The lack of motivation, an inability to perform properly (academically of course), and generally just not giving a f*ck—yes, it is Senioritis, and when you hit your final semester of college, it’s especially bad. The popular and ever-so-informative Urban Dictionary defines Senioritis as such: “A virus which seems to affect mainly second semester seniors, with few exceptions (First semester Seniors, etc). This virus can be deadly to one's grades, as the carrier becomes totally apathetic about their grades, classes, homework etc. This results in many "Zeros (0)" or failing grades—ultimately leading to the drastic lowering of the grade in the carrier's classes. Side effects include: Failure to give a sh*t, complete and utter apathy and not graduating with the carrier's class.” After grinding out 3 ½ years of midterms, final exams, 15-page papers and less than ideal group projects, seniors are just burned out, and for a good reason: college is f*cking hard.
The following are the indications that a senior, a friend or maybe even yourself, has a major case of Senioritis.
1. Class attendance is minimal at best, and if there isn't an attendance policy, then attendance doesn't exist.
2. Every night is a weekend, and every weekend is a holiday.
3. Due today actually means do today, aka even if you've had two weeks to complete a 10-page paper, it can easily be finished minutes before class starts—no proof-reading necessary.
4. A full night of sleep either becomes a frequent occurrence or a complete rarity.
5. Going to class hungover doesn't feel as bad as it used to.
6. Going to class inebriated doesn't feel as bad as it used to.
7. A small part of you dies whenever someone asks, "What are you doing after graduation?" (As if you actually have an answer)
8. Your appearance is minimal at best—the line between pajamas and daily garb is greatly obscured.
9. Drinking during the week is more than socially acceptable: it's a given.
10. Procrastination is a perfected art form...
11. And the few times procrastination does fail, a coffee induced euphoria at 3 a.m. keeps you going.
12. You're late to literally everything that requires responsibility (aka class and work) because you simply don't care enough.
My own case of Seniorities is made apparent through the fact that I simply don’t care about much anymore because my mind is focusing on what comes after I throw my cap up in celebration. However, there are two factors that prompt me to try just a little bit when I couldn’t care less: the reality of student loans and the realization that I spent way too much money not to care.
