Senioritis: The Final Hurdle
Written by Jenna McConnell
Thumbnail and banner photo by Aron Visuals on Unsplash
We’ve all heard of the term “senioritis” before, usually in some cheesy teen movie or novel. It is defined in the Merriam-Webster dictionary as “an ebbing of motivation and effort by school seniors as evidenced by tardiness, absences, and lower grades.” Senioritis can be tricky to navigate, with soon-to-be graduates battling thoughts of not wanting to put the usual amount of effort into their studies. I know many of us (myself included) are struggling through this exact feeling, and are struggling to get through the last push to exams and graduation. How can we get through this, and how can we set ourselves up for success even after graduation? Look no further; I’ve got the tips for you!
The phenomenon of senioritis is quite a bit older than one may think; it has been around since the early 20th century! As it is definitely not a new concept, we are not alone in finding our last few assignments exceedingly tedious. But what can we do to make them more bearable? Here are just a few ideas to get you started.
Celebrate the little things:
Did you manage to get that one assignment hanging over your head started? Did you actually get up and go to class, even if it was just a review period? Did you write part of that final essay, even if it was just 100 words? Get excited! You’re one tiny step closer to never having to do these things again. Getting yourself a sweet treat, taking a day (or even an afternoon) off, or making fun plans for when the work is over are great ways to celebrate the small wins. Focusing on small goals and taking the time to acknowledge them when you do get things done is a great way to stay motivated and bring some enjoyment to these final few weeks.
Start looking for jobs NOW:
While it sounds like one more thing on an infinitely full plate, starting your job search as soon as possible is a very smart move. It will help you learn what types of jobs are currently available in the field you’re interested in, and help you find what your career options are. It will be a good motivator to continue aiming for good grades, and who knows? Maybe it’ll get you a job lined up right after graduating! Websites like Indeed, LinkedIn, or even career360 make it super easy to scroll through job postings in your free time, and they are simple to use. Time to update that resume!
Make a plan and stick to it:
I like to plan my day the night before in my notes app, writing out each activity and due date for the day to help avoid forgetting anything. This can be done in many other ways as well, such as using a physical planner, setting reminders in your phone for throughout the day, or even setting time slots to study each subject like they were class periods! Making a plan for studying and other commitments and trying your best to stick to that schedule will be great for helping you stay on task. Making sure to add in times for eating, breaks, and other self-care activities will help to make the work feel less stressful!
While I’m sure we are all very excited for exam season to pass us by, we seniors in our final semester are likely anticipating it tenfold. These next couple of months have been literal years in the making, and it is a very exciting time for the student and their loved ones. Taking the time to soak up the last few bits of your degree will help put it all into perspective, and make the final exams, papers, and trips to campus just a bit sweeter. As well, it is important that we acknowledge the incredible task that graduating is, and all the blood, sweat and tears that no doubt went into your diploma. It is a truly monumental achievement, one that should be a source of pride and celebration. Senioritis is a tricky thing to navigate, but it is never impossible! It is a totally normal thing to experience, and with a little creativity, it will be the last hurdle of your academic career.
I hope that these tips can help all students stay motivated, and that those ending their time at SMU with me feel just as excited and hopeful for the next chapter of our lives as I do! I know it is going to be a wild ride, but SO much fun.