As the seasons change, so do the semesters in school and the drive of many seniors. Many seniors experience the phenomenon known as “senioritis” – a lack of motivation that makes it difficult for seniors to get out of bed and come to school. Characteristics of senioritis include procrastination, struggling to stay engaged, and, as a result, decreased academic performance. However, with only a few months left of school, the excitement in the air is palpable.
RM seniors aren’t immune to this affliction, either. “The biggest things that keep me motivated are thinking about how graduation is coming soon and I also don’t want any of my college acceptances to be rescinded,” senior Rachel Roberts said.
Succumbing to senioritis can have more serious consequences. It’s possible for universities to rescind acceptances if there is evidence of neglecting to attend classes or maintain grades. Senioritis doesn’t come in any one shape or size. It can come in many forms, but it most commonly manifests in a general lack of initiative to do homework or desire to be productive. “Senioritis affects me in many ways, but most of the time I just have no motivation to come to school because I think I can do work when I’m at home,” Roberts said. Many times seniors believe they can do more at home, and thus don’t feel the need to come to school, however, there are other factors to consider.
Seniors aren’t the only people affected by senioritis, as their teachers also feel the repercussions. “I try to have more engaging activities that are hands-on and will pique their interest,” AP Human Geography and AP Government teacher Andrea Lyons said. “I also try to build relationships with them to make them want to come.”
Not only is this time of the year difficult for the seniors, but it also has an impact on the teachers who spend hours before and after school to plan engaging lessons only for half of their students to either not show up or not bother to put effort into them. “One piece of advice I would give to seniors experiencing senioritis right now is in the real world no one will be forgiving of your lack of motivation, and continuing to build these bad habits will have damaging effects on you later in life,” Ms. Lyons said.
Students in other grades are affected by senioritis as well. “I have faced challenges in my classes because some of my senior friends don’t show up. When they don’t show up I don’t have as many people to talk to,” junior Noah Kolchins said.
In addition to less communication between classmates, senioritis also creates a disadvantage in learning. It is harder to pay attention when students walk into class late, as it disrupts the teachers and other students. “Seniors should try their best to go to all of their classes because they only have three months left and they are in the final stretch,” junior Ewina Chen said.
