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!

The month is Marching by and those decision letters are going to start trickling in.  Some will have good news, others will have disappointment.  Perhaps the best advice I can think of is the same I was told the first time on an airplane, “whatever is going to happen is going to happen,” and chances are you really can’t control what’s going to happen. Worrying is not going change what those letters say.

For some the news is going to be bittersweet.  There is perhaps no feeling just like learning you have been accepted into a school that isn’t affordable.  While disheartening, there is probably hope if you continue to look for scholarships from other sources and talk to the financial aid office.  If you are good enough for a school to accept you, then chances are they will do what is reasonably possible in their view to help you.

Seniors, this is your last semester, but it’s still important.  Some of the books I read last year around this time were important to my development.  In essence, I’m saying, do your work.  This semester IS important.  It’s also not only a good time to see your friends but to have great conversations with your teachers.  This is the time that they will open up to you and you might just find one that is a terribly fascinating person who you didn’t think was before.  Anyway, that’s all for now, but good luck!