Senioritis plagues the upper class

By JORDAN SNYDER

A lack of motivation and unwillingness to do anything is a familiar feeling among members of the senior class.

This “senioritis,” as it is referred to, stems from the overwhelming events that occur during senior year.

Many students, however, make the claim that senioritis is not a real thing, it is simply something seniors claim as an excuse for why their grades begin to slip during that final year.

Senioritis is a colloquial term used in the U.S. and Canada to describe the decreased motivation toward studies displayed by students who are nearing the end of their high school, college of graduate school careers. Senioritis is not actually a diagnosable medical condition, but it can exhibit symptoms of depression and social withdrawal in students. Students who suffer from senioritis tend to become apathetic toward school-related activities, such as sports, extracurricular clubs and performance-oriented classes. This is not how senior year should be.

The type of senioritis and its impact varies widely from student to student, ranging from feeling apathetic about attending class and school in general to an overwhelming pressure to succeed and prepare for life after college.

Most students fall in between these two extremes of senioritis with a feeling of wanting to work hard to meet academic obligations but becoming more and more interested in spending time with friends instead.

Laura McMullen, who writes for U.S. News and World Report, said there are ways for seniors to beat this ailment.

Her first suggestion is to take care of oneself. Students should make sure to get plenty of sleep, limit the number of all nighters pulled. Students should also eat properly and get some sort of exercise in throughout the week. Second, stay organized and prioritize. Students should make sure there is time in their schedule to get all their work done as well as make time for all the social events that senior years brings.

Third, get motivated, “Your motivation at the end of your senior year…is a pretty good indication in terms of your motivation for the next stage of your life,” said Sara Hamon, assistant dean of undergraduate studies at Florida State University. Hamon suggested students learn how to find their own inner motivation.

Finally, be realistic John Stoner history professor and undergraduate adviser at the University of Pittsburgh, said he is seen many seniors who do not seem to understand just how hard it is to get hired after graduation or accepted to graduate school.

This is a reminder that seniors need to stay on top of their schooling, future employers will look at a decline during senior year and realize that type of student is not the one they want to hire. To all seniors, remember to make senior year a memorable one, but also stay on top of your schooling. Your future is dependent on it.