Teachers and students alike are very aware of the universal terminology for a condition that most, if not all, seniors develop during their final semester of high school: senioritis. Once midyear reports are sent out to colleges, it’s almost impossible for seniors to ignore the sensation of a weight being lifted from their shoulders, which parents and teachers should anticipate.
Senioritis can hit in different ways. Some may start putting a little less effort into assignments, while others might completely lose all motivation to show up to school. However the latter is much rarer and shouldn’t be seen as the stereotype for second-semester seniors.
Unless it’s on an extremely regular basis and the senior’s grades are slipping dramatically, letting attendance slip here and there shouldn’t be as big of a deal as many teachers act like it is. In a lot of cases, hardworking high school students are capable of keeping up with their grades without being in all of their classes.
While some extend harsh punishments for those who miss class, there are also plenty of teachers who are very gracious and understanding of the issue. Any adult can think back to their own senior year and sympathize with those currently enduring the overwhelming desire to get out of high school. This sympathy should be the standard for teachers of seniors, assuming their students remain respectful and committed to the class.
Especially for ambitious seniors who decided to take a rigorous course load and are beginning to regret it, it can feel like trudging through mud just to make it to the end of a school day. This, on top of extracurricular commitments and homework, can feel unbearable. The days that used to fly by as an underclassman are suddenly starting to feel impossible.
Thankfully, each day is one step closer to the class of 2025’s sacred graduation date. While it may not be possible to fully cure senioritis, simply daydreaming of walking across the stage and receiving a diploma can temporarily ease its symptoms.
With all this talk of finishing high school, it’s easy to forget that college isn’t too far away either. After seemingly endless stress about being admitted to the perfect university, the relief of being done with applications and interviews may come more quickly than most expect. Teachers and parents could argue that developing senioritis this spring could set students out on the wrong foot when they get to campus in the fall, especially because college students aren’t pestered to show up to lectures. This could make it harder to find the motivation to stay on top of work.
Nevertheless, It’s important to keep in mind that even though motivation may seem lost, it isn’t permanently gone. Senioritis is a senior’s involuntary method of self-defense, their mind shielding themselves from taking on any unneeded additional stress after years of hard work. The passion and drive for success will return by move-in day. For now, let’s ease up on seniors and let them enjoy the months of cherished childhood that they have left.
