Growing up, I was always told I was bright – I just needed to apply myself. Early in my school years, I coasted, not having to work super hard to get good grades.
However, as time continued, my unknowingly neurodivergent brain had a harder time adjusting. By the time I was in high school, I was surrounded by privileged kids who all earned straight A’s, and excelled in the areas of school I struggled to keep up with.
I tried my hardest, but I was always reduced to tears when the best I’d achieve was a C, knowing I spent all night studying and doing what I could, only to then be told “You just need to try harder.” I would watch my friends, every single quarter, go up and receive their awards for making “Heads List.” While happy for them, it was hard watching them excel and be propped up while I sat in the stands feeling inadequate.
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