DENIAL
I don’t need a planner. After all, how hard can IMSA be? At my old school, I did all my homework the class before it was due. Sure, IMSA may be harder, but that doesn’t mean I’ll have significant difficulty. I’m amazing.
ANGER
You’re telling me this problem set and this essay are both due tomorrow? You know what? This is really stupid. IMSA is stupid and horrible. I hope IMSA dies in a fire so I can dance on its ashes.
BARGAINING
If I just do the next two problems and get everything right, I’ll get a B even though I didn’t finish it. That’s okay, right? And then I can get more sleep, which will definitely allow me to do better and not procrastinate on the next assignment, right? See, what if I do the next three problems, get a B+, and use that grade as motivation for future efforts? I can do this. Right??
DEPRESSION
I can’t do this. How could they ever expect me to do this? I will never crawl out of the deep abyss of homework that piles on top of me every day. Why did I ever choose IMSA?
ACCEPTANCE
After a long struggle, I’ve managed to obtain a healthy work-life balance through time management and self-discipline. IMSA has enriched me and helped me grow in many ways… Also, I’m graduating in two weeks. Sayonara, suckers.
Mara,
Your Five Stages of Adjustment should be added to the IMSA Navigation curriculum! You said it best and you said it right!
Julia