Senioritis, a phrase invented by students, describes a state in which high school students in their senior year lose their motivation to do their work. With a play on words, the suffix “-itis” implies that it’s like a type of disease. Many students who suffer from senioritis begin to see their grades slipping, as they lose their incentive to do their work. Seniors often lose their motivation to do their work because they are about to graduate, and many have only five to six class periods. In the cluster of all the exciting events and shortened school days, school begins to feel optional for seniors.
I first heard this term freshman year, and I thought it was hilarious. To me, the word senioritis sounded so dramatic. A disease that impairs your ability to do school work did not sound real. I did not believe that when I became a senior, I would be feeling the effects of senioritis, especially so early in the school year. After three long years of high school, I feel that I am losing my academic momentum.
As I came to the realization that I was developing this laziness, I began thinking about ways to overcome it. Here are some suggestions for my fellow seniors combating senioritis:
Get Rid of Distractions
Putting away your phone when you’re doing work is essential to being productive. Making sure you’re in a quiet, distraction-free environment will help you get your work done and earn back some motivation.
Stay Organized
Keeping your work organized will help you not fall behind and stay motivated. Also, keeping your notes organized will be helpful when it comes time to study for midterms! Moreover, keeping a to-do list helps keep you on track, leaving you less time to procrastinate.
Set Goals
Setting goals as a senior reminds you of what you are working towards. Whether you set a goal to earn a certain grade in a class or to turn in an assignment by a certain deadline, you are setting yourself up to stay on task.
Break it Up
Break up your assignments into smaller chunks, so it is easier for you to get your work done. Maybe complete half of your homework one night, and the other half another night before it’s deadline. Make your work digestible so you feel more motivated to do it.
Create a Study Group
You are not alone. Chances are, your friends are also suffering from senioritis. Set up a study group with your friends to complete your assignments. Having people with you can motivate you to do your work.
Get Involved
It’s your last year! Get involved by joining clubs and going to school events. Some events that are coming up soon are homecoming dance, which is on October 25th, and the SNHS/NHS haunted house, which is on October 30th.
Have Fun
The most important part of senior year is having fun. This is our last year as high schoolers, and we should do everything in our power to make the most of it. Make sure to spend time with your friends, and participate in as many activities as possible!
