By Isaac Mathewson
The school year is drawing to a close. As the seniors prepare for the real world, many of them are currently going through a phase known as “senioritis.”
Senioritis is a colloquial term that describes decreased motivation in school work by high school or college seniors as their graduation draws near. It is very common among high school seniors and it is at its peak during the last month of the year.
As he prepares for college, senior Greg Micco gives his views on his senioritis.
“It’s really bad. I just want to graduate and get everything over with already.”
Micco plans on going to Ivy Tech for college, to be a major in mechanical engineering. He has already been accepted and wishes that he can get started now.
“High school is only your introduction to the real world. It isn’t until college that you actually enter it.”
Senioritis can affect people in many different ways. For one, it leads to lack of interest in school work and can cause failing grades. Although it is rare for senioritis to lead to failure to be accepted into college, it can happen.
Graduate Devon Carlisle said that she almost did not get into IUS because of her declining grades during her senior year two years ago.
“I just completely lost interest in everything; I thought that since I was already accepted, I didn’t really need to work hard anymore.”
Senioritis has also led many to consider dropping out. Senior Clay Byrd said that he had considered dropping out to go to a community college that does not require a high school diploma.
“I just don’t see a point on continuing something that will mean little or nothing to me 10 years from now.”
Several teachers have been willing to help people with senioritis in any way they can. Special education counselor Larry Schellenberg and math teacher Angela Klingsmith allow online courses for students who are on the verge of failing or even help them finish classes early.
“I have people with senioritis come up to me all the time expressing their concerns,” said Klingsmith, “I am willing to help in any way I can.”
Both Schellenberg and Klingsmith understand the plight of students with senioritis and know how common it is among teens, especially near the end of the year. They know that these students are not lazy, they are just too willing to leave. They both are available for anyone who is going through senioritis and will do anything to help that person finish high school successfully.