The biggest stressor for seniors is trying to figure out the next four years of their lives. Some choose college, some choose trade school, some choose entering the workforce. Difficult decisions such as these can lead to a lot of contemplation on one’s future. Thinking about one’s future could lead to getting stuck there.
Senioritis is described as an ‘affliction’ of seniors categorized by a decline in motivation. Senioritis is a common experience among seniors, the loss of inspiration and laziness. Most seniors just want to coast through their classes and spend as little time at the school as possible. Having an attitude like this can lead to senioritis opposed to a full schedule with extracurriculars. The loss of motivation isn’t just an affliction that only seniors deal with, but mixed with daydreaming about the future can make it more intense for some. Herriman High senior Susanna Matthews says “Thinking about moving out and all the things I want to do has made me ready to be done.” While others use those thoughts to motivate themselves. Herriman High senior Mykenzi Kremers says “In my opinion, thinking about my future is what keeps me motivated, I have very ambitious career plans and doing well in school is how I know I’ll accomplish my goals.”
As it is earlier in the year for Herriman High, some seniors haven’t experienced overpowering senioritis. Kremers is one of them, “I have minimal amounts of burnout so far, I still care a ton about school, but I am 1000% ready for it to be over.” Burnout is a common occurrence, when a student works extremely hard they often hit a plateau. Burnout can lead to a loss of motivation and complete exhaustion which could also lead to senioritis. When asked about experiencing senioritis, Herriman High senior Emma Nagle says, “So far I haven’t really experienced it badly, but I have had the itch to get out of school.” Which is a common feeling among seniors.
High school has been a growing experience for many teens, but college will be the place they truly grow into an adult. Nagle says, “I’m excited for a new school environment and I’m really excited to live on my own and learn more about myself and my identity.” That’s the appeal of college is the independence and learning of one’s self. College has an appeal that high school can not give, thinking forward about these appeals can take one out of the moment.
While thinking about college, remember to stay in the moment. Pass your classes, make new friends, join clubs, have fun. As cliche as it is, high school only happens once, stay in the moment and enjoy it. Don’t let senioritis get in the way of living in the moment, but stay on top of the college applications. There is a balance and finding that balance is a challenge. Don’t forget to stay a kid a little longer.
