Senioritis is, in fact, not an actual disease. It is instead a term used by seniors to convey a decline in determination and motivation. In other words, it means that they are fed up and ready to get out. I hear a lot of seniors use senioritis as an excuse to get out of doing things as if they are on some pedestal that makes them superior. As a senior, I think senioritis is a bunch of nonsense. Completing high school is the literal bare minimum, yet we have seniors walking around like they deserve a medal of honor for making it to twelfth grade. I know that some seniors who claim to have senioritis are just really excited to graduate from high school. In that case, I get it but at the same time, they should enjoy this year as much as possible. Before we know it, it’s gonna be over and from what I’ve heard, the real world isn’t as fun as school. So my philosophy is: enjoy it as much as you can while it lasts, and once it’s over, move on with your life. 

But why do so many high school seniors diagnose themselves with senioritis? I took to the hallways to ask real-life seniors why they think this is. I asked Abby Ice if she experienced senioritis, and she said this: “I’ve experienced senioritis since I was a freshman. I’m taking really hard classes, and it’s a lot of work. I’ve struggled with this disease for four years now, and I’m over it.” I then asked her what she thought about people who think that senioritis is a hoax, and she said, “ Anyone who thinks that is wrong.” Although Abby sees no issue with it, others do.  I asked my friend, Daisie Townley, what her thoughts were and she said, “If you experience senioritis, it’s time to grow up. Life is hard and that’s that. You can’t make excuses and complain your way through life. Be happy that you made it to senior year and go on with your day.” Daisie took a more blunt approach to the question. But she has a point, complaining won’t get you anywhere. 

I think that if you are so burnt out to a point where you are using senioritis as an excuse to be lazy and get out of doing things, then you need to stop doing so much. Rest is important and it’s ok to lighten your schedule. Things you could do to rest would be taking a nap, walking in the park, hanging out with friends, and not studying for a few nights. Also, hang out with friends, talk to your parents, stroke your cat, and go for a drive. These things will calm your mind and prevent you from being tired. How do I know this? I know because I do these things when I am tired. I also play video games and go for runs when I am stressed or worried. These are the steps you can take to combat senioritis. 

Overall, Senioritis is in my opinion, a hoax and you should not use the fact that you are doing the bare minimum as an excuse to complain and be lazy. Plus, next year most of us will be freshmen again anyway. If you feel burnt out, take a nap. That’s pretty much my thoughts on senioritis. Hopefully, this will cure your case.