NOT JUST A LACK OF MOTIVATION

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LEVEL THE PLAYING FIELD

Senioritis is real and it affects seniors in many different ways

by Amber Winkler amberewinkler@gmail.com

It is more than a lack of motivation. It’s knowing that there is something in the future to look forward to. It’s feeling like there is nothing left to be done right now, that a waiting game is being played. Senioritis is real and it’s different for every senior.

“[Senioritis] is more of the excitement to be out into the real world and have a little bit more freedom, opposed to a lack of motivation,” Peterson said.

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“Repetitive and very tiring.”

Jada Goldenberg

“I take classes that I don’t need to, I don’t need to be here half the time.”

- Nico

Schuchman

Senioritis is commonly believed to be something made up by seniors as an excuse to not do their work and to slack off. But many seniors and the senior class counselor believe that it is something that truly does affect seniors.

“I definitely think [senioritis is] a real thing because I think you see it with students even when they’re in college too,” Class of 2023 counselor Lorraine Smith said. “I think anytime you’re looking at moving on to that next thing and feeling like you’ve already accomplished what it is that you need to accomplish here.”

There’s only one semester left. It’s when senioritis hits the hardest. Grades don’t seem to matter as much, many are already accepted into college. Other than prom, there’s not much left to look forward to. Some experience it much sooner, sometimes even as early as junior year. That’s how it was for both senior Emma Landwehr and Peterson.

“I think it leaps into junior year when you’re planning for all of it because that’s when it hit me,” Landwehr said. “Because everything seemed impossible. But there’s so much stuff to do. And then you get it done, it’s not that bad.”

“Being exhausted and not wanting to be here, but at the same time missing football games and freshman innocence.”

- Jaden Harry

“A sense of picking as easy classes as I can. I haven’t had any homework since the beginning of second semester.”

Trey Schnieder

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It affects each senior differently. Most seniors feel the general lack of motivation, but many also see the excitement for what comes next and for the freedom they will soon have. Doing the same thing everyday for 12 years has had a major effect on senior Jake Peterson and his senioritis.

Finding something to do that you love in the final semester is what Smith, Peterson and Landwehr all recommend to help with senioritis. It helps to relieve some of the dread and feelings of pointlessness.

“I think anytime that you’re able to get involved in an activity and be a part of something that doesn’t feel like school can be helpful in keeping you engaged and motivated to still come to school and to still be a part of what’s going on here,” Smith said.

“Loss of motivation, really tired all the time.”

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Peyton woods

“Stressful. I feel like I don’t have enough time on my hands and I feel like skipping one or two classes will give me more time.”

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Zoe Barron