Growing up as a child with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) was undeniably a trying time in my life. From the earliest days of my education, I struggled to focus, sit still and meet the expectations of a world that often seemed designed for children without this condition. It felt as though I was constantly swimming against the current, struggling to keep up with the flow of life around me. However, it was through these challenges and the perseverance they demanded that I discovered a strength within myself and how the experience of having ADHD helped shape my future.

As a young child, I remember waking up in the middle night with night terrors for no reason. I often found myself standing out for all the wrong reasons. I couldn’t sit still in class, my mind wandered during lessons and I was the student who frequently heard phrases like, “Pay attention!” and “Sit down!” Yet, no matter how hard I tried, my brain was wired differently. I couldn’t control the racing thoughts and impulses that accompanied my condition and I grappled with being labeled as “lacking focus” and the “daydreamer.”

Throughout my elementary school years, I faced setbacks and moments of self-doubt. There were countless late nights of studying and it often felt like I had to put in twice the effort just to keep up with my peers. However, it was these struggles along with medication and strong parental support that pushed me to develop resilience and a strong work ethic. My parents’ hugs, support, encouragement and just being there for me at those time showed me I was not alone. Hence, I became adept at managing my time, breaking tasks into smaller more manageable pieces and finding strategies to stay on track. In essence, ADHD made me a problem solver, analytical and always seeking innovative solutions.

Around the same time, I discovered my love for sports and video games. Soccer and golf, in particular, became my outlets for excess energy and a means to hone my focus. Soccer matches required strategic thinking and quick decision-making on the field, skills that benefited from the improved attention medication provided. Golf, on the other hand, demanded precision and concentration, skills I had to develop and nurture over time. These sports became not just hobbies, but also tools for self-improvement.

As I entered middle school, I began to see significant improvements in my academic performance and social interactions. Medication dosage was being gradually lowered as I needed it less and less. By the time high school came around medication was no longer needed as I had developed a strong sense of self-confidence and determination. I continued to play soccer and golf, not only for the physical benefits, but also for the emotional and mental balance they brought.

Through these formative years, I learned that ADHD didn’t define me, it was just a part of who I am. While it presented its unique set of challenges, it also brought strengths like creativity, resilience and a zest for life. My journey from a young child struggling with ADHD in elementary school to a high school student who had learned to manage it effectively was not easy. It required patience, support from my family and healthcare professionals and the dedication to improving myself.