Back then, I didn't even know why I was learning in a different way, yet I could sense it. At 7 I was diagnosed ADHD, later on, I also discovered my autism. The other kids could grasp concepts quickly whereas I relied on extra time, assistance, and even different methods to learn. Receiving support through an Individualized Education Program was very beneficial to me throughout my schooling and college years academically as well as personally. Having an IEP, in a way, was like a great teacher to me - it didn't just help me to learn how to do well at school; it also helped me to develop qualities like resilience, patience, and self-advocacy. Of course, there were times when I felt different or had trouble keeping up with others, but those moments served as an impetus for me to exert myself even more. Slowly and surely, I started to view my difficulties not as flaws, but as elements of my identity that make me strong. They influenced my way of thinking and resulted in a more profound empathy for those who, like me, might feel that they are not understood. During my course of studying psychology, I decided to raise the ante by getting a degree in social work. The knowledge and skills I will learn through this program will be ways to offer fulfilling help and support to the local community. I still remember what it felt like for me when I needed support but the system wasn't working for me. So, it would be my dream to become a licensed social worker who is able to assist children and families, especially those with learning differences or disabilities. My aim is to be a person who listens, empathizes, and helps others obtain the necessary resources for them to prosper. My schooling to me is not only about getting a degree it is a preparation for a mission. I would like to employ the knowledge I gain in order to build secure environments, deliver assistance to, and stand up for the people who are ignored in the society. It is one of the things that I have always been certain of is that people can definitely overcome their weaknesses if only they receive proper supports. As a matter of fact, people who successful going through the life process are often those that are supported. Me, for instance, the more I kept up my efforts and with proper helps granted, the more I realized sensitivity and vulnerability were not at all the lives I was to hide, but they were the ones I was able to lead me to help others. And it is exactly what I am intending to do.

I realized at an early age that I learned differently from others. Part of the reason was that I didn't have the words to describe it back then. When I was in elementary school, my teachers and relatives noticed that I had a hard time concentrating and understanding things, and my processing of information was not very good. They diagnosed me with ADHD when I was only seven years old. Shortly after that, I was put on an Individualized Education Program (IEP). Back then, I didn't really get what it was, but I figured it was something that was meant to come in handy for me in a world that was not always very natural to me. Growing up with an IEP came with a lot of ups and downs. There were times when I almost felt alienated from my fellow students, for instance, when I had to have additional time or assistance. Yet, on the other hand, such situations made me strong, taught me how to wait, and even made me realize self-advocacy is necessary. When I continued with my education, I saw my scholastic performance getting better though undeniably in high school. However, I didn't feel quite whole or satisfied. My main point is that even after being able to overcome a lot, I was still confronted with certain issues that I was not even able to unpack completely. In my quest for self-understanding, I looked for more assessment and was then diagnosed as autistic. It is through this diagnosis that I was able to understand various aspects of my life my way of taking in information, my style of social interaction, and the underlying reasons for my frequent feelings of not belonging. Armed with this new knowledge, I revised my IEP to reflect my changing needs. I didn't experience a drop in spirit; on the contrary, I was very excited. I learned for the first time that being different is not a sign of being less capable but is just another way of learning and thinking. Living with ADHD and autism has not only made me who I am but has also influenced what I want to do in life. I have experienced how vital support systems like IEPs are, especially for students who may not even have a diagnosis yet but still find it tough in the traditional schooling environments. Because of this, I am deeply committed to assisting those who feel misunderstood or ignored. I want to be the person to whom they can turn when they are feeling invisible, unsupported, and incapable of achieving success. To start with, I thought of becoming a therapist, but as I explored different career options, I realized that social work too fits very well with my aspirations. So, whether I turn out to be a therapist, a social worker, or a combination of both, my purpose would be unchanged: to fight for individuals with special needs and to furnish them with the tools and motivation they deserve. It is my wish that I could collaborate with students who have ADHD, autism, or IEPs and assist them both in their academic and personal lives. From my encounters, I've been able to develop empathy and a powerful sense of mission. I want to encourage people with ADHD, autism, and various learning difficulties to believe in themselves and feel that support is always available to them. The things that were hard for me have actually been my motivation to help others and bring about a change for the good.