I am a college senior, and studying has never been an issue for me. I worked very hard in high school; I was in the top 10 percent of my graduating class. My parents pressured me to do well, and I made it my personal mission to excel more than my neighbor.

Many of you are familiar with the term, “senioritis.” If you aren’t sure what senioritis is, it is absolute hell. The symptoms are flu-like, and include general malaise and fatigue.

In your junior or senior year, you might begin to notice a general sense of, “I don’t care anymore.” The strong inclination to procrastinate, not study, and watch that new TV show instead of studying for that biology test will take over your life. You will begin to justify the reasons why you shouldn’t read that piece of literature for your midterm; “I am just too tired today,” or, “you already know that stuff.” Lower grades won’t bother you.

Why do we contract senioritis? I think that as serious students we work hard, constantly, for years before we realize that we are in the safe zone. You might say, “I have made it to my last year of college without problems. It is time for a break.” You may not realize it, but at that moment you were infected. I was infected my last semester of junior year.

I want to share this information with you before you have senioritis. If you already have it, I feel your pain.

You will freak out very soon and realize that you will be sitting down at your first real job exactly a year from today.

I had this realization about three weeks ago. My focus has returned to studying and working hard on my coursework, and I spend less time relaxing on the couch with a cup of coffee, and I don’t stay up watching “Robot ChickenTM” or “AquaTeen: HungerForceTM” as often as I would have. A reality check was all I needed.

My only advice for the student struggling with senioritis is just to hold on. Even if my epiphany has not helped you, you will probably have your own thought that snaps you out of your momentary lapse. Then, you can look forward to working harder again. Just don’t let yourself get too far behind.