Avoiding Senioritis: Tips for a “Fresh Start” In Semester 2

With exam break coming into full swing, I think we can all say we’ve been at the point where our motivation starts to decline just a little bit. It makes sense, too, because with the first half of the school year officially concluded, you really deserve that break. I’m not here to say that you don’t. You should be able to kick back and relax for a week or two, but don’t forget that you still have another half of the year to finish.

I think the current exam break situation is especially hard on my fellow Grade 12s. With most of our university applications done and out of the way, and our transcripts sealed and sent, it is extremely tempting to maybe let ourselves slip just a little bit for the next few months. But remember: universities still want to see your final grades by the time Grade 12 is finished. We aren’t off the hook just yet, so don’t let a few last-minute months of slacking off ruin the hard work you’ve built up over the past 3 years.

But, like most things, maintaining that discipline is easier said than done. That’s why I’ve compiled a few tips in this post which may hopefully make your transition into semester 2 a little easier to manage and keep you on top of your studies, while still enjoying the greater freedom that comes with your high school career coming to a close. (That being said, Grade 10s and 11s reading this may find some use out of some of these tips as well!)

1. Prepare a new notebook.

Either rip out the used pages of your old Semester 1 notebook, or buy a new one altogether for Semester 2. No, this is not a gimmick. There have been actual scientific studies conducted into the idea of working with a “clean slate” and its benefits for your state of mind; namely, you’ll feel a surge of motivation and find it easier to keep good study habits up if you start from square one. While you’re at it, consider cleaning out your locker, binder, pencil cases, and all your other school materials as well. The cleaner and more organized you feel at the start of Semester 2, the more prepared you will to hit the ground running.

2. Define a schedule or planner.

It doesn’t have to be flashy or colorful, or even physical (why not set up your calendar on your phone, for notification reminders?). So long as you have something to tell you everything you need to do, and when you need to do it by, I guarantee you’ll be able to breathe a sigh of relief in knowing your life is planned out. Every task seems easier when it’s broken down, and your seemingly endless to-do lists will look a lot less intimidating when you actually write it all out. More than that, it also makes it less likely for you to procrastinate, so that you actually get your work done. If you weren’t in the habit of using a schedule or planner before, consider the new semester a great opportunity to try it out.

3. Involve yourself in an extracurricular commitment.

One of the main reasons why senioritis is a problem is because students experience a lack of motivation when they no longer have pressing commitments. You can, therefore, avoid it by forcing yourself to commit to something. And why not learn something new or develop a skill in the process? Every high school in Calgary has dozens of extracurricular opportunities you can involve yourself in, from Model UN clubs to environmental advocacy groups. When you are required to show up for a meeting every week, or continually have homework tasks assigned to you, it’ll be easier to keep up with school assignments as well.

4. Seek employment.

Eventually, we all have to graduate and find some kind of employment in order to support ourselves. That’s why I’m making it my own personal goal (and I highly recommend you do the same!) to have some work experience before I graduate. Getting an early start in high school will not only give you early exposure to the professional world, thereby adding to your experience and potential connections for references, etc., but also teach you the kind of responsibility that will be expected all the time after graduation. It also doesn’t have to be a difficult process! Programs exist by the dozens dedicated to helping youth find employment, whether independent or as a part of larger organizations like Youth Central. Seek them out and they can help you craft a resume, cover letter, conduct mock interviews, and provide likely anything else you need to be prepared for your first job.

5. Set aside time for fun.

If you follow some of the tips above, I think you’ll be much less likely to burn out and suffer the effects of senioritis. But what will make the process even more enjoyable is if you still have all the fun you want to anyway, just so long as you schedule it for after you finish your assignments and important commitments. Just so long as you don’t treat all of Semester 2 as one huge party, you really should enjoy yourself. After all, you made it through almost all of high school.

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