Once reaching their senior year, many students come down with the predictable burnout: “senioritis.” Around the start of the second semester, there is a common lack of motivation toward one’s studies.

Regardless of whether one has a plan already, the third nine weeks is a universally exhausting time of year for seniors. Senior Ella Ray said she can relate. 

“Grades are slipping this semester,” she said. “Everyone I’ve asked says they have made only adequate scores on tests.”

Ray is an avid member of The Homewood Patriot Marching Band, which is more active in the first semester. She acknowledges, however, how there’s still work to be done to close out her final school year at Homewood. 

“I am not as busy as I was last semester,” Ray said. “Although I still have to do work during these last few months.” 

Contrarily, some students entering the second semester with a detailed plan for next fall haven’t felt the same level of burnout.

“I committed to The University of Alabama in November,” said Susanna Sheehan, captain of the Star-Spangled Girls dance team. “Since the beginning of this semester, I’ve felt an increased motivation to do my best.”

Senioritis typically has a negative connotation, however, AP Literature teacher Michele Cooley, who exclusively teaches seniors, offers a different perspective on students this semester. 

“I see an increase in conversation about plans,” she said. “It’s an exciting time for seniors with a lot of change, but I see students with an increased focus on plans for the future,” Cooley said. 

The spectrum of senioritis is broad; although excited conversation might dominate some classrooms, many seniors lack the motivation to put forth their maximum effort. 

“I have days where I feel like doing absolutely nothing, but I know I have days where I have to get my work done,” senior Trey Glover said.

As graduation quickly approaches, those seniors seeking motivation in the halls of HHS can take some comfort in knowing they are not alone.