Strength in Neurodiversity Scholarship

I appreciate having an opportunity to be considered for this scholarship. Most importantly I am grateful to be able to tell my story. For as long as I can remember, I have struggled with being organized, putting things off concentrating and not turning in my assignments on time. As a result of this, my grades were poor. My parents were at a loss regarding how to assist me. I was taken to multiple counselors. None of whom were able to help me with my problems. My mother discussed her concerns about me with my school. Finally in the ninth grade, I met with the school’s psychologist and with her recommendation, I was seen by my doctor. The visit revealed a diagnosis of ADHD. With the support from my parents, my teachers, the school’s counselor and their psychologist, as well as medication, I noticed a change. ARD meetings were scheduled yearly. It was during the ARD meetings that plans were put into place with my teachers which assured that help was available to me as needed. Included in the school’s plan was seating arrangements close to my teachers. This was done to limit any distractions and so that I could have easy access to my teachers. Tutoring services and after school assistance has also been available to me since my ADHD diagnosis. The medication prescribed by my doctor has helped me to stay focused and organized. My grades also improved. There are times however when I still struggle with these issues. I’m happy to report that the plans put into place by my school to help me succeed has worked. If I hadn’t been diagnosed with ADHD, who knows what my future might have been like. The importance of attending college, has always been a discussion that my parents had with me. As a result of their encouragement , I will be attending Sam Houston State University in the fall. I plan to major in Forensic Science. Conversations that my mother has had with Sam Houston revealed that they can implement a plan which will assure my success . This has most definitely lessen my concerns about going to college. I will definitely miss my support system from school. It’s too bad that I can’t take each of them with me. My JROTC teacher has been extremely supportive of me, and my struggles with ADHD since entering her class as a freshman.