The virus has spread. The majority of Sion seniors have caught the contagion. Side effects include laziness, relaxation, and lack of motivation.
There is a name for this virus. Senioritis. Merriam-Webster dictionary describes it as “an ebbing of motivation and effort by school seniors as evidenced by tardiness, absences and lower grades.” While this definition pretty well encompasses the general notion of senioritis, the true impact of it can not be completely understood until you arrive home from the first day back from Christmas break, drowning in homework and the realization you still have about five months left of high school.
“I think every senior by now has caught senioritis,” senior Stephanie Reynolds said.
At this point in the semester, senioritis has affected different girls at different degrees. So far, a lot of girls have been able to keep themselves motivated like senior Sydney Harris. Second semester seniors are able to exempt certain finals in if they have a good academic and attendance record throughout the semester.
“Senioritis hasn’t fully kicked in because I don’t want to take any finals this semester,” Harris said.
For many students, it is much easier to stay focused during the first part of second semester. However, the closer the graduation date, the harder it becomes to ward off senioritis. Harris said she will likely feel the pressure after spring break. Senior Chris Flucke agreed saying it is difficult to avoid senioritis when in the final stretch.
“It’s tough when you can see the end of the school year,” Flucke said. “But, you still have to work.”
Senior Mary Kate Kelly agreed with Flucke but said that these feelings are not only limited to seniors. Most Sion students have started feeling the pressures of second semester. Kelly said she has learned to combat this problem by staying on track without becoming too overwhelmed by school work.
“I’ve overcome senioritis by not completely blowing off my classes and homework but by finishing all my work without the excessive stress,” Kelly said.