Viral Infection Spreading Through Hillwood: “Senior-itis”

Graduation is fast approaching for the last class to leave Hillwood high school, but the lull between testing and college registration are causing a vast majority of our seniors to come down with a bad case of “Senior-itis”.

Symptoms include things like lethargy, apathy, stress, anxiety, restlessness, irritability and doubts about the future.

While some may say nursing this sickness is haphazard and relaxing now could result in “throwing away 13 years of hard work,” senior counselor Ms. Merideth said.

Others are saying teachers hold the cure. Doing things like having realistic expectations, focusing on relevant useful teaching topics after exams, and keeping things spontaneous and interesting for these last weeks.

The consensus around Hillwood is that Seniors are ready to move on.

When asked to define Senior-itis, Adam Habib responded, “I’m going to college already [accepted], so I don’t have to do this.”

The Seniors themselves are of the opinion that, because of all the pressure they are under they are deserving of the break that the end of the year provides, seeing as how they have already done all of their exams and been accepted into college.

“Teachers should take into consideration seniors’ feelings” [Ashley, Class of 23′]

Most students are already in the mindset that the end doesn’t matter if the finish line prize is already promised, according to Dr. Schaffer it’s about more than finishing but rather what kind of legacy you leave behind. “This is their last chance to share the common bond of being the last graduating class.”

When asked how they can support seniors stuck in this end of the year slump Hillwood choir teacher Mr. Merideth says the seniors deserve some grace and encouragement, rather than a hard comedown. “They’ve done their time. . . and students don’t remember what you’ve taught them but how you treated them.”

As the year comes to a close one thing to remember is to take care of yourself, pace, and do your best.

Schaffer says that those most susceptible to senior burnouts are those who are disconnected from the senior community. “It could be someone who you didn’t even know was in your graduating class, someone you wouldn’t notice if they missed a day.” He implores those individuals to reach out and participate in things like senior week and “skip day”.

“Take full advantage of your youth and the safety of high school. . . We want you to want to be here these last few weeks!”