Getting sick at school is the worst! There is no getting around it. You're tired all the time, you're too busy to take care of yourself, and every part of your body hurts. And no matter how many times you get sick, you seem to always go through the exact same steps.

1. "Oh no! I WILL NOT be sick!"

The natural first step is to deny being sick at all. Just keep pushing through, I’m sure it will work for you this time!

2. Debate calling Mom

Then a tiny thought flashes through your brain, “maybe I should call Mom.” But of course, you don’t! You are an adult remember, you can do this!

3. Deciding what to eat

OK it’s time for your first big decision as a sick person! You recognize that you haven’t eaten in a while but of course nothing sounds good, you’re kind of nauseous, and you’re too tired and achy to actually make yourself food. So you eat a pop-tart because … well because it was there and you wanted to get back to the couch.

4. Going to sleep

You’ve done it! You made it through your first day of “not” being sick! Now you spent all day moping around so you still have a lot of homework to do. Probably best to stay up late and finish it. I’m sure it will be fine!

5. Day IV

So you do follow steps one-four for a few more days and it's working just fine. But on day four, you wake up feeling less than great. You can’t breathe through your nose, your head hurts, and you know that you should probably just stay in bed. But you also know that you are covering all of that material for the quiz today in class, so after a few hits of the snooze button, you put on the largest sweater you have and go to class.

6. The fuzzies

This day is literally the worst day of your life. Everything feels fuzzy and your head hurts and everyone is talking but it’s like you can’t really hear them. And since when did your whole existence feel stuffy? This day is a blur and you don’t remember anything but wanting to punch yourself back into being healthy.

7. Making the call

OK it’s been a rough two days and I think we can all agree that you are actually sick. And no amount of ignoring it is going to make it better. So it’s time to bring in the big guns: it’s time to call Mom.

8. The clinic visit

You’ve now realized that Mom is the best thing that has ever happened. She gave you a perfect pep talk that included coddling you and yelling at you for not calling sooner. So she makes you go to the clinic and she makes you text her updates the whole time you are there. It better be verbatim!

9. Antibiotics

Well it turns out your mom was right about what you were sick with. The doctor gave an antibiotic and now you are on your way to healthy! And you got a doctor’s note out of class! Truly what could be better?!

You when you hear the good news.

10. You're healthy!!

You did it!! You survived being sick at school!! It wasn't easy and there were a few rough days in there, but you're in the clear! Now go forth and take on the world! I'm proud of you, champ.