The schoolwork itself had never been my problem. it was everything in between.  All the things that seemed to come naturally to everyone else (keeping up with assignments, making time to study, just generally knowing what's going on).  Meanwhile I was staying up late to get things done on time, dozing off  during lectures, and dying a little on the inside as I walked into the room to find out there was a quiz I had forgotten about. I even dropped a class the week before it was finished because I just couldn't cope with it. 

I had a 4.0 GPA, but I felt like I was drowning. 

I had accommodations but it wasn't enough.  I took semesters off, switched programs three times, and eventually dropped out entirely.  I was beyond burnt out, in a way that a few days of rest and relaxation couldn't solve. 

Then came the thing that made it all make sense: I've had ADHD all along!

The diagnosis came along with a mixed bag of emotions.  Relief that I'm not "just lazy".  Grief for how things might have been different if I knew this sooner.  

In true ADHD fashion, I became completely hyperfocused on learning everything about ADHD and what I can do to help myself.  I started experimenting, doing things different and slowly things got better. 

 

That's what lead me to becoming an ADHD coach.  I know first hand how hard it can be to live with this brain.  I also know that with the right support, it doesn't have to be.  I want to help others do the same.