Personal Narrative: My Diagnosis

When I was in elementary school, my parents and teachers continuously told me I was brilliant, gifted, and naturally smart. I was given opportunities that other kids didn't have. In fourth grade I was nominated to take the Explore test, which is an above grade level test similar to the ACT. My scores on this test confirmed that I was intelligent and needed to be challenged. Other students and teachers found me likable and I was able to make everyone laugh with my sense of humor. Elementary school was a breeze and I was on top of the world!

Fast forward to middle school, I was placed in higher level courses and suddenly expected to be organized and have good study habits. I was finding it difficult to focus in classes that weren’t interactive and required attention to detail. I was becoming frustrated and my grades started to decline. I began to use my sense of humor as a way of attempting to divert the focus on my grades and lack of ability to pay attention. I managed to maintain a decent GPA through middle school,
The diagnosis was a bit of relief to me and I was determined to overcome this obstacle. I didn’t want to be reliant on daily medication, so with a combination of hard work and determination I managed to push myself. My grades quickly began to improve as I found ways to cope with the diagnosis. During my junior year of high school, I managed to maintain a 3.5 GPA while taking many advanced level courses. I do not rely on daily medication, but do utilize this during important tests and projects when I know I will need extra focus. I have not utilized any modifications and refuse to have this disorder be a defining factor in my educational pursuits. I have learned that I excel with hands on tasks and believe that a future in law enforcement is an ideal career choice for me where I can use my education and training in an interactive hands on