By Jason Tang
The seasons have changed. Allergies are running rampant. But another infection is attacking BYU students, and the cure has yet to be discovered.
Senioritis is the most commonly used reference for the infection, and it attacks almost all seniors near the end of their last semester.
“I am definitely experiencing senioritis,” said Adam Rich, a 26-year-old senior from Salt Lake City, majoring in business management. “It”s an academic condition affecting fourth and fifth year students, distracting them from their studies, leading them to less constructive pursuits.”
Rich said he would almost rather do anything than schoolwork, even though he considers that the most severe case. For the most part, Rich would rather just have fun for his last semester.
“I”d rather be outside reading something non-school related, play sports, play guitar or play MarioKart with my friends,” he said.
One may wonder how to overcome this wide spread ailment.
“I wish I knew the remedy … ” Rich said dreamily.
Rich”s 23-year-old friend Nate Knoebel has different symptoms his senior semester.
Knoebel, from Montoursville, Penn., majoring in mechanical engineering, said senioritis has not affected him in his studies.
“I”m not experiencing senioritis, because I have so much to do,” Knoebel said. “And because I know I”m just going to have to go to more school when I work on my master”s degree.”
So what is his secret to keeping focused on his schoolwork?
“I”m really interested in what I”m doing,” Knoebel said. “And I just want to have options, be able to go to school where I want to go, and get a job where I want to get a job.”
As a mechanical engineer in his senior year, he spends most of his days working on his senior project — an autonomous airplane, with a two-foot wingspan.
“See, Nate doesn”t have a real major,” Rich said jokingly. “He just plays with toys all day, then he comes strolling in after midnight, and heaven knows where he”s been. Sometimes too much focus can be dangerous.”
Even though Knoebel said he loves what he does, he still has moments when he becomes frustrated or jealous when he sees other students playing more and working less on their schoolwork.
“Adam needs to put down the controller, grow up and take up some responsibility,” said Knoebel playfully.
The two remain friends and work to help balance each other out. Rich helps Knoebel to play a little more, and Knoebel helps Rich to study a little more.
Rich imparts of his wisdom to other students on overcoming senioritis — and his words are not just for seniors.
“Try to keep a good schedule,” Rich said. “I try to schedule good play time to reward myself for when I work hard. It”s something all students should do because some unfortunate students experience senioritis their sophomore year.”
