Senioritis (n.): a disease that affects most high school and college seniors. Symptoms include laziness, not giving a damn about school work, and constantly wearing sweats with a “who do I have to impress” attitude. Senioritis may also be the reason you are reading this article right now instead of studying for your finals, which, don’t forget, are sooner than you think. As with many progressing diseases, there are phases that one goes through. After doing some research, based on others’ symptoms as well as my own, it became clear that there are, in fact, ten phases of senioritis.
1. The first phase is excitement. Last year of college means fun activities like senior week. Less work, more partying… right?
2. Next, reality hits like a ton of bricks. Syllabus week comes and goes, and you realize this year is going to be just like every other year so far. Work on work on work.
3. Third phase is the onset of the “I don’t care” attitude. Due tomorrow, do tomorrow… right?
4. Fourth phase is a continuation of the “I don’t care” phase. This involves the “It’s not even worth that much of the final grade” perspective, which includes unfinished papers and not studying for exams.
5. Next, comes the “I’m not getting dressed for class” phase. After all, who cares if I wear my pajamas to class? This also includes not doing your hair…or putting on make-up.
6. Sixth phase is the “But when I do get dressed, it’s to go out and I look amazing” phase. This stage also includes planning on going out instead of planning for the future. The hardest decision one faces while in this phase is whether to wear wedges or heels out.
7. Seventh phase is the realization that sleep is, in fact, important. In the seventh phase, people want to sleep all the time, especially after a night out. It seems about the right time to catch up on the sleep I lost the last three years of college. Sleep > everything.
8. Eighth phase is convincing yourself the teacher doesn’t take attendance, so going to class is pointless.
9. Ninth phase is realizing you should probably go to class even if you are in your pajamas… and you didn’t do the work… and you’re hung over. After all, this is why you’re in college, right?
10. Tenth and final phase consists of shock and confusion. Graduation is here before you know it and surprise, surprise you are able to graduate. Congratulations on making it through one of the toughest years of college and overcoming senioritis. Now go get your diploma and change the world!
Senioritis is a dangerous disease, but remember there is a light at the end of the tunnel. Before you know it you will be graduating and, depending on your plan of action, you may never have to study for an exam again! Push through the pain, you got this.