![After the Raider's first goal of the game, scored by senior captain Luke Galizio, the players pile onto the glass by the student section to celebrate, igniting the crowd into a roar. "The atmosphere was incredible, having two towns that both come to support us is amazing," Galizio said. "When [the crowd] started chanting 'Raider nation' it made [the game] feel like it wasn't just one team against another, we had a whole building of fans supporting us."](https://waylandstudentpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/06FBB04E-4C03-408A-B554-FE6C06CE8C08_1_105_c.jpeg)
![The Class of 2025 rushes the stage at the end of senior show. "[Senior show] was super fun, and it was a great way for all of us to come together for the start of senior spring," senior Amelia Lang said.](https://waylandstudentpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/IMG_0522-1200x800.jpg)
The weather becomes warmer and the days become clearer: spring has sprung. Birds have started chirping, and the last thing that students want is to stay cooped up inside of a classroom – especially the seniors who can see the finish line as freedom from high school draws near.
With graduation approaching, many seniors face that familiar feeling of burnout and exhaustion, just waiting for their years of high school and adolescence to end. The end is in sight, but motivation to complete the school year is harder to find, causing these students to experience a phenomenon known as “senioritis.”
Senioritis affects roughly 78% of high school students across the United States. I am one of them.
I have days where it takes all my energy to get out of my warm, cozy bed and head to school, especially knowing that the school year end is near. Senior events have begun. The senior show just finished, and congratulatory yard sign sales are underway. Class night and cruise night are on the horizon. My classmates are starting to find college roommates for next year. It’s hard not to daydream about the adventures waiting after graduation, but the reality is, we still have responsibilities that we have to handle.
Sometimes, it feels like the day drags on endlessly. I find myself avoiding work or putting it off until the last minute. I’ve already received all of my college decision letters, so I can’t help but wonder, “What is the purpose of doing all this? I’m already into college. What’s the point now?”
It’s a mindset I struggle with as the spring semester ramps up. Then I’m reminded of the Advanced Placement (AP) tests ahead, the need to keep my grades up for scholarship opportunities and ensuring I maintain my acceptances. After April break, it isn’t a free-for-all where I can just kick back and put my feet up – I have to study for my exams and prepare for the rigor of college courses.
In addition, our teachers are still trying to do their jobs, and it is unfair to them if we check out before the year ends. They understand that sometimes we aren’t totally focused, but we should still respect them and appreciate that they are providing us with a valuable learning experience. Teachers realize that we are seniors and may lighten our workload a bit, so we owe them our continued attention.
As tempting as it is to surrender to burnout and give in to senioritis, it’s crucial to keep pushing through. Finish strong and set up the next chapter of your life for success.
Current and future high school seniors, remember, it is okay to take a breather, but finish the race: the end is in sight. The last few months may seem like an endless stretch of time, but keep going. It will all be worth it once we cross the stage at graduation and we are reminded of the accomplishments that got us here. Don’t let senioritis win.
