The final weeks of school are slowly coming at Ipswich High, especially for the senior class. Senior students have entered the last quarter of their K-12 career. Many students have already decided their future path after they graduate whether it’s college, trades, or a gap year. Those decisions are relieving to students, but can also be the underlying cause of the senioritis/senior slide. Senioritis is a word describing the lack of motivation felt by students who are reaching the end of their courses. The Tiger Transcript decided to investigate if IHS seniors have fallen victim to this detrimental disease.
In an article by the University of the People it states, “When you have been on the path to achieve so much in such a little time, you may feel fatigued or burned out. For high school students, getting accepted into the college of their choice may have felt like a life-long goal for which they’ve maxed out their energy.” In addition, it outlines that another source of senioritis is from students “eagerly awaiting graduation, they may start to slip focus from the tasks at hand for finishing up the year.” These causes of senioritis are dramatic with only weeks left till the class of 2024 graduates. Although students of all ages start to slow down towards the end of school, the twelfth grade drops significantly in effort.
Furthermore, Hillary Shields, an academic advisor from Southern New Hampshire University characterizes the symptoms of senioritis as, “a drop in grades, not completing assignments, procrastination and loss of interest in studies. You might even start skipping class or turning in work that is subpar.” These signs of lack of motivation have been a talking point between students as they begin to refuse putting in effort in classes. The Tiger Transcript asked senior Anna Pitner if she has fallen victim to these tendencies. “I have trouble getting assignments done on time, I will put in the tiniest amount of effort on an assignment, like only answering the first question,” Pitner said. In addition she stated, “Once I got accepted into my first college, it hit me that I don’t really have to do anything anymore.” While these tendencies may not be seen in some students, it still affects a range of people in all course levels.
Pitner also shed a light on procrastination, something that not just seniors go through but all high school students. With addictive and distracting media such as TikTok and Instagram. Students are seen using work and study time to be on the internet. “I spend a good time scrolling through instagram reels and playing games,” Pitner commented.
Upperclassmen English teacher Mrs. Mcshane gets to witness the behaviors of junior and senior students as the school year ends. “I don’t see any slipping or relaxing in my junior classes because they care. It is a big year for college,” Mcshane said. Eleventh grade students are focusing on their grades and extracurriculars so they can appeal to colleges as their college searches start. However even juniors lose motivation in the final months. Pitner commented that she “had the similar feeling towards the end of junior year, but it was much less” compared to her senior year.
Besides the fact that senioritis can affect students’ classwork. There is a list of reasons for them to stay motivated and focused. Mcshane reflected on when she was senior and said, “I cared about my parents reaction, so I never let my grades slip.” Pitner had a similar response. Lastly, Hillary Shield says the best ways to combat senioritis is “Study what interests you, get involved, start thinking about your future, set goals, and reward yourself.” With the end of the school year on the horizon seniors need to stay determined and finish the year off strong.
