The final trimester of the 23-24 school year is finally here. As summer approaches, students typically become focused on just getting past these last few months before summer, but it is a whole different level for the senior class. Only March, April and May are left until seniors leave high school behind forever and embark elsewhere. But it seems as if they are less focused on finishing and more focused on leaving, an illness that many seniors seem to have caught: “senioritis”. 

Although not a real illness, senioritis refers to the decline in motivation that seniors tend to feel as they go through their last year. That could include not working as hard, skipping more classes, feeling drained or just an overall slump with wanting to be done.

Many Liberty students can agree that they seem to have caught this “bug”.

“I am losing motivation to do my school work as I am ready to be done. It is hard to keep myself motivated for school because I have all of my credits to graduate. Class doesn’t seem as relevant as it used to. At the beginning of the year I was on top of all of my class work and as the year has gone by that has started to slip away,” said Landon Peoples, 12. 

When people are already accepted into college, it may feel like there is no reason to be at school anymore. 

“I think it’s hard to stay motivated as I’ve been working really hard all throughout high school and now that I’m already accepted into the college. There isn’t as much incentive to try,” Cori Mac, 12, stated.

A lot of motivation for trying in school stems from the desire for good grades and getting into college, but once you reach that goal, students may not see that point anymore. If the “reward” was college, and not just learning for the sake of gaining knowledge, then there may be no more accomplishments to drive for.

Although, some people may also just be ready for that next step of what college has to offer. 

“I’m excited [to go to college] because it’s a new chapter of my life. I can’t wait to see what it’s like to live on my own and see how it’s different from highschool,” said Taya Zapf, 12.

Although exciting, the more fearful aspect of leaving may be hindering. Seniors also have additive stress from the pressures of what the future might entail. They have to try to focus on school, while at the same time figuring their life out. 

“I am excited to graduate at the end of this year, but also very stressful [with ] knowing there are endless possibilities on what to do with my life after high school,” added Peoples.

The pressures of worrying about paying for college, getting into top schools, choosing what you want to pursue and taking more challenging courses all have effects on seniors. According to the JED foundation, too much stress can lead to decreased motivation, lack of sleep and fatigue, anxiety and depression. All of these can impact a student’s “want” to go to school, especially their senior year. 

Even though it can be difficult, students still acknowledge putting forth effort as school comes to a close. 

“[School still matters] because you need to prepare yourself for the workload you are going to get in college,” said Zapf.

It is important to keep working hard and as best as you can for these next few months. As exciting or scary it can be, there is value in trying to stay focused and the end will be here before you know it.