The Bittersweet Countdown to Graduation

As the school year comes to an end, a strange feeling begins to creep into the minds and hearts of many seniors: senioritis. It’s that mix of exhaustion, nostalgia, and a touch of apathy, which is an emotional cocktail stirred up by looming finals, impending goodbyes, and the promise of a new beginning.

For students like Malwina, the pressure of upcoming AP exams keeps her focused. “I still have to pass my AP exams that are at the end of the year in May,” she says. “So I can’t let go of my studying just yet.” But even with that academic anchor, the emotional tide is starting to rise. “We are all dreaming about finally finishing [high school],” she admits, “but now I’m getting sad. Me and my friends are getting more and more sentimental. We’re just thinking that we’re not going to see each other anymore.”

Antoni, on the other hand, approaches the final stretch with a calm clarity. “[I am] not really [experiencing senioritis], because I know that I need to finish some stuff for classes,” he explains. “I don’t need to motivate myself. I know what I need to do.” Still, like many seniors, he’s looking ahead: “I’m pretty happy I can finally finish this part of my life and jump into another chapter.”

And then there’s Renee, who sums it up simply but powerfully: “Yes” she says when asked if she’s experiencing senioritis. Adding that she is “excited and also nervous” about finishing high school and stepping into the future.
Teachers see the shift, too. Dr. Ribic has noticed a clear drop in academic focus since spring break. “My 12th graders have had a lot less engagement in class material,” he says. “And more of an emphasis on what’s next – on having conversations about college, really anything but what we’re doing in class.”

His advice? Don’t slack. “Treat quarter four as preparation for college,” he encourages. “Find that second wind and build momentum for the hard work you will be having to do in college in the fall.”

Senioritis isn’t just about slacking off–it’s about transition. It’s the strange in-between of being almost done, but not quite. It’s the tug-of-war between holding on and letting go.

Whether students are powering through their to-do lists like Antoni, cherishing the last few weeks with friends like Malwina, or trying to balance excitement with nerves like Renee, one thing is clear: this moment matters.
Senior year is ending, but the memories—and the lessons—are only just beginning.