Mental Health Scholarship for Women

Navigating the academic landscape with ADHD has been a journey of self-discovery and resilience. Throughout elementary and high school, I grappled with the challenges that ADHD presented, striving to excel despite lacking the necessary resources. I maintained an average performance, earning A's and B's, but always sensed that I could achieve more if provided with the right support. It wasn't until my freshman year of college that I received a formal diagnosis for ADHD, marking a turning point in my academic and personal life. In the Hispanic community, mental health can be a somewhat taboo subject, and breaking this silence has been a significant aspect of my journey. I am hopeful that open dialogues about mental health will become more common, fostering understanding and support. With my diagnosis, I began a tailored approach to managing my ADHD. I take medication that helps alleviate the challenges posed by ADHD, but my commitment to prioritizing mental health extends beyond pharmaceutical solutions. I incorporate regular exercise, maintain a balanced sleep schedule, and adhere to a healthy diet. These lifestyle choices are vital in managing ADHD, as disruptions in sleep, imbalances in dopamine, and nutritional deficiencies can contribute to overwhelming feelings and emotional dysregulation. Living with ADHD often feels like navigating an unending to-do list, but I remind myself to approach life with compassion. In a society that often values conformity, I celebrate our differences, recognizing that ADHD offers unique perspectives and strengths. While ADHD can be overwhelming, I have learned to harness its positive aspects. People with ADHD have lower dopamine levels, leading them to seek stimulation. For me, this search for dopamine has translated into a passion for creativity. Creativity has become my outlet, a source of focus and joy. I can paint for hours, experiencing the hyper-focus that comes with ADHD. This hyper-focus not only aids in my artistic endeavors but also serves as a reminder that ADHD is not solely a challenge—it's an advantage. The ability to hyper-focus allows me to delve deeply into my art, creating work that I am immensely proud of. In managing ADHD, I am committed to dispelling the stigma surrounding mental health in my community. Through open dialogue and sharing my own journey, I aim to contribute to a more supportive and understanding environment. By embracing the challenges and advantages that come with ADHD, I am forging a path that prioritizes both my mental health and my artistic pursuits. As time progresses, I am refining my strategies for managing ADHD, learning more about myself, and navigating life's complexities with resilience and compassion.