F&M Stories
Behind the Scenes: Sophomore Sojourn
A space to reflect. A time to set intentions. A place to bond with peers.
These are all takeaways from the Sophomore Sojourn, a recent Franklin & Marshall College tradition open to students in their second year on campus.
Forty F&M students traveled in mid-October to Gretna Glen Camp and Retreat Center, an idyllic woodland property in nearby Lebanon County.
“They’ve had their first full year that was focused on exploration and understanding and who they are: The things that they came to college to do, and the things that they want to be doing. By the time they hit their sophomore year, they have this base experience to reflect,” said Matt Thomas ’10, director of leadership and education.
The overnight sojourn schedule included archery, canoeing and kayaking, a climbing
wall, sunrise yoga and hiking, creating art in nature, learning about native flora
and fauna, and conversation around a campfire.
“I think I have a better understanding of myself and my place at F&M. Connecting with the facilitators and peers in the small group reflections gave me the space and freedom to really analyze my growth at F&M and inspire me to try new opportunities going forward,” said Lea Cutolo ’27, of Queens, N.Y., who intends to major in biology.
“As a result of the sojourn, I am feeling more connected with my peers and have been able to connect with more people on campus because I'm now in a mindset of stepping out of my bubble and meeting new people,” said Liam McEwan ’27, who hails from Brooklyn, N.Y., and intends to major in dance.
The retreat also left plenty of space for self-reflection.
“I have gained a better understanding of my life goals. I was reminded of the importance of being mindful and setting intentions every step of the way,” said Michelle Baeza ’27, of Hollywood, Fla.
“I feel the sojourn provided me with valuable reflective opportunities and bonding with others to get to know them and myself simultaneously,” said Baeza, who intends to pursue a joint major in business, organizations & society and public health.
The Sophomore Sojourn occurs during an important chapter of the journey for all F&M students: the semester prior to declaring a major.
“They are stepping into their new home by declaring a major and connecting more deeply within their department. They're undergoing a transformative experience,” Thomas said.
Related Articles
August 5, 2026
Shaping Policy and Careers: F&M Alumni Share Opportunities in Government
Erin Corrigan ’22 is helping to plan initiatives at the highest levels of state government just a few years after graduation, thanks to advice and support from her F&M alumni mentor, Trustee Akbar Hossain ’13. “F&M alumni are here to help support you,” she said. “It’s F&M’s culture to help lift up the next generation.”
August 3, 2026
‘Edinburgh, the Isles, and Beyond’: Eleanor Metz ’27 Shares Her Journey Exploring Scottish Archaeology
Eleanor Metz ’27 long dreamed of exploring archaeological sites across the United Kingdom. The F&M anthropology major made this a reality, not once, but twice. “Studying abroad involved taking a risk and moving out of my comfort zone, but it has been the most formative part of my college experience,” Metz said.
July 30, 2026
Where Creativity Meets Innovation: Bringing a New Investment in Entrepreneurship to F&M
Franklin & Marshall College will develop and pilot a new entrepreneurship center – the Venture and Impact Studio – thanks to support from alumni entrepreneurs. The Center will integrate innovation, problem-solving, and entrepreneurial skill-building across the curriculum and throughout F&M's campus.