‘Senioritis’ afflicts students of all classes
Spring fever, the longing to forget all responsibilities and go sit in the sunshine, is something many people will deal with at some point or another, and it seems to some that seniors are hit with this more than others. When facing their last semester of college, many students are struck with what is known as “senioritis.”
According to the National Association for College Admission Counseling, senioritis is a “sickness” that strikes seniors.
“Symptoms include: laziness, an overexcessive wearing of track pants, old athletic shirts, sweatpants, athletic shorts and sweatshirts,” according to the website. “(It) also features a lack of studying, repeated absences and a generally dismissive attitude. The only known cure is a phenomenon know as graduation.”
Tom Bryner, a senior majoring parks and recreation, said he has felt the effects of the illness.
“I’ve been feeling this all four years,” Bryner said. “It’s hard to motivate myself, but my classes are small and graded on participation.”
Some seniors’ biggest challenge is staying up on all of their work, despite the growing sensation of laziness. Others feel “burnt out.”
Chris Chapman, a psychologist in the Counseling and Psychological Services Office, urges students to take care of themselves during these stressful times.
“Pay attention to nutrition,” Chapman said. “Eating ramen noodles every day is not going to help you. Try to exercise and make sure you are getting plenty of sleep. Also try some relaxation exercises like deep breathing, yoga or mindful meditation.”
He encouraged students to take advantage of CAPS and its upcoming stress management workshops.
Chapman said it is a natural human reaction to want to relax and let ones guard down when they can see the end and are at a transitional stage in life. Chapman compared time at college to a race: It is OK to slow down a little bit toward the end, but don’t get too off track. Students should take pride in the fact that they are almost finished, he said.
“There are different ways to look at it,” Chapman said. “It’s not a big deal to want to relax, but don’t be self-sabotaging.”
Chapman said some things to remember when a student starts to feel senioritis setting in are to follow through with assignments and commitments, be responsible, don’t get too lax right at the end, and refocus when it looks like they might be straying from the path.
“I only have six credits left, and I am kind of just done with all of the tedious work,” said Shacy Love, a senior majoring in child development. “I just want to get out into the career field.”
That seems to be a common theme among students, even those who are a further from graduation.
“For me, I have senioritis because I would like to start my career as a teacher and not have to work two jobs,” said Tena Pate, a freshman majoring in family and consumer sciences education. “I would love to get out of the school life and grow up and see what the world has to offer other than school and work.”
Although many students may be feeling it, Bradford Hall, a USU professor, said he hasn’t noticed a change in his students’ attitudes.
“My senior group is actually doing an excellent job,” he said.
– katie.whitmore@aggiemail.usu.edu