���챬��

When friends and family back home asked why I was returning to Mount Holyoke so early, I gave this answer. “I’m doing this thing called Sophomore Institute. … It’s a career readiness program, but I’m not sure what to expect.” I knew that my dad, who has been telling me to utilize the Career Development Center from the moment I arrived, would be especially thrilled that I chose to devote three and a half days to my career readiness.

After experiencing the sophomore slump, a period of decreased motivation felt by many college second-years, I decided I had nothing to lose by giving this new experience my all. Before the week began, I set a clear intention that no matter how tired I felt (or how snowy it became), I would attend every session available to me, and I am grateful that I did.

Once I finally developed self-confidence during my first year here at Mount Holyoke, I quickly set some ambitious career goals. I knew, however, that if I wanted to become a successful entrepreneur in the wellness industry, I needed to start being that version of myself now, and Sophomore Institute was the perfect time to put my new habits to the test.

Remaining energized and engaged for the duration of the conference was challenging, but approaching this experience as the version of myself I wanted to become made it so much easier. I definitely had to get out of my comfort zone by networking with alums after panels and asking questions during sessions, but embodying my new persona, Future Professional Mia, gave me that extra bit of confidence.

There was truly so much to take away from this experience, including receiving wisdom from Mount Holyoke alums who spoke in specialized panels, discussing our career goals with our student cohorts and getting the chance to conduct both group and individual informational interviews. I was convinced (at long last) to finally set up a LinkedIn profile, and it has since become my latest obsession. Shoutout to Leise Jones ’01, who took the most incredible professional headshots.

Oddly enough, the best thing I learned from Sophomore Institute was that it is perfectly okay not to have it all figured out. Just about every alum who shared the story of their career path has been on a professional journey with many twists and turns, and they encouraged us to remain open to new and unexpected opportunities. While it is motivating to set ambitious goals and strategize on how you will achieve them, I learned that it is also okay to change your mind, face unexpected obstacles and even fail sometimes. Mount Holyoke has a wonderful way of teaching us to learn and grow, even after we’ve stepped through the gates at graduation, and it is clear that these skills informed the futures of every alum we spoke to.

In addition to my new favorite T-shirt, I also left Sophomore Institute with wisdom that I know will stick with me throughout my life. I discovered the values I seek in a career, how to navigate imposter syndrome and, most importantly, that the Mount Holyoke community is here to support me at every step along my career journey.

When you’ve been afflicted with the sophomore slump, it’s easy to feel directionless and unmotivated. However, channeling Future Professional Mia throughout Sophomore Institute reminded me that the goals I once thought were distant and unattainable could actually serve as the motivation I need to become the best version of myself. It may have just been a mock career conference, but I will always remember this experience as the time I got my spark back by channeling my energy into what lies ahead.