Senioritis. What is it? Senioritis (noun.) is a crippling disease that strikes high school seniors. Symptoms include: laziness, an over-excessive wearing of track pants, old athletic shirts, sweatpants, and sweatshirts. It also features a lack of studying, repeated absences, sleeping in class and a generally dismissive attitude. The only known cure is a phenomenon known as "Graduation". Many do not believe that this malady is a real thing, therefore it really isn't a problem.
I first encountered Senioritis while walking the halls of Mira Costa High School. I passed a table in the middle of our quad that was occupied by a single student. Now what was this student doing? Studying? Reading? Doing homework? No! This student was sleeping. In the middle of the school, during class. This student, might I add, was a senior. As I continued on my way, I came across yet another interesting discovery. There was a completely empty classroom, the only person inside was the teacher. This class is a senior class. So, where are all the students? Nowhere to be seen. Hmmm.
I decided that in order to really understand this problem, I had to find a student who has become infected. I decided to interview a current high school senior. This is what she had to say about Senioritis: "I believe that Senioritis is a real thing. In fact, it is not just a real thing, it is a real problem. It has become so hard to wake up in the morning and put on real people clothes. I just want to show up in my pajamas!" When asked about her friends' reaction to this problem, she responded, "They are hopeless! They sleep during class, and don't do their homework. Some of them rarely even come to school!" Clearly this student has seen and experienced Senioritis first hand!
I decided to see what the classrooms were like from the inside. The first thing that caught my eye was a student leaning back in his chair, watching a video on his phone. This student was in fact also a senior.
Another strange symptom of Senioritis is abandonment. Just walking down the halls can prove this. I saw abandoned books and papers. Even an entire backpack! not to mention many empty lockers. Seniors also like to distract themselves from the boredom of school. I witnessed this by observing the students. I saw kids texting in class instead of paying attention, drawing intricate drawing in their class notebooks, and eating food out of where their pencils and pens should be.
I also witnessed some students ditching class just to hang out with their friends. They sit around the campus talking, or even walk to places like 7/11 or McDonalds. All I hear them talk about is prom and graduation, never anything about school or grades. I have witnessed students with countdowns written in the planners. Everyday they like to inform the class how many days are left of school. It has become obvious that once a senior reaches this stage, they are helpless.
I am very glad that I did this study. In the end we have concluded that...SENIORITIS IS A REAL THING! It is a problem that we want to raise awareness about. Maybe one day even the teachers will understand that we all just need a little break. After all there are only 15 days left.
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