Senioritis, or “the drop in motivation often experienced by high school seniors as they approach graduation,” as described in the ACT’s article on how to avoid it, tends to worsen as the school year progresses and as students shift their focus to post-graduation plans.
But for some, the next step is only a week away.
After completing courses through Apex Learning, an online program that covers what would be their second semester core classes, seniors Tillee Bardwell, Jocelyn De Lira, Adrena Denton and Aliyah Gilbert will graduate at the end of the first semester.
“I feel ready to get into the real world and out of a closed-minded environment,” Bardwell said. “This has definitely been worth it to take it all at my own pace.”
Students who graduate early are still able to participate in senior events, including the graduation ceremony in May.
“I transferred recently, so I felt like it would be more comfortable to get out early,” De Lira said. “I would like to participate in some of the senior activities, but I’m mainly looking forward to prom.”
Denton, who will be starting cosmetology courses at Vernon College in the spring, said she would recommend the early graduation program to students who are not as involved with extracurricular activities.
“Graduating earlier has given me a chance to be done with everything earlier,” Denton said. “It has definitely been worth it to get ahead with my plans.”
Gilbert said staying on track with all of her classes has been challenging.
“I would still recommend it to get a head start and a little more time to think about what you want to do,” Gilbert said.
Of the four subjects seniors must complete, Bardwell said the English portion has been the most difficult.
“We have had to write a lot of essays in a short amount of time,” Bardwell said. “It’s just been a lot.”
De Lira said she was interested in graduating early as soon as she found out the school offered it as an option.
“I’m still deciding my plans moving forward, but I want to work, and this will give me more time to figure everything out,” De Lira said.
Gilbert plans on starting online classes for real estate and taking the test to earn her license as soon as she turns 18.
“I’m excited to be able to work more and go full-time to save up for my future,” Gilbert said.
Bardwell said she is looking forward to a change of location.
“I want to get enough money to have an apartment or place to live relatively soon,” Bardwell said. “Long term, I want to study with a double major of veterinary medicine and marine biology and a minor in entomology and horticulture.”
I’m most looking forward to being independent and learning how to do things for myself. I just hope I can stay motivated and be efficient with my time in school.
Denton said she will continue to be as involved with the senior class as she can.
“I’m most looking forward to being independent and learning how to do things for myself,” Denton said. “I just hope I can stay motivated and be efficient with my time in school.”
