Column: A Happy Medium, by Erin Murtaugh

I went to see the doctor because I wasn’t feeling well. The diagnosis he gave me wasn’t good. He told me I have senioritis.

Symptoms of senioritis include: lack of motivation, fatigue, change in grades and coffee breath. There are only a few ways to avoid senioritis, and that is staying far away from people contaminated with senioritis and staying on top of homework. Cases of senioritis have also being found in lower grade levels, too. These cases are often referred to as junioritis, sophomoritis and the rare, but possible, freshmanitis.

In all seriousness, senioritis is the affectionate name given to the procrastination and lack of motivation seniors feel during their last year of high school. Most often, it is seen during second semester because students have been accepted to the schools they wish to attend the following year. The reality of it is, some schools will revoke your acceptance if you don’t keep your grades up through second semester.

I like to think I’ve had senioritis most of my high school career. I’ve always been one who focuses better at night than during the day, so I tend to stay up late to do homework.

This cuts into sleep, so sometimes I look like a zombie walking around school. It’s not that I slack off and don’t get my work done, I just tend to wait longer to do my work and sometimes procrastinate a little bit (or a lot).

Parents, make sure your kids are getting enough sleep, getting homework done and staying on top of everything else they might be involved in.

Students, procrastinating is OK sometimes, but don’t put everything off until the last second. Get your homework done as soon as possible. If you have to stay up late studying, don’t be afraid to grab a cup of coffee in the morning so being tired doesn’t affect your performance during school.

Don’t let your grades slip just because you’ve been accepted to your dream college. They have the right to not let you in if you let your grade-point average go.

Avoid the spread of senioritis and stay motivated throughout the entire year.

 

Albert Lea resident Erin Murtaugh is a senior at Albert Lea High School.