With just under a month left to go, seniors are itching to get out of their uncomfortable desks and onto graduation, summer, and freedom from high school.

When phrases like “senioritis” and “senior slump” have been coined for years, it’s obvious that this isn’t anything new.
But regardless, the question remains, how do seniors make it through the last few weeks of school when motivation is low and distractions are high?

The month of May is full of responsibilities for seniors about to graduate, such as AP Exams taking place for some students, and finals, as well as events like prom and the unofficial “senior skip day” to worry about.

Personally, at this point, I’m beyond ready for high school to be over. I’m ready for the test and homework-free break of three months between graduation and college.

I’m ready for something new, and I know I’m not the only one that feels this way.
When I got my acceptance letter to attend university in the fall, I was elated – but I also knew that I still had roughly eight more months of hard work to do.

The threat of rescinded admissions due to dropping grades is a very real one. and so I continued to study and do what I was supposed to.

Now though, those eight months have dwindled down to three weeks. As I write this, I’m starting off my last full week of my high school career.

That doesn’t mean I can give up on academics. though, as much as I really want to.
Before graduation I still have another AP exam to get through, class work, a novel to read, and finals to think about, which again begs the question of how exactly I’m keeping myself going.

After interviewing a variety of fellow seniors with the question, “How are you surviving the last month of school?” and receiving some interesting answers, I think I’ve finally got it down.

Julianne Einkorn believes that study groups with friends have been the most helpful.

“It’s easier,” she said, “when I have others to motivate me.”

From Katryn Hodges though, came one of the most relatable answers for me, personally.

“Caffeine,” she said, “and lots of naps.”

I heavily agree with this one. It seems like every spare moment I have I’m sleeping and while I’m not a big coffee drinker, it definitely makes sense for those that need the extra boost.

Waking up at 5:30 in the morning to get to school before 7:00, which is just early enough to snag a parking spot in the lower lot, has only gotten more difficult as the months dragged by, but I’ve managed by holding onto the thought of graduation and counting down the days.

Getting up for school, along with homework and studying, seems a lot less of a pain when you’re reminded that there’s only so much more to go.