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
November 11, 2026
From Getting Back on Track to Giving Back: Josh Brown ’28
For Josh Brown ’28, repeated trips to his hometown sports medicine physician gave him more than a path back to competition. They gave him a path toward his future. Now a biology major at F&M, Brown is working toward becoming a physician assistant (PA). “I wanted to be able to make that same difference in people’s lives,” Brown said.
November 9, 2026
From Lancaster Streams to Canadian Lakes: Stephanie Sexton ’27 Puts Science into Action
When she arrived at F&M, Stephanie Sexton ’27 knew she wanted to study environmental science and engage in hands-on fieldwork. This summer, she turned that ambition into action, helping drive cutting-edge initiatives in F&M’s backyard while contributing to a multi-year research project abroad.
November 3, 2026
Immigration Specialist Returns to F&M as Community Fellow
F&M graduate Roger Avila-Vidal '22 draws from his own experience as an immigrant in his role as a Know Your Rights Specialist at Church World Services. He returns to campus as a Reckoning with Lancaster Community Fellow for the 2026-2027 academic year.