I was no stranger to the contagious case of senioritis my last year of high school. The laziness, the senior skip days, and the inability to do one more calculus equation. Fast forward a few years and a couple of MRT’s later, I am now a senior in college; a label that makes me cringe and wish for the ability to time travel. What’s more, no one told me about college senioritis. College senioritis isn’t the same as the problems we talked about at our lockers; sleepy eyes, lethargy, and the “I’m so over this” attitude. It’s the exact opposite. We are not over this. We are not ready to “adult” from 9-5. We are not ready to leave all of the familiar faces behind. We are not able to see the path we’ll take the minute we walk across the stage. You’re suddenly a two year old covering your ears to the question, “Have you found a job yet? and stomping your feet shouting, “No, no no!” The tantrum can get out of hand though, as I’ve seen with many of my friends who become overwhelmed with senioritis.
The good part is, you are not the only one having a hard time embracing senior year. We all catch senioritis at some point. Here’s how to not let it keep you from enjoying the peak of your college career.
- I’m Hopeless and Awkward and Looking for Work
You don’t have a job, but guess what! It’s September and you have the rest of the year to suit up and make a great impression. You are a product of SJU. You will find your place in the real world once the training wheels come off. Use your sources here on campus to help you get your foot in the door; visit the career development center, network, speak with your professors. Don’t put yourself down because you’re not swimming amongst the sharks just yet.
- I’m FINE (but really my life is a page from Bridget Jones’s Diary)
Stop lying to yourself and others. You don’t always have to turn every conversation into a therapy session—though sometimes a good vent sesh in a parked car is needed—but if you are bottling up emotions, eventually you are going to explode. Talk about it with someone. More importantly, ask someone how they are; that friend who’s been acting out of character. Ask her what’s been bothering her. It’s OK to not be OK.
- I’ll Be There For You
As seniors, we begin to realize who our real friends are. It may not be the twenty friends you had freshmen year, but that’s normal. People change. It’s how we grow up. Your relationships are beginning to be about quality, not quantity. This is your core group that will be there for you until the end and stay long after you receive your diploma. (Cue in Friends theme song).
- Have “Central Perk” Kind of Night
There is a senior stigma that tells us we should be going out eight days a week. While our weekly dose of MRT sounds like fun, sometimes the end of the long week calls for a low key kind of night. Go to a café with some friends in the city. Binge on your favorite show with your roommates. Order in and play Cards against Humanity with your crew. A night in may help you destress and recharge for the following week. Your liver will thank you.
I know the black robes and crimson tassels are a daunting vision now, but in a couple of months, you’ll fly from the nest and into your future with confidence.
HCXO,
Kelly