Graduation is a few months away. But does every senior feel ready?

Resumes, financial independence, senior projects, future planning, FAFSA forms, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. And as acceptance letters start to arrive, it’s easy to feel unmotivated. 

“My motivation’s stayed kind of the same,” senior Teague Axemaker said. “But I’m worried about the underclassmen. I don’t think they know how to do high school. They’re used to being force fed knowledge directly instead of really thinking about it.”

Underclassmen move through high school often hearing about “senioritis”. Teachers discourage it, underclassmen fear it, but many seniors find it hard to avoid.  Senioritis doesn’t sound very consequential, but future college students should be mindful. 

According to The National Association for College Admission Counseling, colleges can take back their admission offers, put new students on academic probation, or alter financial aid rewards over bad academic performance. So how does one combat such a strong lack of motivation? NACAC suggests, at this point in the school year, to prioritize interests. Avoid taking multiple extracurriculars just for a good impression on colleges. The Association believes that time for upperclassmen is valuable, and shouldn’t be wasted on unfulfilling activities. 

College Board suggests committing to internships or jobs that will benefit the student’s plans for after high school.

 “This can help them make informed decisions about their education and career goals,” They stated, believing that students should stay academically stimulated no matter their plans. These suggestions can be beneficial when it comes to school, but as seniors enter adult society, there are other issues that arise. 

“The economic climate worries me all of the time,” senior Reina Rivera said. “Getting a job as a young adult is already so hard as it is, because they don’t want to hire us.” 

According to CNBC, over 2 million people earned bachelor’s degrees in spring 2025. Only 30% of those graduates reported finding a full-time job by July. With higher inflation, the rise of AI in the workplace, and shrinking entry-level positions, many graduating high schoolers feel anxious and discouraged from joining “the real world”. Additionally, many young adults find themselves struggling to afford housing. 

According to National Mortgage Professional, renting and staying with family is becoming many young people’s only access to a home. Baby boomers and Gen X saw a modest rise in house ownership in 2024, however millennials’ house ownership went from 54.8% to just 54.9%, and Gen Z’s from 26.3% to 26.1%. 

These statistics are disheartening to any young person, and help contribute to seniors displaying lower efforts in their schoolwork. Many have not been fully discouraged, though, and are still going to college, passing 12th grade, and applying for career-oriented jobs. It’s important to keep trying, keep putting in the effort. Because no matter what, being educated and experienced is always important, not just for the sake of careers and reputations, but all aspects of one’s personal growth.

Article by Story Frazier-Maskiell