead, teaching students to think critically about the information they receive and interpret data from their own perspective is the foundation of a strong citizenship. Without any regulation or standardization of education expectations, states and local governments will be left to determine curriculum, hiring practices, use of student test scores (if testing even remains) and other means to evaluate the progress and even future employment opportunities for graduates. Do you know who is on your school board? Do you know what policies your school board may implement that may help or hinder your student?

Finally, the push for manufacturing jobs. will not be as swift and within the old-style, assembly line context as many may envision. Instead, I am sharing links to a recent report/article from Jasmine Cui (2025) at MSNBC analyzing the challenges facing the new American manufacturing revoluation. There is an international landscape based on trade, manufacturing and consumerism that left unchecked to a free-market, can self-correct. I am not an economist, however, I do understand the basics of supply and demand related to pay and ability to purchase. When those concepts are connected to a shaky education system, I am fearful for the future. Having an uneducated electorate does not serve the future success of a nation - history tells us that.

This Forbes article (2025) details the level of education and makes future predictions for what manufacturing will look like under the new administration. We may have supply chain issues for components needed to manufacture goods in the United States. We may have a demand for tech saavy and forward-thinking business managers - both require formal training and certifications linked to post-secondary education. What will be the determining factors for who gets higher paying jobs and who fills the assembly line vacancies?

The bottom line: the national conversation and debate on higher tariffs, increased manufacturing, inflation and gutting several federal agencies, not just the Department of Education, will have monumental impacts to every American - regardless of your political persuasion. Without an informed citizenry taught to question authority and think critically, the American education system is in crisis.

How is AI used in College Admissions?

AI is playing a growing role in assisting students with the college application process by providing guidance, streamlining tasks, and improving accessibility. Here are some key ways AI can help your student apply to college:

1. College Matching and Recommendations

AI-powered platforms analyze students' academic records, extracurricular activities, interests, and preferences to suggest colleges that align with their goals. These tools consider factors such as location, financial aid, program strengths, and campus culture to personalize recommendations.

2. Application Assistance and Essay Feedback

AI tools like Grammarly and ChatGPT help students refine their application essays by providing feedback on grammar, structure, and clarity. Some platforms even analyze tone and alignment with a school’s values to help applicants improve their personal statements.

3. Deadline and Requirement Tracking

AI-powered apps help students manage application deadlines, required documents, and financial aid forms. These tools send reminders and ensure students don’t miss important dates.

4. Test Preparation and Skill Enhancement

AI-driven tutoring platforms such as Khan Academy, Duolingo, and Magoosh personalize learning experiences to help students prepare for standardized tests like the SAT, ACT, and TOEFL. These tools adapt to a student’s strengths and weaknesses, optimizing study plans.

5. Financial Aid and Scholarship Matching

AI assists students in finding relevant scholarships and financial aid opportunities based on their background, achievements, and financial need. Platforms like Scholly and Fastweb use AI to recommend scholarships students are most likely to qualify for.

6. AI Chatbots for Instant Support

Many colleges use AI-powered chatbots to answer students' questions about admissions, tuition, and campus life. These chatbots provide instant responses and are available 24/7, making it easier for students to get the information they need.

7. Plagiarism and Authenticity Checks

AI is used by colleges to detect potential plagiarism in application essays, ensuring fairness in the admissions process. Students can also use plagiarism-checking tools to ensure their essays are original before submission.

Interested in streamlining your admissions process? Let me know!