By the time seniors step into their classes for the second semester they have already completed 25 semesters of school. Seniors only have approximately 4.8% left of high school by their last semester.
For many seniors, like senior Lawson Garcia, by the time they get to the second semester, they are only missing a few credits to graduate, opening up the freedom for many of them to opt for reduced schedules or light, elective-filled schedules.
“I definitely feel like this year, because I have such a reduced schedule, missing school is just so easy,” Garcia said.
Many seniors, like Zailianna Graham, have used the time they no longer spend in class to work on the pressing work of preparing for college. During their last semester, many seniors have to commit to a college, plan their graduation party, prepare for prom and get everything ready to move out.
“I’m having to go to school and this is supposed to be my end times but like you realize once you’re a senior that no, this isn’t the end; you have so much more to do,” Graham said.
With a growing amount of tasks to focus on outside of school, some seniors, like Lina Matthews, have found the closer they get to graduation, the less motivation they have for schoolwork.
“I’ve found that recently I don’t do my schoolwork and focus more on other things because it’s like you’re at the finish line,” “You’ve already done all the work, so you’re just kind of burnt out,” Matthews said.
As the end of the school year grows closer, teacher Kylee Johnston, notices a shift in their students’ motivation in class and effort in assignments. Johnston notes the time after spring break is when the attendance in her classes and effort put into assignments is at their lowest; even for some of her best students.
“Every year, I know it’s going to hit after spring break. I have to be patient and understand it’s part of the normal transition process,” Johnston said. “The seniors are ready to move on and they should be.”
Ultimately, many teachers recognize that it’s normal for some students to have their foot halfway out the door by their last semester, but others, like Mathews, have felt sentimental over their last quarter.
“It feels like I might be avoiding my work because I do enjoy there’s a part of me that doesn’t want it to end,” Matthews said, “You there’s a part of me that’s like, ignoring graduation now.”
