We have all heard of it, and some of us may have experienced it during our last year of high school. Yet, senioritis seems to return with a vengeance and prey upon the students who are on the final stretch of their undergraduate journey! According to the Google Dictionary, senioritis is defined as “a supposed affliction of students in their final year of high school or college, characterized by a decline in motivation or performance.” In other words, students who have been unfortunate enough to catch the disease feel more melancholic towards their schooling. Whereas previously, they would study constantly, they now feel drained, exhausted, and to the point of not caring much. They just want to wake up one morning and look at their lovely diploma already hanging on the wall rather than wake up to an alarm clock reminding them of yet another class they must attend. As I was talking with a senior (who shall remain anonymous), they told me that they were having a hard time finding the motivation to continue with their honors thesis, cultural club responsibilities, and homework, in addition to planning for what life after graduation is supposed to look like. While the dictionary defines the malady as “supposed,” the description is accurate and should be taken seriously.
How can one combat this lack of motivation? One thing that may help is to remember your end goal. Everybody experiences setbacks and disappointments, but sometimes, all we need to keep us going is to think about why we are doing it. Another method is to take a day to rest. Recharge, reenergize, and rejuvenate yourself so that you can once again tackle the day’s challenges. Another option, especially if you are having a hard time balancing everything that is going on and all the activities and extracurriculars you are involved in, is to cut it back. Say no to some things and only stick to those things that you genuinely enjoy. It might be tempting to cram as much as possible into your last year. As such, the result may be overwhelming exhaustion and those things you actually want to do get trapped under the stacks of your other enthusiastic obligations. Another helpful tip is to talk to friends and family who can help you regain your spark. Even when we feel there is nothing we want to do, those who know us best can usually help us recall why we do what we do or just help us get over the lack of energy.
So, if the dreaded monster of low motivation has caught you, have no fear! This, too, shall pass. It may not be easy to push through, especially when you probably feel more like letting life push you. But remember why you are here, take a break, seek motivation from those around you, and move forward! Go, Seniors! You are almost there! After a few more weeks, this chapter of your life will end. Don’t let senioritis take away the joy of your last year of college!
The Student Movement is the official student newspaper of Andrews University. Opinions expressed in the Student Movement are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the editors, Andrews University or the Seventh-day Adventist church.