7 ways to avoid “senioritis”

By: Lexie Nixon

There are 3 months before graduation, meaning kids are starting to slack off. One major problem that comes up is senioritis. Senioritis is when seniors develop a lack of motivation or decline in performance nearing the ending of their final year in high school.

LeeAnna Linton would describe it as “when you get to the dull parts of the year and you're ready for summer to start. You're just ready to be out of school for the year. I don’t think it just happens to seniors, I think it can happen to anyone.”

Think you’re struggling with this? Here are 7 ways to prevent or lower symptoms of senioritis:

1. Make sure you stay focused.  Stop focusing on all of the reasons you shouldn’t have to be in high school anymore. Instead, think about why you still want to be in high school. You are surrounded by friends who encourage you every day in a positive environment.
2. Make sure you stay organized.  Make sure you don’t neglect your planners.  They are a great way to maintain a proper schedule and are there to help you manage your time better. When you write down your daily assignments, you always have something to refer to, so you don’t forget and get late homework!
3. Keep your eye on the prize.  Remember why you worked so hard all four years of high school and use that as a goal to keep you motivated. Without motivation, we lose interest and start slacking. Graduation is right around the corner and you’ll finally get that diploma!
4. Think of how far you have come.  Instead of thinking how many days are left in the school year, think of how far you have come. You just survived four years of high school and are a soon-to-be college freshman. You have come too far to start slacking now.
5. Think of yourself as a college student in training.  This year is a transition to prepare you for college and your future careers. You won’t be able to slack off then, so don’t start now!
6. Keep each other in check.  Have your friends keep you in check. If you see each other slacking, speak up and remind them of why they are really here. Everyone needs a little reminder every once in awhile.
7. Your college admission isn’t set in stone.  Just remember, the college who accepted you can always change their minds. If your grades change or your performance standards drop, then a college could withdraw their acceptance.

Overall, these seven tips are sure to help you survive your senior year at New Haven High School.