"Senioritis" brings reoccurring themes

When I woke up late for the first day of classes this semester and almost missed a noon meeting as a result, it became blatantly obvious that one of the most feared, but yet all too common maladies of college had hit at last –Senioritis.

Don't get me wrong, missing classes, tardiness and a total disinterest in subject matter is nothing new. All have been reoccurring themes ever since my junior high days of skipping out to keep abreast of the lasted developments on Young & The Restless and Vogue's latest fashion tips. My only salvation in higher education has been the blessing of no after school detention.

My freshman year of college, like most all things in life, started with a heap of good intentions, but took a drastic turn for the worst after the first couple weeks. Much like the hopes of most New Year's resolutions-- the attempts to stop smoking or lead a healthier lifestyle, so was my effort at becoming a better student.

All was lost to the alarm's buzz for 8 a.m. class. Granted, at the time I was still attending afternoon and evening functions on campus, but nonetheless it was sure omen of the current dilemma in which I now find myself.

Knowing my own nature and the potential parental wrath for bad grades, I devised a plan for the remainder of my college career. My own Marshall plan, if you will.

The Marshall plan for slackers

1. Always make an appearance the first day of class. If, however, it seems a passing grade can be achieved without attending class regularly then, by all means, skip.

Note: Of course, if the syllabus says something like "three unexcused absences will result in a deduction of points" then immediately drop the course. In this case, following point one will only cause major problems at the end of the semester.

2. Schedule all courses for late afternoon or evening. It takes some crafty maneuvering on the part of the planner, but with the right over loads and early access to MILO it can almost always be achieved.

3. Always take Fridays off. Although it's technically a weekday, mentally people are already on hiatus. Eventually, the lure of road trips and other promises of fun will outweigh Friday classes anyway.

Until this semester, although it may seem a bit unbelievable, following the slacker plan has helped me achieve great things. I attribute my success to the decrease in stress the plan allows.

But now, I find myself not even caring enough to follow my own advice-- a true sign I must be suffering from some greater force.

As I went to drop my Integrated Science class, not caring in the least if it put a halt in my graduation plans, it dawned on me that this new level of apathy is something no mortal being could ever defeat.

The only thing that stands in my way of graduation is Senioritis and yet going to class is nearly impossible.

It appears I've reached the catch 22 of a lifetime.