Combatting every senior’s looming disease
By Caleb Parker
Picture of thermometer and vitamins taken by Caleb Parker
It's not hard to become ecstatic at the thought of the next school year. After all, picking and choosing your classes, meeting new friends and planning out the best method to soak up more credits can be incredibly motivating. For seniors, however, the current OHS classes can start to feel draining and monotonous around this time of year; college, new job propositions and future freedom can overwhelm the seniors’ horizon. Thankfully, teachers notice these tendencies before they sprout the festering, incurable disease of senioritis—and they have some insightful words for any who seem to be struggling for a cure.
Be organized, and set yourself clear goals
When approaching the senior sickness, recognize that the lack of motivation could be because of a lack of clarity. Keeping a clear track of the prize at the end of the year—that is, graduation—can allow senior students to get past the feeling of indecision and uncertainty.
AP English Literature teacher Sherry Beeson shares her thoughts on why some seniors she’s observed have created a domino effect within her classroom.
“[If] this kid’s going to get away with it, [and] sleep in and not do anything, why should I put forth the extra effort?” explained Beeson from a senior’s perspective.
Although the increased apathy may appear troubling to some, keeping faith in the future success will reduce the likelihood of senioritis spreading. On top of the lack of academic perseverance, some people may seem to feel somewhat disconnected from the rest of their graduating class.
Stay involved
Just because it's the end of the high school career doesn’t mean we have to be lackadaisical in our friendships and community! Staying enthralled and up to date with the last few activities seniors have left can be exceedingly helpful in boosting the morale of the individual and the people surrounding them.
“Remember that you’ve made it 13.75 school years so far,” exclaimed Beeson. “Don’t let your final 3 months ruin what you’ve accomplished.”
Activities such as Grad Bash and the senior picnic, Beeson says, will give extra encouragement to stay engaged and focused the rest of the school year.
“April starts senior conferences, [the picnic] … [and] award assemblies,” stated Beeson. “Even if you’re not going to receive an award, you should go and support people. You won’t see these people again—thanks to social media, you might hear about them, but yeah. Just enjoy being a kid before you have to be an adult.”
Maintaining the focus
Senior and skilled saxophone enthusiast Brighton Clifton explains his thoughts when it comes to knowing his priorities as a current high school student.
“I’ve kind of just taken on the attitude or perspective of, like, this is … my full-time job right now,” denoted Clifton. “I don’t necessarily have to be worried about doing something else—and this should be the main focus in life right now.”
Clifton’s outlook towards the end of the road is clear: he has a destination that isn’t concerned with the worries of what his future holds. Instead, he knows that focusing on the present life he’s in will draw him closer to achieving his diploma and starting the next chapter.
Similarly, Beeson gave a unique perspective to maintaining morale, saying,“You have to look at the big picture and see where you see yourself. You’re so close to the end; you might as well finish strong.”
Although the environment is changing for OHS seniors, the importance of retaining work ethic and drive in high school translates into a beautiful season of autonomy, independence and growing up. Don’t waste the time you have being a high school student and start making the changes in your life that you were putting off for later on. Get after the course, and start staying the course; the best is yet to come.