As seniors work through their final quarter of high school, excitement builds for graduation. However, motivation and performance often begins to slip as students are plagued  with senioritis, which is the affliction of high school seniors characterized by general burnout.

There are many factors that can increase senioritis, including schoolwork, and extracurriculars, such as sports. Senior Nadia Gaydos talks about what makes her senioritis worse.

“My senioritis is worsened by an overload of work, as well as socially-draining activities. Being exhausted socially means I’m exhausted mentally, meaning that I have way less fuel to devote to disciplining myself to do my homework and schoolwork,” Gaydos said.

Seniors have many tactics when it comes to dealing with and overcoming senioritis. Gaydos talks about her strategies.

“Some ways that I deal with senioritis include sleeping, allowing myself time to ‘let loose’ and creating a safe space in my room for rest and relaxation,” Gaydos said.

Senior Trenten Cash adds that friends can also affect senioritis.

“Senioritis is made so much worse when your friends also have it. Them not showing up to school or coming in late makes it way harder to stay motivated to come to school,” Cash said.

Cash talks about how he deals with senioritis.

“To deal with senioritis I usually think about how hard my teachers have worked all year to get me prepared for finals. By realizing how much effort they have put in to help me, showing up to school seems much less of a hassle,” Cash said.

While it is understandable for seniors to run low on motivation, it is important to remember that finishing the year strong is important. Seniors can still look forward to prom on April 8, their final school day on May 11, senior trip on May 15, senior picnic on May 20, and graduation on May 21.

In their final moments with their peers, cherishing every moment and fighting the senioritis will make the end of their high school career the best it can be!