Every morning is a battle.

Struggling to open my eyes, I realize it’s another school day.

Instead of waking up early to do my hair, do my makeup and pick an outfit, I decide to get an extra hour of sleep.
Although that one hour flies as fast as a fly, it makes up for the few hours of sleep the night before.

Over excessive wearing of yoga pants. Wearing bummy, oversized t-shirts and sweatshirts. Instead of doing my hair, I throw it up in a bun or ponytail.

Weeks ago, a perfectly white piece of paper that was supposed to be turned in, now lives in my bag. This is my laziness that wasn’t expressed until this year. Maybe it’s because the excitement of knowing that in a couple more months I’ll be in a different city, a different school with different people.

If you are experiencing this, my friend, you may have senioritis. This horrid disease has been spreading for many years among upperclassmen and has hit me in its finest.

Yes, my appearance changed dramatically from freshman year to senior year but that’s not the point. I noticed my lack of interest in coming to school.

Don’t get me wrong, I love seeing my teachers, friends and learning new things, but I’m sick of being here. I know I’m going to miss high school and all of my friends, because of the four long years of knowing them. My past three years have been fun, but this year, it’s different. I’m at the end, but this is the beginning of a new beginning.

I’m ready to leave — maturity is growing.

Along the way, you may lose some people and your looks might change, but that’s okay. Growing up happens at one point or another, and now I’ve reached that point. I’m pretty sure I’m not the only one that’s sick of walking down the halls, seeing the same thing for the past four years, wanting to do something different.

Eventually, there will be times where I will miss high school and all of the wonderful people I’ve met along the way. But I’m looking forward to the future that awaits me at Cal State East Bay.

All of the late night studying has paid off. Sadly, they won’t be ending — because of college —but that’s okay.
Like track, I have to get to the finish line. Senioritis stopped me halfway and almost knocked me down, but I realized I have to finish this run. I have to finish high school strong as the student that I have been by maintaining good grades.
College isn’t going to be any easier, but that’s the exciting part. Every day one will endure a new experience, good and bad.
The point is to learn from your mistakes and not repeat them.
High school has prepared me for the next chapter in my life, and I am ready.