How the 504 Plan Gave Me a Chance for Success When I entered high school, I quickly realized that although I started out strong in the first marking period, I found myself overwhelmed as the workload increased. There were many nights of staying up late and crying because I lacked the comprehension to complete the assignments. I often turned my work in late because I couldn’t keep up with the timelines given and felt inadequate, especially because my peers seemed to manage their work with what looked like no setbacks. I began to internalize the idea that something was wrong with me, that I wasn’t as capable or intelligent as everyone else around me. By my sophomore year, I was struggling even more to balance my schoolwork with challenges in my personal life, which led me to start seeing a therapist. Through our conversations, we discovered that my social anxiety—which was especially heightened during high school—was a major factor contributing to my difficulty comprehending schoolwork, particularly in math and science. I had always known that I felt different in the classroom, but putting a name to what I was experiencing helped me begin the process of understanding and managing it. My therapist encouraged me to pursue a 504 plan to help ease some of the pressure and anxiety I felt in the classroom. I had always struggled with timed exams, often blanking out under the pressure, and I panicked when picked on to go to the board in class. I also found that I needed extra time to take notes and process information. The 504 plan gave me essential accommodations that allowed me to manage my anxiety and approach schoolwork in a more supportive environment. For the first time, I felt like the way my brain worked was being recognized and respected. Getting that support changed how I navigated high school. Now, I can pace myself at a more comfortable speed to finish tasks without feeling overwhelmed. I had the newfound freedom to break things into smaller chunks of material that didn’t seem so daunting. Being able to change the strategy of how I completed my work improved my comprehension because it took some of the pressure off and allowed me to truly engage with the content. I’ve learned that needing extra time to understand material, take notes, or complete tests doesn’t make someone less intelligent. It just means we all have different needs—and some of us need a little more space to thrive. My challenges with anxiety have taught me patience, resilience, and the importance of self-advocacy. Anxiety isn’t something you can see from the outside, but it’s something I live with every day. Sometimes, it strikes without warning; other times, it builds slowly and silently. Those who have never dealt with this issue cannot comprehend how it can completely take over your thinking and paralyze your ability to function. I have often been viewed as weird because I am timid, and my anxiety becomes more intense around my peers. I am socially awkward because I don’t know how to engage when approached unexpectedly, and this adds to my anxiety. But through therapy, tutoring, and my 504 accommodations, I’ve learned how to cope, adapt, and push forward. This journey is exactly why I want to pursue a degree in psychology. There are many times when you can’t express what your body is feeling in the moment, so those around you can’t fully support you or understand what you’re going through. Having learned what I was experiencing—and that there are others like me out there—has given me the strength to persevere. I want to become a therapist who helps others manage their mental health and succeed to their full potential despite the challenges they face. I know what it feels like to be stuck, to feel like no one understands, and to doubt your potential. But I also know what it feels like to be supported, to find your strength, and to start believing in yourself again.

Growing up living in two homes was not easy. At just two months old, my parents split, and the court ruled for 50/50 custody. For me, that meant rotating between homes every four days, a schedule designed around my father’s job as a police officer. As an infant, I didn’t understand how it affected me, but by the time I entered preschool in the Franklin School system at age three, the struggle became real—for both me and my parents. I experienced two very different parenting styles. One parent helped with homework; the other believed in independence and learning from mistakes. One prioritized structure; the other was more laid-back. For a young child trying to establish an internal clock and routine, bouncing between two lifestyles was destabilizing. I remember telling my mother I felt “dizzy” and had “a headache”—my childlike way of expressing that the constant transitions were overwhelming. Eventually, she realized what I meant and advocated for me to stay with her during the school week to create consistency. Although my father took it as withholding me, she was simply doing what she believed would help me thrive in school. By first grade, my teacher noticed changes in my behavior and participation. I wasn’t being treated well by my father’s girlfriend, and it deeply affected me. Under her care, I endured four years of emotional and verbal abuse. She made me feel I wasn’t good enough, and discouraged me from taking pictures or looking in mirrors, claiming it was selfish. When I told my father, he didn’t believe me. If he confronted her, she denied it. Once, after I told on her, she mouthed behind his back that she wished she could slap me. She always made sure he never caught her behavior. This experience marked the beginning of my anxiety. The person who was supposed to care for and protect me became someone I needed protection from. I started having heart palpitations, felt like I might pass out, and withdrew from new people and experiences. Extracurriculars and volunteering, things that should have been fun, felt more like burdens. I never felt good enough, and that only worsened my symptoms. There were even times when my mother had to pick me up early from clubs because I was having a panic attack. Over time, I began learning how to cope. I've been in therapy for a couple of years, and my therapist has taught me grounding techniques to reset my mind when anxiety kicks in. My mother also hired tutors to help with subjects like math and science. With extra support, I gained confidence and began to advocate for myself when I needed help. Slowly, I started breaking through the shell my anxiety built around me. Now, I make a conscious effort to push past my fear. Volunteering—like helping at registration tables for school events—has helped me get comfortable speaking to strangers. I’m becoming more resilient. The same experiences that once made me anxious are now the ones I use to motivate personal growth. College represents a new chapter in my life. It’s a chance to explore who I am and grow into the woman I want to be—one who is capable, confident, and compassionate. Yes, I’m still anxious about leaving my family and being on my own, but I’m ready to embrace the unknown. During admitted student day at my chosen university, I even met someone and exchanged phone numbers—a small step that felt like a big win for someone who once feared any new interaction. As a future Psychology major, I hope to use my experiences to connect with others struggling with mental health challenges. My dream is to create a practice that offers a safe, serene space where clients feel understood and supported. I want to help make the world a better place—one mind at a time.