This spring, high school seniors across the nation are battling something much worst than allergies: an illness affectionately known as "senioritis."

The symptoms of senioritis include a lack of focus, exhaustion and indecisiveness. Although senioritis usually hits in the second semester of senior year, some students show signs of the illness as early as September. Three Santa Fe High seniors shared their experiences.

"I'm not fighting it," Kara Shain said.

"Having senioritis makes me tired," said Alyssia Segura.

"I had senioritis at the beginning of the year but not so much now," Dominic Sundown said. "I'm doing better now in the second semester."

For many seniors, receiving a college acceptance letter is the go-ahead to give into senioritis, but allowing the affliction to take over can hurt academics in college.

Students who take the easy way out by not taking any challenging classes in their senior year sometimes get stuck taking remedial courses in college — a waste of time and money.

Sundown said he's is doing everything he can to make sure he doesn't fall behind during his senior year.

"I'm getting more serious to make sure I graduate," Sundown said. "I'm trying to make sure I learn everything I need to learn for college."

Some seniors attempt to battle senioritis by staying busy with activities such as after-school jobs, internships and sports. Segura has her own method to keep from falling behind on her school work. "I do my homework when I get out of school instead of waiting until night," Segura said.

College-bound or not, seniors across the city are ready for a break from assigned reading and trigonometry. With each passing day, it's becoming more and more difficult for them to get any work done at all.

"I never do my homework at my house anymore," Shain said.

One of the worst things about senioritis is that no one is immune. Senioritis attacks high-achieving and under-achieving students alike. The only known cure is graduation. The big event is next month and is the only thing seniors can think about. "I'm just looking forward to getting out of here, to be honest," Shain said. "I like Santa Fe High, but after four years, I'm ready to move on."

"I'm looking forward to starting over in a new place," Segura said.

Until graduation day, expect nothing less than procrastination, followed by even more procrastination, from most of the city's high school seniors.

Tori Velarde is a senior at Santa Fe High School. You can reach her at tori@velardenm.com.