1. Mind over Matter—Out of my eight senior-year teachers, only one of them refused to acknowledge senioritis as a legitimate disease that infects more than 80% of the graduating high school class.  In fact, not only did she refuse to acknowledge the grade-threatening disease, she wouldn’t give us any leeway on the quality of our work or assignment deadline extensions.  Although she was technically a “pain in my neck” during that last month, she was also a constant reminder that it was still necessary for me to work just as hard as I had at the beginning of the year.  I’d made my way through nearly thirteen years of public education…there was NO JUSTIFICATION for me falling off now.  (Despite her best efforts, I hear that 80% of the senior class once again contracted the disease).

2. Teaching for the Test—Although it may not be the best way to educate students or promote critical thinking, many of my teachers “taught for the test”, whether that was the end-of-year AP, IB, or similar exam.  In doing so, the curriculum was fairly straight forward, but often pushed through material at an alarming rate.  However, no matter how difficult the lessons were, I was still going to be expected to demonstrate my acquired knowledge in mid-May.  You will, too.  By succumbing to senioritis, you run the risk of missing important end-of-the-year information, as well as failing to constructively utilize review sessions.  So, although you may never use the Fundamental Theorem of Calculus when you’re the executive of some big-shot company, that poor test score could still affect your initial college experience.

3. Be that Little Engine—You know the one I’m referring to…the Little Engine that Could.  By the end of the year, I was exhausted; physically, mentally, and emotionally.  It was much easier to surrender to negative and self-defeating thoughts, rather than personal motivating advice or uplifting ideas.  Just keep chugging along!  As you receive those college acceptance letters, realize that it was your hard work that got you this far.  If you receive a few rejection letters, know that better things are coming your way.  Refuse to stop.  Refuse to give in to those destructive thoughts.

Last but not least, keep in mind that “this too shall pass”.  Senioritis is not a permanent disease, but instead, a temporary illness…kind of like the common cold.  However, if it direly affects you now, you could continue to come down with other sicknesses.  Therefore, wash your hands often.  Cover your mouth when you cough.  And most importantly, turn in all assignments, study for those tests, and smile at your teachers.  They’re tired, too!

Have you ever heard the saying―“Out of the frying pan, and into the fire…”?

That’s pretty much my motto for the week, since I’m gearing up for mid-terms this Thursday and Friday―one in math and the other in Latin―while also maintaining my other classes…work…exercise…etc.  A few nights ago, I was sitting at my desk conjugating A-stem verbs (unsuccessfully, I might add)…and I realized that I was still in my volleyball gear from class earlier that day, kneepads and all.

Test weeks always feel like a blur to me…from one mode of studying to another.  And sometimes, I still have to remind myself to take a break and relax, whether that’s through volleyball, dancing, or even playing with my rats, Mike & Ike.

During my senior year of high school, I often forgot to let myself sit back and enjoy the year.  I was always working…or studying…or searching for scholarships.  And when I look back, I recall moments that I wish I’d simply had more fun…times that I wish I hadn’t been thinking of that upcoming History test over the Nazi Regime or the Psychology paper over chemicals correlated to addiction.

Those tests were one of many…but the movie nights and dances that I missed…were not.  Now I realize that this may sound like the old “live in the moment” and “smell the roses” lesson…but bearing those things in mind can help you create a balance that is necessary for good health and emotional well-being.

As you work on college essays, applications, high ACT and SAT test scores; keep in mind that many great schools also want to know that you’re involved in other activities…things that you enjoy.  Pomona was an especially good fit, because they weren’t interested in me as yet another high school test score, but rather, me as a person—with goals and passions and faults.

So…to sum this up…in the midst of all that senior-year perfection you’re constructing so that you bedazzle nationwide admission-ers, don’t forget to let loose every so often…shake your hair in the wind…smell the roses…dance & sing…have fun…just because…

“The best way to prepare for life is to begin to live.” Elbert Hubbard

I tried to think of what to say to the readers of this blog at first I was going to be specific and target the seniors, but after a draft I figured my message can be applied to everyone.

I remember October senior year, and now it’s a year later and I’m in college chasing these dreams of mine. It all seems so long ago, but when I look back it wasn’t, it just moved so fast – so fast it slipped out of my hands. Looking back on my high school career and much of my life, I honestly mean it when I say I regret some of it. As I step and move further away from my past, I understand what people mean when they say youth is wasted on the young. I don’t mean to make myself sound any wiser than I am, but the grass isn’t greener on the other side. The grass you’re standing is pretty much Kelly green. The problem is we never notice. We enjoy the things around us, but we don’t appreciate it.

You might read this now and think I’m completely bonkers, but you’ll know what I mean one day. So, my friend, stop yourself as you step forward to create wealth and success within your family. Don’t forget how sweet it is to be with your family or how fun it is to just kick it with your friends. As much as you want to be 18 or 21, you can only travel through time in one direction – forward – and with one speed – normal. Why not enjoy it?