Due to an increase in absences among our senior class, we’ve surveyed 100 students about the cause of their absences. We’ve compiled a list of confessionals from these truants, many of whom describe these as “valid reasons to miss school.” Most students said that they  “were not going to take any of their exams,” because, despite their eighty total absences, they would eventually “lock in” and attend a full week of school. 

The following are REAL excerpts and quotes from our survey:

“I skipped first period  yesterday because I had to study for my test and I ended up scrolling on TikTok, so I skipped third too.”

“The second my friend uttered the word skip, we were already driving away.”

“I skipped today because I snoozed my alarm and my bed was truly calling my name.”

“I had to skip because the line at Chick-fil-A was too long and I needed my biscuit.”

“I skipped my second period to get food because I couldn’t wait until third period to eat lunch.”

“I’m probably going to skip tomorrow because I need to work on homework and I focus better with a warm coffee in my hand.”

“I turned my car around and sped home as soon as my friend texted me that we had a substitute.”

“I needed to reconnect with nature.”

“I’d rather skip class than go to ISS for my 6th tardy of the quarter.”

“I woke up with a sniffle in my nose. I knew I couldn’t attend school.”

“I was sleepy.”

“I pulled into the senior lot at 7:25, so instead of getting my 10th tardy in 1st period, I went home.”

“I walked in, and we had a sub. Why should I be there if we have a sub?”

“They got my order wrong at McDonald’s, and I had to miss class to get the correct meal.”

“My friends and I agreed not to miss ANY classes for the rest of the week, but man, I am not feeling the vibe of AP Statistics today. I need to protect my peace.”

“LAKE DAYYYY!!”

“My teacher said she wanted to talk to me next class about my attendance, so I had to skip that too.”

“It was raining.”

“It was cold outside.”

“We had a test during fourth period, and I didn’t study or do my homework, but I know I’ll be prepared next week when I make it up!”

“I’m taking a mental health day.”

“I forgot to do my AP Physics homework, so I left.”

“I skipped 3rd period because I need at least 30-minutes of uninterrupted time to fully enjoy my Taco Bell Crunchwrap Supreme.  Lunch just isn’t long enough…”

“My car engine was making a weird sound. It was maybe what a raccoon sounds like. I can’t imitate the sound properly, but you have to trust me. I couldn’t go.”

“Coincidentally, I had a mani-pedi scheduled during 2nd period, so I skipped the whole day!”

“I can’t get myself to do my work in class, but I also can’t get myself to do my work when I get home, so I’m thinking maybe I can get myself to do my work at home if it’s during the time I’m supposed to be in class.”

Our results reflect that 50% of people skip due to exhaustion (described as “being too sleepy”), 30% of people skip due to hunger, 10% due to academic reasons, 10% due to substitute teachers, and 0% due to doctor appointments and other excused reasons.

Unavoidable inconveniences and obstacles riddle the student population here at Enloe. Four class periods, eight courses, five days a week, is rigorous, difficult, and simply unrealistic. We cannot blame our students for putting their mental and physical health first. Next time you’re considering skipping, remember that any reason is a valid reason to skip. Every day is senior skip day.