The blank stare. Feeling detached. Half-baked effort on academic assignments. What’s causing the slump? Senioritis. Upperclassmen have senioritis. According to an article on the ACT website, the drop in academic motivation, especially for seniors who will graduate in a couple of months, is more than just feeling tired of school. It is a real phenomenon that affects students’ productivity, focus, and drive (“How to Avoid Senioritis”).
LHS senior Spencer Swartz said he is definitely tired of going to high school.
“I have no motivation for anything. It has affected me quite a bit anxiety wise. The thought of being an adult that has no plans attending any college makes me feel like all the school work I care about is really for nothing splitting me between being careless and being filled with anxiety,” he said.
LHS senior Lillian Hayman said that senioritis has been coming on for a couple of years and she has been trying to adjust.
“I definitely feel lazy when it comes to doing my schoolwork sometimes, since it feels like I’m already so close to the finish line. However, I’m in a few CCP classes so that really forces me to apply myself. I’ll also say I was really burnt out my sophomore year, but I learned from that experience so I don’t feel as bad now,” she said.
Apparently senioritis is affecting more than academics and is exacerbated by the pressures of extracurriculars.
“Yes, jobs, clubs, and sports all contribute to my senioritis,” said Swartz.
“Literally the smallest extra task affects it so much. I can really only afford to go to wrestling practice. I have so much stress and anxiety that I don’t even attend most tournaments or meets. It affects my time outside of school greatly,” said Welden.
Hayman, too, realized that senioritis is affecting other aspects of her life.
“I feel overwhelmed sometimes due to school and work, and this leaves me feeling exhausted by the time to do my online driving school. I have to really apply myself to get it done,” she said.
Senioritis is not unusual but does present a range of consequences. In the article, “College Admission Warning: Don’t Give Up Now Seniors!” universities and colleges have been known to revoke college admissions based on a final high school transcript review to determine if a student has applied the same level of excellence that was stated in his or her application (Barnard).
”In other words, “don’t take your foot off the gas, beware of your actions, and don’t screw this up!” writes author Brennen Barnard.
Hayman said that she definitely feels the pressure of making it to the finish line successfully.
“I definitely feel pressure. The cost of college concerns me, but also just going through all the motions of applying to school, FAFSA, scholarships, etc can be overwhelming. It also feels like time has gone by so fast, and I’m not a kid anymore. I finally understand why people used to tell me to stay a kid for as long as you can,” she said.
There are ways to avoid senioritis. In an article published by Southern New Hampshire University, Faculty Training and Development Facilitator Abby Tincher said that staying motivated may battle the symptoms. She suggested that students should keep a positive attitude through to the end of the school year and to keep reminding themselves of their end goal (Wallis).
Welden said he is feeling a combination of emotions at the realization of concluding high school and moving on to adulthood.
“A sort of overwhelming relaxation. Overwhelmed due to finally becoming my own man when I leave, which is something I’ve waited twenty years for, finally being able to leave school behind, and finally taking life into my own hands,” he said.
Hayman and Swartz offered advice to younger students to help them cope with the meh feelings they have about high school.
“Build plans for your life on your own terms. Stop listening to people who don’t have what you want, but try to be open-minded of them at the same time, and of course, be on the lookout for new opportunities for success at any other given point in time,” said Swartz.
“Overall, to avoid burnout, make sure to stay on track or even ahead. Getting ahead in school is great, because then you have time to handle your other responsibilities and have fun. Make sure to make time to do what you want to do as well, and reward yourself for a job well done. Don’t be hard on yourself, high school is hard enough without you beating yourself down,” said Hayman.
