Are you a senior that has noticed a difference in your motivation this year compared to previous years?
“At the beginning, I was extremely motivated,” said Yolanda Powell ’25. “I was applying to colleges, and that determined my whole future. But now that some people know where they’re going, including myself, there’s just less incentive to grind.”
What advice would you give to underclassmen to avoid feeling burnt out or bored with school?
“A mistake I made was taking the easiest classes to get good grades without actually being interested in the subjects. It’s so much harder to motivate yourself for classes you don’t care about, even if the workload is lighter,” said Audrey Spaly ’25.
Tommy Higgins ’25 said, “Continue to connect with teachers in a genuine way because it will only give them more substance and they will write a more genuine letter of recommendation for you.”
How do you stay motivated when it feels like you are at the finish line of your high school career?
“I try to stay on top of my week, scheduling time for assignments during my free periods so I can focus on other things outside of school,” said Sadhbh Kilroy ’25.
For others, securing their college plans leads to a dip in motivation. “I was working harder than ever in the fall, but now that I’m in college, it feels like the pressure is off and I have no motivation to do homework,” admitted Willa Riedy ’25.
Why do you think that some students stay motivated while others seem to lose interest in their last year?
“Some students have systems built into their lives, and following those systems becomes almost second nature, making it easier to stay on track than to check out,” Simone Carr ’25 said.
Do you think Branson could do anything to help students feeling burned out or bored?
“I think if the school gives students more freedom to choose classes they’re passionate about, it could help,” says Reese Furhman ’25, suggesting that more flexibility in course selection could boost engagement.
When did you first begin feeling like high school was a bit of a drag?
“Probably sophomore year,” said Sareena Kumar ’25. “But now, as a senior, it’s less about the work and more about realizing that this is the last time for so many things — like dances, or just being at Branson in general.”
Can you describe senioritis from your perspective as a teacher here at Branson?
“It’s the feeling of having gotten into college and being so drained by the pace of high school that all you want to do is relax with your friends,” said History Department Chair Hilary Schmitt.
How does senioritis impact classroom dynamics? Do you notice a shift in how students interact with each other?
“I think there’s a positive shift when students feel more collaborative and relational as they near graduation,” said Schmitt. “It feels like everyone is preserving these last moments together, which can bring out the best in class discussions.”
