“Is ‘Senioritis’ even really a thing?” you may exclaim. If you ask many teachers; school counselors; and others working in high schools, many would probably say: “yes, it’s a thing; ‘Senioritis’ is definitely real!”

Sometime during the second half of the twelfth-grade year—for a number of students—something different often begins to occur: Attendance slips; motivation ebbs and flows; and it is one foot in, one foot out the door of high school. For some, it’s all they can do to muster-up the motivation to try to coast through the rest of the school year. For some Seniors, other matters may be more frontal on the mind—Prom; Graduation; and, of course, finalizing college plans for the fall. What is more, sometimes, ‘Senioritis’ can even kick-in much earlier in the last year of high school. Recently, I even had one of my eleventh-grade students exclaim to me that they had ‘Senioritis’ (so, can Juniors have ‘Junioritis’…I don’t know—seems kind of early, if you ask me!).

But–with all further commentary or quipping aside–let’s look at some tips and strategies for helping our last-year students avoid those dreaded effects of ‘Senioritis’.

#1. Remember the Biggest Predictors of First-Year College Success:

The two biggest predictors of success for first-year college students are often high school Senior-year grades and attendance—and for good reason. If a student is working hard and going to school–every day—then the adjustments needed for college are usually much smaller (or are often made more quickly). On the flipside, if a student–Senior-year–has sporadic attendance (i.e., regularly cuts school and/or is habitually late) and/or fails to complete a good amount of their work, that adjustment to college will only be that much more difficult to make (for a number of students). Bad habits are hard to break—and the Senior year of high school to Freshman year of colleges transition is one of the toughest transitions in education for students to have to make. I often share this example with my Seniors if their grades; attendance; and/or motivation levels start to fall-off. It’s a good reminder—even if it’s not always easy–or enjoyable–to hear and receive.

#2. Consider Completing High School Bucket-List Item(s):

Sometimes, it’s hard to get some Seniors excited for their last year of high school—and I get it. At this point, they all know how high school works; they know most (or all) of the ins-and-outs of being a student—and some are past all of that. Some Seniors may get tired of operating on a bell-schedule or having to ask permission to use the bathroom, for example, or may get tired of seeing the same groups of students (or being pulled-into the same high school dramas) every single week. Totally understand. But, for some students, there may be some “unfinished-business”, so to speak, left to accomplish (or experience). Maybe there is a club that they have always wanted to join; or a person (peer or staff member) that they have always wanted to strike-up a deep conversation with (but haven’t yet)—now’s the time to do those kinds of things. For Seniors, this is the last chance to leave a mark. So, for those students struggling to get through Senior year, maybe they can be encouraged to check-off a box or two on their high school bucket list; and, adults, you may be primed to help them identify those very things to go after for Senior year.

#3. Do Something Completely Out of Your Comfort Zone:

Similar to our previous points, Senior year is the perfect time to branch-out and do something—or take-on something—that is totally out of one’s typical comfort zone. Why? Well, students will want to remember that with most of the people from high school, they will not see them again (at least not regularly, in many cases) after Graduation–and for some students, that’s pretty exciting!. After high school, everybody goes their own separate ways, so, for students looking to mix things up Senior year, this is the perfect time to put yourself out there, if you will. Join the Talent Show; ask that crush to Prom; speak up more in class; take a strong stance for something you believe in—sky’s the limit. We all fail in life at some points, but Senior year can often be a great place to try something new or ambitious–or with a lower probability of success–and to see what happens. Why? Because, in many cases, the stakes are lower (than after high school) and there may be little to lose by putting yourself out there (whatever that might look like).

#4. Take On a Mentor Role:

Simply by way of seniority, 12^th Grade students have a certain level of cache or position of regard amongst the student body at any given high school. For some Seniors struggling with ‘Senioritis’, this may be the perfect time to step out of those feelings of decreased motivation; disillusionment—or even just boredom—and take on a role of ‘paying it forward’ for the rest of the student body. Almost all (if not all) Seniors have at least some influence amongst the students in the lower grades, so why not leverage that and do some good by becoming a positive mentor or friend to some of the more impressionable students that might need it the most? Sometimes, when students can step outside of—or beyond—their own current feelings or circumstances, they can, in turn, also be inspired and motivated by the positive feelings associated with doing good and helping others. Even if student has to force a smile upon their face or show up to school on a day when they would rather sleep in–to help out a younger student (or even another Senior peer)–that can be powerful and good way to often stave-off ‘Senioritis’, by seeing the bigger picture and being a positive agent of change and influence at their school (AKA being a leader).

#5: Remember That Motivation Can Come and Go Sometimes:

When it comes to ‘Senioritis’, there will be days that will be easier to stay motivated and focused, and there will be days that will more difficult to lock-in. That is normal–that is human nature. My advice? On those days that are easier to be productive or motivated, take advantage of them! Get more missing work done–give it all you have. On the other end of things, on those days when it’s harder to focus, or be motivated, or productive, just do what you can. Don’t beat yourself up for those days where it is harder to dial-in. If you can only give 50%, give 50% (it’s better than giving up or giving 0%). For most of us, it’s hard to be 100% “on” all the time. Even if we’re not at our very best, maybe 70% or 80% will get the job done just fine. Be kind to yourself; don’t beat yourself up or work against yourself; and just give what you are able to give on any given day.

#6: What Big-Picture Lessons Can You Learn/ What Can You Learn About Yourself:

As you push past ‘Senioritis’ and give what you are able to give (on any given day), there are lessons to be learned from those things—if you only will take the time to be mindful of them. Lessons centered-around developing resiliency; harboring positive attitudes whenever possible; cultivating kindness towards yourself; seeing the big picture; planning for your future; and finding small joys throughout the entire process. Sometimes, we learn the most about ourselves when we have to push past certain experiences; situations; and seasons of life that we would rather just hit the fast-forward or skip-button on. But these are the times—often—when the most character-forming growth occurs, and where we also often develop that certain mettle; moxy; determination; grit; or resiliency—or whatever you might want to call it—that can benefit us for the rest of our lives (if we only allow it to). Is it usually easy? No. Is it usually worth it, though, in the long-run? Almost always, yes!

#7: Remember That You’ve Worked Too Hard:

I see it every year: Students that spend many (if not all) of their previous school years giving it an honest effort–if not all that they have—only to arrive at Senior year (whether at the beginning of the year or at any other point) and lose motivation and desire to give it their best. But, simply put: Most of these students have worked far too hard, and for too many years, to simply coast—or even largely stop working altogether. Yes, a lot can happen Senior year. There can be numerous stressors and anxiety-laden situations and decisions that need to be made about the future. For many students, Senior year—if done right—is not always a year that is easy, or one that students can usually coast through. There are many things to learn; experience; and accomplish—inside and outside of the classroom. Seniors—all year—still need to challenge themselves academically; go to school every day; develop leadership and independence-building skills; and make different (and, sometimes, difficult) decisions about the future. So, don’t throw in the towel during Senior year, because…

#8: Imagine How You’ll Feel In the Future:

Regret can be a tough thing to deal with—particularly, when we make decisions in the moment that feel right, but either don’t have the intended outcome or even end up working against us. I have seen students that struggle with things like ‘Senioritis’— during any given point in the year–only to arrive on the other side of the Semester (or at the end of high school) and regret not giving it a better try during that final year of school. It’s tough to see young people struggle with the aftermath of either not giving an honest effort or making any number of questionable decisions along the way (and then having to miss out on certain opportunities or limit the range of options possible to them, because of that). To be sure, many life lessons can still definitely be learned from things like this, but I still believe it’s better for students’ current lives (and future selves) to work hard during Senior year so that their opportunities—during, and, especially, after high school—are as wide as possible—and also so that each students’ future self will then have the opportunity to thank their current (which, would then turn into their past) self for a Senior year well-done.

See you at Graduation, Senior Student(s)!