First-year students' control over their blocking groups is important because their acquaintances may be scattered next fall.

"I'm kind of anxious to find out where I'll be, but there are no huge concerns," Ruiz said. "It's nice to have everything really close by and having all of your classmates nearby, but it's not a huge deal." William P. Bohlen

SOPHOMORE SPRING: Taking Over

After a year and a half sophomores know the ropes--they've chosen their concentrations and adjusted to their Houses. For many sophomores, spring semester is the time to assume leadership roles in student organizations.

"During sophomore year, it's easier to take on a lead role in an extracurricular, not only because you have more experience, but because you know what your interests are and you can dedicate more time to one or a few particular organizations," says Jamie H. Ginott '01, chair of the fellows committee at the Institute of Politics (IOP).

However, taking on a leadership role as asophomore student can be intimidating, says Anne L. Berry '01-'00, who is president of both the Harvard-Radcliffe Republican Club and the Catholic Students Association.

"I think you have more to prove when you're an underclassman, especially when you're running against upperclassmen who expect to get the spot," Berry says.

Michael A. Kay '01, chair of Harvard-Radcliffe Hillel, admits to feeling somewhat strange in his new post as well.

"It is a little intimidating to be running a meeting at which I am the youngest participant," he says.

Other students were more comfortable with assuming their new roles. Joseph N. Sanberg '01, president of the Harvard-Radcliffe College Democrats, says he was not intimidated by the responsibility.

"Everyone in the organization is really energetic," Sanberg says. "They'll accept anyone who shares that energy."

Despite their busy schedules, sophomores say they don't regret the amount of time that they pour into extracurricular activities.

"I sometimes feel like I could spend more time partying and doing schoolwork without these responsibilities, but then I realize that I would probably end up wasting it on television or video games," says Jonathan M. Vatner '01, vice president and financial manager of Harvard-Radcliffe Television.

Sanberg says balance and teamwork are key to managing classwork and a leadership role in a student organization.

"It's important to strike a balance and along with that, it's important to make sure you're not a one person show." Sanberg says.   Mary C. Cardinale