Senioritis is in the Air

By Kevin Hart

Los Angeles Times

​     Senioritis: a deadly and depressing disease. A scourge among a majority of the senior population and even present in a minority of juniors. However, senioritis is easily preventable, and not by vaccine, but by self-control. 
​        Senioritis as defined by Urban Dictionary is, “A crippling disease that strikes high school seniors. Symptoms include: laziness, an over-excessive wearing of track pants, old athletic shirts, and other commodities. Also features a lack of studying, repeated absences, and a generally dismissive attitude. The only known cure is a phenomenon known as graduation.”

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     Senioritis has sprung up everywhere, beginning on the first few days of school. Already, administrators and teachers alike have had to warn students of this problem. Yet, the bad habits some seniors develop are easily preventable. The College Board even provides a few tips that seniors can use to help prevent the onset of senioritis:
  “Urge them to take the most rigorous courses available, including AP courses…” Obviously, it is recommended that students not slack off. In fact, students should challenge themselves with the courses they select. Though taking a vacation after three tough years sounds nice, colleges can easily rescind a decision to accept you if you slack off senior year. Is it really worth losing your priority college and potentially your backup colleges because you felt that you could lay low on work in your final year?
    “Avoid obsessing over the admissions process.” Focusing too much energy on the college application process may result in a lack of focus on regular academic coursework. I asked Matilde Bechet of The Harbour Voice how she balances senior year and the admissions process, and she revealed, “I only do college work on the weekends to avoid unnecessary stress. It’s important to develop a balanced schedule that works for you.” Students should also feel comfortable seeking help from their parents. “My parents also help me when it comes to college work,” reveals Bechet. After all, asking for a little help can go a long way.
   “Enjoy their senior experience— responsibly.” Sometimes, you need to relax and just take a breather. No student should spend all of his or her spare time completing an endless amount of work; you’ll burn out if you give yourself too much work. Go hang out with friends. Go see a movie. Go read a book (for fun). Just take some personal time for yourself and your family. 
     Sure, I might not be a senior, but all of us have half the brain to realize that senioritis is a problem that only you can combat. Senioritis is not joke, and if you take it as one, you’re not going to have the most pleasant of times as you make your way through senior year.