08/03/2026
For a long time, I wasn’t sure if I should share this, but I think it’s important.
I have ADHD.
Growing up, school was not always easy for me. From elementary school through high school, I struggled with executive functioning skills. I had trouble staying organized, remembering assignments, turning things in on time, managing larger projects, and keeping track of all the little details that seemed to come naturally to others.
Even my first attempts at college were challenging because I was still learning how to work with my brain instead of constantly feeling like I was fighting against it.
But when I found the right strategies, support, and learning environment, everything changed. When I attended UCF, I earned straight A’s (with the exception of one very humbling B in statistics 😉). The difference? I was studying a subject I was truly passionate about, and I had learned how to use my ADHD traits to my advantage. My ability to hyperfocus, dive deeply into topics that interested me, and become completely invested in my learning became strengths rather than obstacles.
It wasn’t that I suddenly became “smarter”—I was always capable. I just finally understood how my brain worked and how to use strategies that helped me succeed.
That experience has shaped the educator I am today.
As a teacher, I learned that a child who struggles with organization, focus, completing assignments, or managing their workload is not a child who isn’t trying. Often, they are a child who needs different tools, different strategies, and someone who believes in them.
Having ADHD has given me a unique perspective and has helped me connect with neurodivergent learners in a meaningful way. I love helping students discover strategies that work for their brains, build confidence, and recognize that their challenges do not define their abilities.
When I am tutoring, my goal has never been just better grades. My goal is to help students feel capable, confident, and successful.
Sometimes the biggest change happens when a child finally has someone who understands them. 💙