When students step into their sophomore year, they are already familiar with campus, but now they’re ready to go deeper. They want to find their people, grow as leaders, and start shaping what their college experience is really going to look like.
That’s exactly where Tide 2 comes in.
Launched three years ago at The University of Alabama, Tide 2 was created specifically to help sophomores build community, grow as leaders and start thinking about life beyond graduation. And since its start, the program has done just that – becoming a place where students find mentorship, purpose and long-lasting connections.
A Space to Belong
Tide 2 brings together a cohort of sophomores each academic year, creating a space where students can build relationships, explore leadership and gain confidence in who they are and where they are going.
For William Battle, a business management major from Gardendale, joining Tide 2 meant rediscovering what mattered most to him.
“Tide 2 gave me a much-needed sense of community during the end of my sophomore year, a time when I felt burnt out from trying to be involved in everything the prior year,” he said. “The program was refreshing and helped me rediscover my motivation. Since joining, I’ve grown tremendously.”
Battle was recognized as the Division of Student Life’s Tide 2 award winner this year and will be returning as a Tide 2 ambassador this upcoming academic year to help mentor the next group of students.
“I’m proud to be a part of this incredible organization and excited to return in the fall,” he said.
Real Relationships and Growth
One of the most meaningful parts of Tide 2 is its mentorship. Each student is paired with a Tide 2 ambassador, someone who has been through the program and understands what it means to be a sophomore navigating new opportunities and challenges.
For Donnetra “Dee” Freeman, a biology major from Atlanta, the impact of that support was life-changing.
“Tide 2 at The University of Alabama gave me the space to grow, to ask questions, and to breathe, something I didn’t even realize I needed as a first-gen student trying to find my footing. It helped me find my voice, my purpose, and a sense of community that reminded me I wasn’t alone,” she said.
Freeman was a member of the first Tide 2 cohort and has served as a mentor ever since. She offers this helpful advice to any student who is looking to find a way to make a true impact on themselves and UA’s campus:
“If you’re feeling unsure, out of place, or just trying to figure it all out, Tide 2 is where you’ll feel seen. It’s where you’ll start to believe in who you’re becoming, not just as a student, but as a leader, a friend, and a force for good in and outside your community.”
Leading with Heart
Leadership isn’t always about titles or positions; it’s about learning how to show up for yourself and others. That’s something Isabella Nguyen, an elementary education major from Mobile, learned firsthand.
“Tide 2 has allowed me to truly be vulnerable with others about the challenge of leadership,” she said. “I recognize that needing help is a strength, not a weakness.”
That kind of insight is what sets Tide 2 apart. It’s not just about doing more, but it’s about being more authentic, connected and confident in your ability to lead and make an impact.
The Tide 2 Legacy
Tide 2 students have gone on to take on major roles across campus from honor societies to Greek-letter organizations to leadership positions within their academic colleges. But beyond the achievements, the heart of the program is simple: connection, mentorship, and the space to grow into the person you’re meant to be.
Because in the end, Tide 2 isn’t just about what you do during your sophomore year – it’s about who you’re becoming.