At the age of 9, I first heard the letters of a diagnosis that would change how I understood myself. My heart raced as a Dr. said I had letters to my name, not celebrated letters like she had; Dr, PhD, B.A., or MsC, but ADHD. I felt lost, very anxious, no longer “normal”. I was neurodivergent. Four letters I didn’t fully understand came with a weight I felt immediately. Before I even knew what “attention deficit hyperactivity disorder” meant, I knew assumptions people made when they heard it. With support from loved ones, I began viewing ADHD as a tool for self-awareness. That shift helped me develop strategies that matched how I think using planners, visual reminders, emailing teachers and articulating myself clearly. I became more confident in how I learn, more engaged in group work, and more comfortable expressing myself. My curiosity piqued, I wondered how suffixes, prefixes and titles can be so profound to our identity. Drs and PhDs carry strong cultural prestige while ADHD is often stigmatized. I researched more about ADHD, understanding the traits, how it can change the way people think. I also discovered other learning differences like dysgraphia and dyscalculia and, in turn, learned more about myself. Curious about how identity is shaped, I read psychology and mystery novels along with non-fiction like The HouseMaid. I explored articles on the nature vs. nurture debate and was struck by how a diagnosis with a few letters can shape how others see us and how we see ourselves. I now see diagnosis as a guide to provide early support and personalized care. I believe I can use my passion in psychology and STEM education to connect people on a deeper, emotional and mental level. I have met so many people that have struggled with their mental health, and felt like they were drowning with no one to talk to or help them. I am inspired by the psychiatrist who diagnosed me. She provided a guide that opened me up to possibilities beyond what I thought I was capable of like tackling 4 AP classes, two jobs, and working independently to get my Seal of Biliteracy. Embracing my diagnosis allowed me to beat stereotypes and stigma against people with learning differences. These experiences not only shaped me but introduced me to the world of Psychology, a subject I am passionate about to learn the many wonderful ways the human mind works.