Senior Realizes He’s Lost the Last Bit of Motivation He Didn’t Know He Had
I’m a senior in Italy, and despite a pretty good track record throughout most of high school—spending two years as president of the student council and maintaining straight A’s until now—I’ve started to lose interest in school. It’s particularly frustrating since I attend a scientific high school, and while I know I’m heading toward legal studies in the future, life can be unpredictable.
I have a ton of hobbies that keep me going, like reading and self-study, which I genuinely enjoy. I usually dive into subjects on my own terms, focusing intently to grasp and retain knowledge. But the demands of high school have become overwhelming for me. The curriculum often feels pointless, and the only highlight is coming home. I learn something, take a test, and then it’s forgotten—nothing feels worth the effort.
I know this sentiment is common, but I look back at how passionate I used to be in my earlier years, and now it feels like everything is spiraling downward. My grades are plummeting, and there’s no relief in sight; it just keeps getting worse.
I’ve been in therapy for the past year, and I feel like school is the biggest obstacle in my life right now. I know I can excel, but this environment is wearing me down. Every time I try to create some structure, juggling too many things becomes overwhelming. I can manage my discipline in other areas without much struggle, but school is different.
I apologize for the venting; I really needed to express this. If anyone has advice on how to tackle these last three months, I’d appreciate it. I’m not worried about college, but I want to avoid ending my high school experience on such a low note.
It sounds like you’re really navigating a tough situation, and it’s completely understandable to feel this way, especially after having tried so hard for so long. You’ve accomplished a lot, from being a straight-A student to holding leadership roles. It’s not uncommon for motivation to wane, especially when you feel trapped in an environment that doesn’t align with your interests or future goals.
Here are a few suggestions that might help you tackle these last few months:
Prioritize Your Well-Being: Since you’ve mentioned that your mental health is being impacted by school, make it a priority to manage stress. Take time for self-care, whether it’s through your hobbies, exercise, or simple relaxation techniques.
Set Small, Achievable Goals: Rather than focusing on the big picture, break down your tasks into smaller, manageable chunks. This can help you feel a sense of accomplishment and make the workload seem less daunting.
Find Relevance: Try to connect what you’re learning with your future interests in legal studies. Even if the subjects seem useless now, finding aspects that relate to your goals can reignite a spark of motivation.
Limit Distractions: Create a focused study environment that reduces distractions. This could mean setting specific times for study and sticking to them, which may help improve your productivity without feeling overwhelming.
Reach Out for Support: Don’t hesitate to talk to your teachers about how you’re feeling. Sometimes they can provide additional support or flexibility with your workload. Also, continue utilizing your therapy sessions to discuss your feelings about school.
Celebrate Small Wins: Acknowledge your efforts, even the small ones. Treat yourself for completing a task or studying a subject. This can help create a positive feedback loop.
Stay Connected: Lean on friends or peers who are going through similar experiences. Sharing your feelings and getting support from others can make a significant difference.
Remember, this tough phase is just a chapter in your journey, not the whole story. You’ve got this, and those last months can still be meaningful, even if they look different from what you originally hoped for.