Merriam-Webster defines senioritis as “an ebbing of motivation and effort by school seniors as evidenced by tardiness, absences, and lower grades.” In other words, it’s the tendency of nearly graduated students to preemptively feel done.
According to a survey referenced in the illustrious Scot Scoop journal, 72% of seniors admit to having senioritis. The remainder of the survey participants are, of course, dirty liars.
So what is to be done about this apparent plague of lackadaisical attitudes towards school? Is this disease endemic, or can we find a cure? Will we have to take senioritis boosters?
Myself being a patient of senioritis, I’ll attempt to sum up a few tips that have helped me:
- Stay Goal Oriented
The best feature of Canvas is its Calendar page. It tells you exactly what you need to turn in, and when. Use it to plan ahead. Instead of surfing through the Modules page, clueless as to what your next move should be, look at the milestones set before you and be practical.
- Positively Reinforce
Trade work-time for play-time. And make a point to remember the positive feelings that arise from having completed your work on time in a way that makes you proud.
- This is Temporary
You’ll graduate soon. So take the bitter pill and realize that the remainder of your schoolwork is no more than a necessary prologue to the rest of your life. Do your bit now, and you’ll be happy in the future.
- Smile for the Camera
Don’t be afraid of success! The transition from college to career is stressful, but it’s possible to be graceful as opposed to melting down. I may not know you, reader, but rest assured that your ability to succeed relies heavily on your ability to be confident in your accomplishments. Look backward, see how much you’ve grown, and smile for the camera.
