Seniors: not feeling as motivated as you were during junior year? It might be senioritis catching up on you. Senioritis is a term used to describe a phase most seniors suffer from, usually after finishing first semester and submitting college applications. Common emotions and habits associated with senioritis include an increase in depression, anxiety, and stress and an overwhelming urge to not be productive.

“I think it has to do with the decisions that have to be made,” said college counselor Dr. Renysha Scott. “I would call it a shift of perspective.”

“We always get excited about the idea that high school is almost over and we’ll have more freedom to come,” said senior Geovanna Ordonez, paralleling Scott’s statement.

In an informal poll on the Oarsman’s Instagram account, 85 percent of the 30 seniors that participated have opened up about having senioritis. Side effects of senioritis include failing classes, sleeping during tests and not completing homework. Luckily, many seniors can resonate with each other as they share the same struggles.

“It’s comforting to know that so many around you are struggling too, so we can encourage and sympathize with one another in these last couple months of school,” said senior Quinlan Mcknight.

Some seniors have learned how to deal with senioritis by keeping up with personal expectations, following their parents’ standards and being mindful of future situations.

“I’ve dealt with senioritis because of my fear of having my college acceptances rescinded,” said senior Christopher Nakatsuka. “I also have maintained good grades throughout all of high school, so personally, I want to keep it up in my senior year.”

When asked for advice on how to get over senioritis, students and staff responded with:

“Acknowledge how you feel and look at the positive,” said counselor Ms. Ivey Willwerth. “Focus on the positive and move on.”

“Teachers are tired too, so we get it,” said STEMM lead teacher Mr. Brent Rojo. “Just try to be as productive as possible. Because we know if you skip stuff, you’re not gonna go back and do it. And just be honest with your teacher about expectations for late work.”

“Look past the now feeling and look at the habits that you are creating that are difficult to break in the future,” said Dr. Scott.

“Colleges hope that their incoming students are using their last semester of high school as a training ground for their first semester of high school,” said STEMM counselor Ms. Jennifer Victorin. “So my advice to seniors is to be proactive and get back on track. Maintain your physical and mental health with a stable, healthy diet and reasonable workouts. Set aside time to hang out with friends you may not see for a while.”