If you’re in college, you’ve probably had to write a few papers. Whether it be a term paper, research paper, short essay, or a thesis, there are five stages that every person goes through during the writing process. And I’m sure many of you can relate.

This paper has more than likely been on your syllabus since the beginning of the semester. You’ve known the due date for a while, but you think, “I have plenty of time, I’ll get it done later.” But time goes on and you get closer and closer to the due date. Suddenly, your paper is due on Friday. It’s Monday and you haven’t even started. Then, the stages begin.

1. Denial

There is no way this paper is due in a week. I could have sworn I had at least another month. It came out of nowhere! I’m sure no one else has started either, though. I’ve been so busy with other assignments I didn’t even notice. Surely the professor will go easy on us. It’s getting close to the end of the semester, he knows we have tons of work to do. I’m sure everything will be fine.

2. Anger

Ugh, why didn’t I start earlier? I’ve known about this date forever. Well, he should have reminded us that it was coming up before now! How does he expect us to remember a due date that he gave us months ago? This is so unfair. I don’t have time to deal with this paper and the mountain of work I have to do for my other classes. Why do professors always assign things around the same date? I swear they have meetings to decide which days their all going to have assignments due. They must hate us.

3. Bargaining

Okay, maybe if I beg for an extension, he’ll have mercy on me. I’m a good student. I’ve only skipped his class like twice. And I always turn in my work on time. Well, except for that one assignment… Maybe I should pray? God, I’ll do anything if you help me get an A on this paper. I’ll even take a C. Just please let me pass.

4. Depression

That’s it. My life is over. I’m going to get an F on this paper and fail the class and have to drop out of college. I’m never going to get a good job. I’ll have to live with mom and dad for the rest of my life while I work part time flipping burgers. My life is over. Goodbye cruel world.

5. Acceptance

You know what, I can do this! The paper has to be seven pages and I have four days. I’ll write two on Monday, two on Tuesday, two Wednesday, and then write the last page and edit on Thursday. Then I’ll have everything ready to turn in on Friday. It’ll be easy. I just have to find my sources and I’ll be ready to go. Sure, I probably could have started a few days earlier, but you can’t change the past. So let’s do this!