Senioritis is the healthiest thing that ever happened to us

Sofia Barrera

Madelyn Althage ’25 and Veronica Estefani ’25 work in the senior lounge.

After the intensity of first semester college applications, the senior class has finally had the chance to breathe once more as we enter their last months of high school. Ever. 

The realization that our time as high school students with minimal real-world responsibilities is limited often leads seniors to take a step back, which can sometimes contribute to a decrease in normal academic performance. 

A common diagnosis for this slow-down in schoolwork is known colloquially as senioritis. Although many adults may see it as a shift to laziness and lack of enthusiasm for academics, students’ performances often reflect a mature movement in priorities by dedicating more time towards taking care of their health and happiness in their final months as high school students. 

To some teachers, a second semester senior is usually characterized by two things: absences and tardies. Mrs.Vigoa, who is now in her third year as senior GLT leader, says that she has definitely noticed a shift in her students since returning from Winter Break. 

“That happens every year,” said Mrs.Vigoa. “At the beginning of the year, everyone is like ‘gung-ho’ with ideas and commitments, but when it comes to second semester, the seniors aren’t as energetic.”

But this lack of energy does not come from disinterest in academics. Sofia Aleman ‘25, a senior and actress, told me about the ways she is spending her time since the new year began.

“I have been able to prioritize what I like to do outside of school, like theater and acting,” said Aleman. “I have less stress and am still maintaining my grades.” 

For Alexandra Stockton ‘25, senioritis is all about shifting perspective, from having a perfect student mindset to adopting a more human attitude. 

“I think senioritis is like you start to kind of take the pressure off of just your grades and think like ‘What can I do for myself as well?’”  said Stockton when asked to define what the infamous term really means to her. 

Sofia Blanco ‘25 has gained confidence throughout her years in the Upper School and now knows how much time she really needs to dedicate to her schoolwork. 

“I get stuff done because I care,” said Blanco, who will be attending Florida State University in August. “I know I can study less now because I actually understand the material.” 

To be sure, there are students who take senioritis to an extreme. Not turning in assignments or showing little respect to teachers is not an acceptable approach to spending our time. However, it seems unfair to subjugate all seniors to this stereotype when many students are able to meet academic requirements while still using their newfound freedom in productive ways. 

“Now I spend at least one hour every day working out, and before I would think, ‘Oh I can’t do that’ because I would have to do my homework first,” said Stockton. 

Moreover, many students spoke about their improved relationships with family members due to their new senior mentalities. Brooke Diaz ‘25, a senior who will be studying at New York University in the fall, noted a difference in her interactions with her parents upon starting her final semester. 

“It [senior year] is also less pressure from your parents,” said Diaz. “It’s not only you [who has] senioritis, they also have senioritis too.” 

“I have also seen a healthier relationship with my sister and my mom,” said Aleman, noting the change in her personal demeanor that has created a less stressful environment at home.  

In reality, this semester has presented itself as a golden opportunity to return to a self-motivated way of learning, increasing intellectual curiosity and prioritizing students’ physical and mental health. Without being forced to learn, now we actually want to. Whether it’s reading a book or going to a workout class, we are using our privileges to absorb knowledge in our own ways that help us prepare for independent collegiate life. 

The purpose of senioritis is not to glorify the idea of slacking off. It highlights the self-motivated women we were brought up to be. As we actively use wise freedom to decide how we want to spend our last months as high school students, we still, of course, will strive to finish the academic year off to the best of our abilities.