I was never an academic dynamo. For as long as I can remember, my grades were in the C plus family. On my report cards, the same teacher comments: A pleasure to have in class. Easily distracted. I was really trying. When I was diagnosed with ADHD I realized that it wasn't simply lack of trying, or being disinterested in one topic or another. There was a name for that thing that kept me up all night drawing, or building robots in my room rather than studying for my Spanish test, or doing my homework. I can't tell you how many times my mother would check my gradebook and text me, or call from the office asking about the assignment I got a zero on. It was an ongoing battle of forgetting about the assignment, excuses, and eventually turning the work in late. My parents constantly stressed that homework was "low hanging fruit" and couldn't understand why I just couldn't get it together. I am fortunate to go to a school that was committed to seeing me succeed. When I was diagnosed with ADHD a plan was put into place complete with a twice weekly Skills classed for note taking, organizational skills, homework help and refocusing when my brain would rather be doing 18 other things besides math, when it was time to take tests, I would go to the teacher's 9th period for extra help. As my parents went in and out of parent teacher meetings, and observing me at home they wondered if I would also benefit from more personalized attention. They hired a tutor, who worked in the other school district in our town. Heberto was a 9th grade teacher who specialized in Algebra. Every Wednesday at 6pm he would come to my house for extra help, and to help me stay on top of my homework. He was a presence in our house every Wednesday for three years. I was doing my homework. I had a great group of teachers that helped break down the issues I was finding difficult. It also didn't hurt that I had met my language requirement, because I really didn't love Spanish, and I would often confuse the language with the Greek School lessons my mom was adamant I go to as part of my culture. My grades started improving. And then it just clicked. During my junior year I made Honor Roll for the first time ever! Then I made High Honors. And by the end of the year I had made the Principal's list. I discovered that I was intelligent. And that with the right combination of resources I could be a success. I am now finished with the first quarter of my Senior year, making Principal's list again. So far, I have been accepted to four of the colleges I have applied to.