The senior class collectively suffers from an ever-growing disease known as senioritis. However, as seniors, we need to be reminded of our responsibilities, especially when the second semester rolls around. By spring semester, many of us will have received acceptance letters while some of us will even have most of our futures for the next four years already set in stone—but that does not necessarily mean we can abandon our present obligations.

We all know that feeling: the one that everything around us is slow, that we are better than everyone, that feeling that we do not want to do anything. And by anything, I mean anything.

Homework? That is a joke.

Paying attention in class? Nope.

Studying for that test? Not going to happen.

We have been exhausted by the pressure of the college admissions process that our own school work seems to fall behind on our priority list. We want to relax, we want to unwind, we want to destress our minds and focus on the more fun aspects of our high school career, like going to sporting events or spending our numbered days with our friends. We shift our attention over to the little time we have left with the ones we love, and by doing so, we neglect our grades and school work.

These are the thoughts that are constantly invading our minds at this point in the year. We spend so much time thinking about what will be, that we tend to lose focus on the now. We need to keep in mind that we are still in high school. We still have about six to seven good months of being high school students, and with that, we have the responsibility of being one. That includes homework, volunteering hours and making good grades. All these things are still applicable and even with our minds set on college, we still need to think about what is happening right now.

Now, I know what you are thinking: that our grades are already set and if we are admitted into a school, it is final. This is false. It is so incredibly vital to stay dedicated to your work and your grades because most schools will ask for a final transcript, even though you have already been admitted. If the transcript shows that your grades have slipped in the second semester, the colleges have the power to revoke your acceptance letter.

It is so easy to lose your way and watch your grades fall as we enter the second semester. Because of this, remember that it is important to make sure you do not mismanage your time and to be smart with how early or late you begin assignments. Do not assume you will be able to finish your four-page government paper done the night before it is due, or quickly complete your calculus homework the period before it is to be turned in.

Keep in mind that while the excitement of senior year is enthralling and the end of our high school career is approaching, we still have great responsibilities that we cannot afford to overlook and disregard.