Following “Consent is Sexy Week,” a foreboding pre-spring break email regarding the influx in STI/STD outbreaks among our wholesome student body and the usual smattering of sensational headlines regarding sex and sexual health found in women’s magazines, I haven’t heard of anything followed by “-itis” being followed by good news in a while. Still, as I was trying to think of something to write about this week, I started to think about an epidemic that has been effecting me, my classmates, and countless underclassman caught in a wave of contagious good vibes: senioritis.
Senioritis, like most infectious conditions, carries predominately negative connotations; however, following spring vacation, the members of the senior class seem happier and more fun loving than ever. On warm and sunny days, students across campus have been sporting skin-baring fashions, getting sunburned, and socializing…during the day! According to my research*, despite the fact that little work is getting done, good things are happening. Regular “Senior Nights”—thanks to our great Class Council —are bringing people together who, even after four years in our beloved “Bowdoin Bubble,” have never met or conversed. People are leaving H&L (Horrible & Lonely), the dreaded Hatch, and the study lounges in Hubbard etc. to experience the phenomenon known as sunlight. Senioritis might just be a blessing in a very unconvincing disguise.
The remainder of the season appears promising as well. Morale is high despite low temperatures this week and a sudden-onset Maine Monsoon Season. Senioritis is in full swing and, as is the case with most infections on this campus, you’re bound to catch it even if you aren’t a senior. Embrace it and when the good weather resumes get outside and hang out with your friends (and/or read The Hunger Games). Whether you’re in the class of 2012 or the class of 2015 ¾, you’re going to need to enter the real world at some point and—if you haven’t watched TV/read a newspaper/attended class/spoken to a ‘real adult’ in the last five years—college is much better.
*I asked around.
Photo credits: