Senioritis in an entirely new light

2020-21 Editorial Board (clockwise from upper left, Editors-in-Chief Agustin Aliaga ’21, Matthew Schwartz ’21, Tyler Zimmer ’21 and Managing Editors Jeffrey Yang ’22, Ryan Rodack ’22, and Mitav Nayak ’22

The quarter has just about come to a close; third formers have adjusted to a new building; Sixth Formers have turned in their early applications. Come November, you may think “senioritis” has begun to kick in, and in a normal year, you would be right. This year, you could not be more wrong. 

     After a recent excruciating yet rewarding after-school practice, we engaged in dialogue with Ms. Barb LaPenta. She explained how emotionally connected she was with the community, and how disappointing going virtual would be. But what we took away from the conversation was not impending sadness but rather motivation. 

     We used to describe senioritis as realizing we are within arm’s reach and simply wanting to handshake president Leahy, calling it a career. Two years ago, that description would be spot on. This year, we describe senioritis as understanding that we could be sent home any given day, and that we must be so incredibly productive with the time we have left. 

     We have noticed an impressive turnout at clubs. The Index, open to all, has welcomed a promising new group of writers from all grade and writing levels. Peer Counseling has thrived, filling two classrooms alongside virtual students, as our Haverford brothers utilize this safe space. Chess Club matches, Entrepreneurship Club speakers, Diversity Alliance open discussions, you name it. We are showing out, and this needs to continue to avoid the old definition of senioritis. 

With winter looming and Coronavirus numbers in local counties spiking, we don’t see a better time to strengthen relationships than now.

     The new senioritis is following precautions. The new senioritis is joining the club, trying out for the team. The new senioritis is giving your friend an elbow, mutually understanding how much you appreciate each other’s company. It is not anxiously waiting to wake up on the last day, but rather it is finding the teacher you love talking to and enjoying their presence. 

     Ms. LaPenta told us how much she appreciates her former students reaching out to her or visiting campus, but relationships like these take time and effort. With winter looming and Coronavirus numbers in local counties spiking, we don’t see a better time to strengthen relationships than now. We will need strength to make it through these cold winter months—especially if we go virtual—and this year’s virtue, teamwork must remain our priority.