(17, MD, USA) Deity - Fractured Focus

I've always struggled with getting good grades and having more productive days out of my weeks. I constantly catch myself comparing my grades to my siblings and the smarter kids in my school, noticing how easy it seems for them to get out of bed and start their day.

In the mornings, I set an alarm every day for 5 a.m. to keep a pattern in my day and have time to get ready before school, but I find myself hitting snooze for those extra minutes of sleep and end up oversleeping completely. During school, I try to catch up on missed instructions and assignments, but in class, I tend to zone out frequently and miss even more instructions. My parents and teachers often label me as lazy or always unprepared, which is far from the truth. I usually spend hours trying to focus on homework or other tasks before being sidetracked by the smallest distraction. Whether it be a bug, a random noise, or an open window, everything pulls my attention away from the task at hand.

I opened up about these issues to my parents and some teachers, which allowed my math teacher and guidance counselor to create a plan to help me stay focused and on track during my days. I started breaking tasks into sections, setting timers throughout my day to remind myself to start a task or when I should move on to the next, and finding a quiet space to study and take breaks. After a while, it became easier for me to manage my distractions. I also noticed an improvement in my communication, especially in group projects. I recognized my ability to communicate my challenges and strengths to my teammates, which created a more positive environment and ensured we were all on the same page.

My journey was far from perfect, but the more I see myself improve, the more confident I become—not only in my ability to focus but also in my ability to communicate effectively and plan ahead. Now, I feel a great sense of accomplishment, knowing I am learning to navigate my ADHD one step at a time.