I like to think of myself as a writer. I share my thoughts with some number of people online(hello, whoever actually reads these!), I am a member of my school's writing club, and I have a novel that I would be writing if my classwork would ever actually ease up. However, the greatest test of my writing skills so far in college has come not from my writing major, but from the core requirements. Having an extra slot that wasn't continuing my subjects from last semester, I decided to take an upper level English seminar on British satire. Having been an aficionado of Jonathan Swift in high school, I thought it would be both fun to learn and write about. I wasn't wrong: I just didn't realize how much writing there would be.

When you see the words "Term Paper" in the syllabus:

A minimum of TEN pages, not including quotes, on a topic we weren't covering in the first half of class, and 20% of my final grade. This was a whole different beast. Of course, I spent the next week freaking out, both having no idea what was expected, and trying to do it anyway to be Proactive™. After meeting with the teacher and talking about it in class, I calmed down, and just enjoyed the class. But then

When you realize it's October and a draft's due at the end of the month:

Well, crap. I haven't thought about this in a month. I don't even have a clue what my thesis statement's going to be. You know what that means, it's time to--

When you have homework and events to do, and can't get to the library:

Sorry, research, everything else is coming due first. You can--

When the paper's due next week and you barely have an outline:

When you're doing research and can't find good sources:

I just want books on the general socioeconomic condition of 18th-century Ireland. How are those so hard to find? Thankfully there's a research assistant here for these things and--sweet Jesus it's due Friday why am I not writing?

When you're jamming out words in the Study:

Pro Tip: if you're doing the Pomodoro(25 on, 5 off) method, take a walk around the quad to get in the physical activity you're missing by skipping the gym. Double points if you're still playing Pokemon Go. This seems manageable. Next morning, before my afternoon classes, I can

When you have to do all your other homework you didn't do because of the paper:

Oh. I forgot, I take other classes here. *internal screaming intensifies*

When it's 1 in the morning, you are hopped up on caffeine and maybe also light therapy, listening to techno beats, and might have just had a breakthrough:

Is this even real life anymore? I don't even feel tired. It's just me, the paper, and words pouring forth like a fountain. I think I might be losing my mind, but it feels so...good.

When it's done:

Save, Print, send copy to professor, pass out.

When you turn the fruit of your labor in:

BEHOLD my PAPER. It is DONE(well, at least until end of term). I now know more about A Modest Proposal than most people would want about any piece of classic literature. I think I may have discovered my authorial voice, found another reason to be Proactive™, and probably matured as an adult by doing so. So, how many more do I have to--

When you realize you formatted your paper wrong, and your Professor is a stickler, and will prevent "unsatisfactory" papers from being submitted: