If you’re a senior, chances are you’ve already experienced some of the following feelings:

• You no longer care about your grades
• You don’t care to go to class
• You think your effort levels don’t matter anymore
• You no longer have the motivation to complete assignments

Studies from academic advisors at Southern New Hampshire University show if you’ve lost all motivation, you may not care if you pass with an A or with a D. 

Smith and others advisors across the school board speak on this feeling that plagues students nearing the end of their secondary school years also known as senioritis. Although this feeling is acknowledged close to graduation, some students begin to experience senioritis in the first semester of their senior year. 

How do you know if you have it? How do I explain how I feel to my teachers? How can I get rid of this feeling? These are all questions students struggle to answer when in their senior year. 

Students must recognize that senioritis is a scary feeling and that participating in actions to avoid undergoing this affliction will benefit one’s self dramatically. Seniors can try some of these methods to avoid senioritis:

• Study what interests you
• Get involved in your school or community
• Begin to think about your future

When taking elective courses that intrigue you, you will find yourself wanting to complete assignments because of your particular interest in the subject matter. 

When getting involved in your school or community, such as pursuing an internship or joining a club, you are more likely to stay motivated because these are activities you enjoy.

When thinking about your future, it helps keep you determined to succeed and strive to reach your end-goal. Remember, your future can be ruined when you lack motivation, but it can also be bright if you continue to strive for success.

Unfortunately, participating in these activities to avoid experiencing the feeling of senioritis can only get you so far. Even motivated, straight-A students begin to contract the contagious disease that is known as senioritis. Once you have senioritis — how can you get back on track?

Consider setting short-term and long-term goals to keep you motivated. Tincher, an academic advisor, recommends having at least one tangible goal. “Crushing short-term goals will make you feel good and allow you to celebrate small victories,” says Tincher. “There is nothing more gratifying than crossing something off your to-do list, ” says Smith, Tincher’s partner. 

Even motivated, straight-A students begin to contract the contagious disease that is known as senioritis.

You may also want to reward yourself. This can be the best way to increase one’s motivation. Plan specific incentives for when you reach various milestones. This ensures you’re still reaching the goals you’ve set for yourself.

As a senior, you will need to acknowledge that you are one of hundreds of thousands of seniors experiencing this chilling feeling. Surround yourself with support, and know that your loved ones, teachers and counselors all have your best interest when it comes to motivation.

Students are sometimes taught that a task needs to be completed in one sitting. Know that breaks are OK. Breaks do not mean you are slacking off, it simply means you are taking a step back to recognize how much progress you have made, and how much more you are going to make. 

The most important thing to remember is to never give up. As a senior, you have goals and accomplishments. Don’t let your fatigue and lack of motivation stop you now. You’ve gotten thus far and you have so much ahead of you.