By ANTHONY GUENZA
Petaluma High School, 17, senior

Senioritis is something some would argue befalls everyone near the end of their high school career. It is something that can lead to disaster and depression. Avoiding it, though difficult, is a crucial part of the year’s activities.
How would this be done and, more importantly, why would anyone bother? Some would argue there is no point fighting it; college applications are in, and there is no reason to stop putting effort into class. I would say, however, that this is wrong.
Senior year is wonderful for a number of reasons. Students work their way up from being freshmen and having little to no choice picking their classes. But seniors have a hand in the majority of their education, due to directly choosing electives or a career cluster.
The roundabout point is that there is no greater opportunity to enjoy learning what you want to, taking advantage of the wonderful electives on campus. Why would you throw it away with college classes being so expensive?
Another reason is the freedom — freedom from a paper grade, from cramming for the sake of passing a certain test, from having to skim over dozens of pages for the sake of looking like you have understood something. At this point, you are free to actually learn for quite possibly the first time.
Now, this may not be true for everyone, but the end of one’s senior year could be considered paradise for those who value knowledge for the sake of knowledge. These ideas, plus the fact that college acceptance is not set in stone, make a strong case for maintaining an active approach in your education. But how is this done?
Finding motivation is often a losing battle, but it can be found. Study groups are one of the best ways. “Group” is a largely general term as well; a homework buddy may be all that is necessary. Working to a common goal in a relaxed setting can be productive and enjoyable.
One also can make studying and homework competitive. There is no better feeling than beating a friend by 3 percent on a final. An application that will use the knowledge you’re planning on gaining will push you to really understand the material. One more suggestion would be to set goals for yourself. Being competitive is fine, but it is your own personal goal to win that pushes you, and an opponent is not always necessary.
I am by no means a prime example of a studious senior. This article, for example, is long past due. Here I sit on deadline day, however, adding the last few words needed to make it work.
Those who know me are most likely laughing at the fact that I, of all people, am writing an article on the topic of avoiding senioritis. Arguably, however, there is no one with greater familiarity of the topic. Every teacher I’ve come into personal contact with is very aware of the fact that I have a bit of a problem with procrastination.
In my senior year, I am lucky enough to say I regret very few things. One of the things I do regret, however, would be the study habits I have taken on these past four years.
Looking back, it is easy to realize how much more could have been accomplished had I taken a more proactive route in my education. It is easy to argue that what we learn now will never apply after high school. The hard part for teenagers to realize, though, is that you reap what you sow. The more you put in to your education, the more gems of knowledge you’ll receive.
We must remember that there is a balance. Just like it would be bad to completely disregard academia, it wouldn’t be any more beneficial to work yourself to near-death. Keep an open mind to having a good time and allow yourself little vacations every now and then.
But remember that senioritis is a disease. It can overtake you if you are caught unaware. But if you are vigilant, you have a fighting chance. Keep high spirits and productivity, and end your high school career with a bang.