I have experienced hard times with school for as long as I can remember. I've had trouble with focusing and taking tests since the seventh grade. When my mom and I finally did something about it, I was told I have ADHD. I don't think I was very shocked or upset, I knew it was common for many people. It was actually nice to hear that there was a reason behind why I wasn't doing so well in school.
The doctor prescribed me medicine and well, I've been taking it for almost seven years now! I try my best not to rely on it all of the time, but it really helps me focus when I am doing work and studying. It definitely has side effects on me though, one of those being that it makes me very anxious.
I was also given many accommodations in high school, such as extra times for tests or getting notes from students. However, I never used them in high school because I felt that I didn't need it. That worked for me in high school, but when college came around, I realized I was not doing as well in school as I should've been.
Since many of my classes were in lecture halls, I would be taking exams with another 150 people and sitting in a small chair with a mini desk attached to it. While I was taking exams, I would just hear constant noises such as coughing, sneezing, rumbling of paper, etc. This wasn't that big of a deal for me, but it was a distraction. The worst part was when people would be finished taking their exam, move from their seat and walk to the front of the class. Me, who has always being a slow test taker, would be sitting there trying to take my exam while 50+ other students were getting up from their seats and handing theirs in. For me, this would give me a great amount of anxiety and I would start to worry and even rush trying to finish my exam, thinking I had no time. This happened for the entire first semester and for half of the second semester, and you could tell it really affected me based off my grades.
As second semester was halfway done, I took action and contacted the disability students center at my school. I had a short conversation with one of the workers there and right away, I was given accommodations. Now, whenever I have an exam I am able to take it in my own cubicle with a desk, in a room with little to sometimes no students so it's quiet, and more importantly, I get extra time. I feel no anxiety about rushing to finish, or being distracted by loud noises, I feel confident.
Having these accommodations and using them immediately showed an improvement in my grades. I truly am thankful that accommodations like these are available to help students like me. If I were to have used accommodations like this in high school, who knows where I would be!
The point of all of this is, if you are struggling with similar things, do not be afraid or hesitant to reach out for help. Never feel ashamed or different from other people because of it. Everyone learns differently and in their own ways, and some people just need the extra help and that is okay. School doesn't come easy for everyone, but the beauty of it is that we all have opportunities to better. So don't feel embarrassed if you need extra help, embrace it and let it take you to places that will help you succeed.
