It’s the fourth nine weeks. For the most part, testing is over. The school year is coming to an end. While many students struggle to stay focused, attendance is becoming a big issue, and students’ grades are worse than ever. Procrastination and laziness are becoming the new normal for many at Miami High. This is happening to many in the Class of ’17; it’s a condition known as Junioritis.

Many juniors at Miami High know for a fact they have it. Diandra Leon said, “It’s been worse than ever during the fourth nine weeks because you just get tired of school.”

Similarly, Randy Gregorio said, “I procrastinate so much, even for the easiest assignments. Time just goes by so fast; I don’t even want to do anything.”

Junior counselor Ms. Blanco said that she has seen differences in grades due to the attendance. “Juniors have this mindset that they are already on vacation,” she said. “They physically come to school, but mentally they are somewhere else.”

Assistant principal for the junior class Mr. Arscott said, “Juniors are getting a little antsy waiting for summer break, and they are losing some of their focus. We are starting to see them more in CSI, but the good thing about it is that they see seniors struggling to graduate and we use that as a mechanism to motivate juniors to stay focused in their schoolwork.”

The symptoms of junioritis vary.  Maryelin Leal said that when she started slacking in her classes, her grades began suffering. Jennifer Suarez said that she started being lazy not wanting to go to class and leaving homework assignments for the last minute. Oscar Cabrera said that he procrastinates on his homework and has been having a lazy attitude towards all his classes.

Junioritis can also affect high-achieving students enrolled in higher level courses like AP and honors. Victor Ringgaard said, “In my science and math class, I’m lazy to do my homework. I don’t want to do all those math problems.”

Jacqueline Figueroa has noticed her junioritis when it comes to writing a 10 page paper for her constitutional law class.

Many students believe that you cannot get rid of junioritis. Diandra Leon said that if she knew how to get rid of the disease, it would have been gone by now, but she believes it’s stronger than her.

However, a few believe it can be cured. “Accept the fact that you’re falling behind and try to get yourself back on track,” said Maria Maldonado. “I want to get rid of it because the way I act right now has a negative effect on my grades, and I’m trying to go to college.”

Randy Gregorio adds, “I get rid of it by staying afterschool and doing what I have to do as quickly as possible.”

For Jacqueline Figueroa, the thought of her grades dropping is motivating her to keep doing her work.

Instead of worrying about a cure, some juniors suggest preventing junioritis from occurring in the first place. Maria Maldonado suggests, “Learning how to manage your time wisely, surrounding yourself with people who are positive, and having certain goals in mind.” Manuel said that you need to keep a schedule going and get organized.