When I asked my parents what I was like as a toddler, they told me I had a speech delay. I couldn’t speak a word and would point at what I wanted. That was my way of communication. In elementary school, I was given speech therapy to help pronounce my words. It still amazes me to this day because my speech is fluent with no hesitation or delay. I do still have trouble though pronouncing certain words because of how fast my mind works.

At age 5, I was diagnosed with ADHD. I remember how others told me I couldn’t sit still. Also, having a bit of a delay in communicating, I became aggressive with specific interactions. It seemed normal for me and my brain to work in that way. At times, I still can’t concentrate as I’m doing a long-term task, so instead, I get up and refocus my direction. At age 10, I was hospitalized and diagnosed with Crohn’s disease, and I remember how hard it was then for me to adjust. My teacher and classmates sent me get well soon cards. I was grateful for their support. Just missing school made me feel miserable, lonely, and bored.

In general, it was hard to fit in for most of my middle school and first year of high school. I was finally starting to go to a public high school for my sophomore year, yet my Crohn’s acted up, and I missed the majority of that year. When returning, I felt like such an outcast and didn’t know where I fit in. I barely knew anyone and felt out of place, but things did get better.