We have reached the time of year where college decisions are being made, and seniors can see the light at the end of the tunnel, also known as graduation. This is the moment that us seniors have been waiting for our entire high school career. Seniors who will participate in the Senior Project, which will begin on May 22, envision the end approaching even sooner than expected. This can be an exciting time, but seniors should use caution during these final months.

Senioritis is a term characterized by a decline in motivation and performance of seniors that are nearing the end of their high school career. The condition can be manifested in several ways. Senior Lydia Corcoran says, “I slack off by not putting in the extra effort, like if I am given the chance to redo an assignment I won’t do it.” This is different than the frequent laziness that most students experience during the school year. Senioritis is unique because we disregard the last few months of high school because we feel the future is more important.

Senior year is a bittersweet and nostalgic time. Nate LaPointe, a 2016 graduate of KHS and a victim of senioritis, agrees. He says, “people don’t realize there are many ‘lasts’ that fly by right before their eyes.” Between final sports games, homecomings, proms, and spirit weeks it is easy to watch the time go by without fully appreciating it. When looking back on his final months of high school, LaPointe says he “over-anticipated the next chapter of my life, so I missed some of those ‘lasts’.” Corcoran admits, “I don’t want to leave such a familiar place, but I am sick of the same routine.” The anticipation for college and the future surpasses the motivation to stay focused on this chapter of our lives.

If you find yourself experiencing senioritis, there are a few strategies you can use to avoid complete fallback. LaPointe suggests staying as involved as you can, “participate in spirit week, go to games and meetings, and enjoy the time with your friends.” It is easy to take things for granted, especially when your days are becoming more routine. Stay focused and take it slow in these last few months, they go by faster than you think.

Underclassmen: be careful on how you approach your senior year. Take it from me and other seniors; appreciate the time you have. You may find yourself eager for the future, which is exciting, but keep it in perspective.