The 12 Stages of Senioritis By Madison Hallett You survived puberty, the ACT/SAT, almost 12 years of school, and finally made it to your senior year of high school. You’re either feeling like time needs to slow down or speed up. If you can’t decide if you feel sad or happy, don’t worry, that’s a totally normal part of the 12 stages of senioritis. 1. Senior year! I’m in charge! You survived the first three years of high school. You’re practically ruler of the halls. Freshmen better bow down. 2. I don’t care about anything: #senioritis Whatever. I’m a high school senior. If it’s due tomorrow, I’ll do it tomorrow. Welcome to full-blown senioritis. 3. It’s okay to wear sweatpants to class, right? You don’t need to look good for anyone. Why would you do your hair and makeup when you could be sleeping? Pajamas are totally the new black. 4. I just want to sleep … all day Sleeping has become one of your favorite activities. Enjoy it. The older you get, the more work you’ll have, and the more precious sleep will be. 5. I don’t have to go to class This is the “I put in my time” phase. The “I took enough classes” phase. The “I ran enough miles in gym” phase. You may feel like you deserve a day off … or maybe a year. 6. Oh wait, I have to apply to college! It’s easy to forget the big picture when you’re so close to graduating. 7. What if I don’t get into college?! Waiting for college acceptance letters can feel like FOREVER. They can be the most stressful weeks of your life! 8. I got accepted! Once you get that acceptance letter, nothing matters anymore. Your brain has already graduated. 9. I got accepted? When the reality of leaving your home, parents, and friends hits you, you might feel a bit shocked. You’re not ready to leave. 10. Where did the time go? You think about how fast you grew up. The nostalgia hits. You rush to spend as much time with your friends as possible. You may even begin to appreciate your parents. 11. College means becoming an adult … How do you adult?! You realize that after you graduate college, you’ll be on your own. You’ll have actual responsibilities. You decide maybe high school isn’t so bad. 12. I’m so ready for college! Bring it! You accept the new chapter of your life and you’re ready to take it on. Graduation, hurry up! Senioritis is a normal part of your senior year, and it will only happen once in your life, so indulge in every stage. Graduating high school and beginning adulthood is just as scary as it is exciting! Prepare yourself for the cost of college with our Scholarship Match. About the author Madison (Mattie) is a sophomore at Colby-Sawyer College, majoring in creative writing and minoring in art history. Very involved in theater and music, her love for piano is almost as strong as her Vermont pride.