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
April 30, 2026
First-Year Students Honored for Excellence in Writing
Three Franklin & Marshall College first-year students were recently recognized for their exemplary writing across a wide range of subjects they discovered through their Connections courses, which are explicitly designed to help new students explore and answer complex questions related to real-world issues.
April 27, 2026
F&M Launches Partnership with Carnegie Mellon University’s Heinz College for Scholarship Program in Policy, Tech, and Arts Graduate Programs
Franklin & Marshall College and Carnegie Mellon University’s Heinz College of Information Systems and Public Policy announced a new partnership to provide pathways for F&M students into high-demand graduate programs in public policy, technology, and the arts, offering a meaningful tuition support and access to industries including government, technology, cybersecurity, and entertainment.
April 17, 2026
‘This is What Community Feels Like’
At the Writers House, Veronique Messanh ’26 found more than a job—she found a home. “I remember thinking: ‘This is what community feels like,’” she said. “I will forever be grateful for having a community that sees me, hears me, and encourages me!”