Discovering the Rhythm of My Determination
My Academic Journey

My academic achievements were the result of hard work and dedication during the last two years of high school. When I was five years old, I was diagnosed with Attention Deficit Disorder (A.D.D). Although I started playing the drums skillfully at age 18 months old, I had major challenges with school. My love for music definitely outweighed my pursuit of academics achievements. With the guidance and support of my mom and dad, I realized how important academics were and began to work at doing my best.

Because of my diagnosis, throughout elementary, junior high, and high school I was put in smaller classes to help me to be successful. Although I felt like the smaller class environment was helpful in elementary school, when I went to middle school it became more of a crutch than a benefit. I was in the smaller classes during seventh grade and because of my determination to be in regular classes, I was allowed to take regular science and social studies classes during eighth grade. Because I wanted to be in regular classes during my high school years, I believe this decision allowed to prepare me for the coming years.

When I started my freshmen year of high school my first semester was not good. Before the beginning of my second semester a meeting was called and it was suggested that I be moved to a program called the Occupational Studies Program. This program was designed for students with challenges working in a normal classroom setting because of their disabilities. The primary focus of the program was to help students become vocationally independent after high school and not to transition to college.

Initially, I did not want to have any part of this program specifically due to the fact that I had been put in those types of classes in the past. I wanted to continue with my regular classes; however, the concern of those at the meeting persuaded me and my parents to give the program a try. The staff assured my parents and me that it would be to my benefit and would help me be successful.

During the remainder of my freshman year and throughout my sophomore year, the occupational study program, in my opinion, was not for me. I continued to work on my studies; however the program required me to help clean the school. I had to clean bathrooms, wipe off desks and take out trash. Day after day while doing those duties, I kept meditating on the fact t