OC HIGH / STUDENT NEWS AND VIEWS : The End Zone : Up Attitude Can Ward Off Unhealthy Case of Senioritis

As the countdown continues toward graduation, seniors find themselves caught in a sort of twilight zone--that point in time between receiving a high school diploma and entering a new adult life, whether in college or the work force.

It’s hard to remain in the here and now. Exams, final papers, homework. “Why bother?” many cry. “We’re outta here.”

It’s called senioritis.

Here’s a look at that affliction and excitement facing college-bound seniors.

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It can’t hurt your health, and it won’t leave a rash. In most cases, however, it will affect your grades and your attitude toward school. It may be contagious. Its symptoms can last from just one quarter to a full year.

Senioritis is a condition that strikes high school seniors who know that it’s almost time to graduate and move on to bigger and better things.

Those who are afflicted with the educational disease become more lax in completing their work. The quality begins to diminish, and their test scores slowly fall. Those seniors who have it tend to have shorter attention spans and may even fall asleep in class from time to time. Those who have this senior plague are more prone to absenteeism. Their feelings toward the teachers’ lessons are nonchalant; some formerly diligent students don’t show up for class.

Although the condition almost always improves with time, some students suffer lasting effects. A final slip in grades can affect college admission, regardless of earlier acceptance, and it can affect a potential employer’s assessment of job skills. It can also cause a senior to lose academic status as a Distinguished Scholar or graduate with honors if required classes are not completed with strong grades.

Senioritis is nothing more than a lazy and negative feeling about school. Individuals can ward off senioritis, though, by making the decision to finish the school year strongly.

Challenging yourself to do your homework on time and coming to school with a creative and productive attitude can help keep you clear of the malady, which can undermine years of hard work throughout high school.