I am finally starting my senior year this semester. Although i always thought I would be so excited for this time to come - I'm closer to getting my degree, I get to brag about it to the freshmen and I am older, hotter, cuter and smarter - but I'm not. I am nothing but terrified of this year as its a step closer from entering the real world where I will be left alone into the wilderness of reality and hopefully I am not the only one who feels the same way. In this blog, I plan to discuss about the disease a lot of face in our final year - Senioritis, where I will talk about the meaning and how to overcome it.
I learned about the term 'Senioritis' from an alumni who graduated back in 1983. I met her while doing research at the Sonnentag building where I was collecting water samples. She approached me and asked what I was up to. I happily explained my research to her. She later asked about my major and what year of college I was in. I happily told her I was a senior. Thats when she asked 'oh, is senioritis catching up to yet?' Despite that being the first time I have heard of that term, as a student who has taken biology, I acknowledged 'itis' meant disease. I smiled and said 'yup.' After words I obviously googled the term and here is what I found:
Senioritis manifests through various symptoms: declining motivation, procrastination, apathy toward grades, and an overwhelming sense of uncertainty about the future. I was able to relate to the symptoms deeply as questions began to flood my mind: “Do I even like my major?” “What’s the point of doing well? A single semester of bad grades won’t hurt.” These thoughts can be debilitating, making it hard to focus on finishing strong, especially with graduate school applications looming, having to take the famously difficult MCAT, and the need to raise my grades and complete my research so that I seem like a suitable enough applicant in the face of the admissions committee. I often feel like pushing everything away, scared to start for fear of failure, which only leads to more procrastination. Many of us have been there, but as seniors, we can’t afford to look back or run away from the responsibilities that will help us succeed in the real world.
According to the article by Mahnoor Yunus, common symptoms of Senioritis include:
Lack of Motivation: Classes that once sparked interest now feel tedious.
Procrastination: Assignments get pushed to the last minute or ignored altogether.
Apathy: A “who cares?” attitude towards grades and responsibilities.
Daydreaming: Frequently zoning out, often thinking about life after graduation.
Senioritis Laziness: Choosing leisure over study time, prioritizing relaxation.
These symptoms are not just signs of laziness; they reflect the emotional and mental toll that the pressures of senior year can take on us. It's vital to acknowledge these feelings instead of dismissing them as mere laziness.
So, how can we combat Senioritis? Here are a few strategies that I'm going to give a try this semester:
Set Realistic Goals: Break down your tasks into manageable goals. Celebrate small achievements to keep motivation high.
Stay Connected: Reach out to friends and classmates. Share your experiences; you might find that others are feeling the same way.
Seek Support: Don’t hesitate to talk to advisors or mentors. They can provide guidance and reassurance during this transitional period.
Focus on the Future: Remind yourself why you chose your major and the goals you have beyond graduation. This can reignite your passion and drive.
Practice Self-Care: Remember to take breaks and prioritize your mental health. Engage in activities that bring you joy and relaxation.
Here is a sample of how I would realistically use these strategies:
Setting Realistic Goals:
I commit to 30 minutes a day looking through 1 topic from the MCAT.
I plan a layout of my research plan and find ways to delegate those tasks to new members who joined my research team.
I pend 1 hour per week working on my graduate school applications
As you can see, its basically the bare minimum, but its still enough to not scare me away and allow me to get work done in small increments.
Staying Connected:
I make friends with whoever sits beside me in class and get their contact so I can exchange notes with them and help each other out.
I go to office hours to establish good communication with my professors and let them know where I am struggling.
Seek Support:
As mentioned, I go to office hours.
I ask classmates for help if I'm struggling with an assignments.
I sign up for tutoring to get extra help with classes I'm struggling with.
I go to counselling serbices on campus.
Focus on the Future:
I always keep a quote on my lock screen reminding me of my goals.
I also started scripting which is a form of journaling where you write about your dream life as if it has already come true.
Practice Self-Care:
I started going to counselling sessions on campus and they are very helpful. There is no same in getting some extra help.
I use Fridays as a '1% effort' day where I only do one easy task and that's it.
As I navigate my senior year, I hope to not just survive but thrive. Recognizing and addressing Senioritis can empower us to finish strong, making the most of our last year in college. After all, this journey is not just about the destination but also about the experiences we gather along the way.
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