Senioritis is a plague that sickens almost everyone at some point. It’s the feeling when you are almost out of high school and just want it all to be over, resulting in a lack of desire to do anything. Different seniors manage their Senioritis in different ways. Here we highlight some of those:
Reese Williams
My name is Reese Williams, and I am a part of the VPAA Theatre Strand, Leadership Workshop Staff, SCA Executive Board, Varsity Tennis, Hunt Club Farm Scare Actor, Morning News Crew, NHS, Spanish Honor Society, Math Honor Society as the Media Director, International Thespian Society, and Citywide Academy Ambassador. I am committed to Virginia Tech for Event and Experience Management with a Minor in Theatre.
Are you feeling the senioritis, and if so, when did it kick in, and why?
I definitely feel the senioritis, and I felt it during the snow days in January, and especially after I committed to Virginia Tech. It felt like I hit the goal I had been working toward all of high school. However, I have too many activities and things to lose.
How are you managing all of your responsibilities while also struggling to stay motivated?
It has been helpful knowing I have to finish the year strong, and I need to keep up my study habits for college. I also take things one step at a time and use a planner to keep track of everything going on in my life, and it is really helpful.
What do you recommend current juniors think about before going into senior year?
I recommend prioritizing doing things that make you happy. Prioritize your peace and enjoy the moments with people you love. Balance scholarships with school work and start scholarships early. If you can, apply early action to every school you apply to. Don’t just apply randomly; only apply to a school if you see yourself going there. USE A PLANNER. It makes everything so much easier to keep track of, especially with all of the senior things and activities. Enjoy your friends and the small moments of senior year that you won’t be able to get back.
Bethany Wilmoth
My name is Bethany Wilmoth. I have not officially committed anywhere. Currently, I’m an SCA Officer, VPAA student, captain of Salem’s Speech team, historian for Rho Kappa, Leadership Workshop staffer, volunteer for Virginia Beach’s Historical Museums, member of Salem Speaks, and an employee at CAVA.
Are you feeling the senioritis, and if so, when did it kick in, and why?
I’ve felt senioritis in waves. It especially hit following a likely letter I got from one of my top colleges, but I haven’t quite committed anywhere, so it’s not full-fledged.
How are you managing all of your responsibilities while also struggling to stay motivated?
I’ve had to make a lot of sacrifices. Most of my days consist of being at school, doing whatever I need to do afterwards, which is typically either extracurriculars, work, or homework, and transportation. I pay for my own gas, so it means I need to have a job to be able to go places. It’s also been hard balancing my social life with all of my activities, particularly with people who don’t participate in them. I’ve grown super close to the people I’m in SCA and Workshop with, but my other friends and my partner, I essentially only see during school. I’m quite close with my parents, but I have really started to see them for only an hour a day, sometimes less. It’s been hard, but it’s made me make use of the days when I am free.
What do you recommend current juniors think about before going into senior year?
Live it up, truly. It’ll be stressful, sure, but you need to remember that this is your last year at Salem. A lot of people despise high school, but fail to realize that it’s often their own inhibitions and expectations that act as a barrier between them and enjoying school. It’s okay to be cringey or lame; it’s alright if you embarrass yourself. Getting out of my shell and letting go of lingering shame and insecurity was probably the best decision I’ve ever made, and it’s one I had to make myself. Have fun with it!
Mirabelle Malone
My name is Mirabelle Malone, and I am SCA Historian, SHSLW Committee Chair and Staff, VPAA Visual Arts Strand student, Academy Ambassador, Maelstrom Staff member, Kempsville Library Teen Advisory Group Member, Salem Speaks Member, NAHS President, NHS and Rho Kappa Member, Momentarily Employed at TJ Maxx, Posse Scholar, and a Brickell Scholar. I am committed to William and Mary.
Are you feeling the senioritis, and if so, when did it kick in, and why?
Senioritis kicked in right after Winter Break. During my break, I found out where I was going to college and committed there. So, coming back to school after having eight hours of sleep during break was so hard. Additionally, some of my clubs were hitting their peak at this time, and I just wanted to be done with the academic side of school. The clubs I was still invested in!
How are you managing all of your responsibilities while also struggling to stay motivated?
Honestly, I am only still managing things through pure determination and commitment to my responsibilities. My friends are also huge motivators; they definitely push me to keep going, especially our group’s rants that validate me that we’re all in the same boat.
What do you recommend current juniors think about before going into senior year?
Definitely take a step back when signing up for things. It is good to be involved and have goals to shoot for, but make sure these things are reasonable for your situation and mental health. Always put your health and well-being first, as you have to make sure you make it to graduation.
Blair Hudrowski
This year, I was part of VPAA’s Academy Children’s Theatre Company, but outside of school, I’ve been working two jobs and am also committed to ODU.
Are you feeling the senioritis, and if so, when did it kick in, and why?
I have the worst senioritis both inside and outside of school. It started to hit me after I got accepted into colleges, but it didn’t fully start until I committed. I just can’t wait to graduate!!
How are you managing all of your responsibilities while also struggling to stay motivated?
I’ve been procrastinating and waiting until the last minute to do things, so I’m definitely not managing them as well as I should.
What do you recommend current juniors think about before going into senior year?
I would recommend not procrastinating and putting the most effort into every assignment because junior year is what colleges look at. I would also recommend joining extracurriculars because I regret not joining them. Most importantly, have fun and make memories.
