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
March 24, 2025
Sara Beqiraj ’25 Pursues Passion for Medicine
“Given my early passion in medicine, I knew F&M would be the right place for me,” says Sara Beqiraj, a biochemistry and molecular biology major and Spanish minor. See what she learned in the science lab and beyond at F&M.
March 13, 2025
Turning College Dreams Into Global Goals
With a passion for psychology and natural gift for helping others, April Rump ’25 set her sights on F&M, a college she said “just felt right.” Financial aid played a crucial role in her journey, empowering her to not only attend F&M, but study abroad as well. “F&M provided the space for me to grow and explore, making a difference in my life in ways I never imagined,” she said.
February 27, 2025
From Classroom to Published Research: Seizing Every Opportunity at F&M
Jackson Milone ’25 isn’t waiting for medical school to make his impact in the sciences — he’s already done it: He’s a co-author for two peer-reviewed papers. He volunteers for Crisis Text Line. And, he's worked with F&M Dining staff to ensure students with medical conditions have additional meal options and flexibility.