Winston Churchill once said, “Success consists of going from failure to failure without loss of enthusiasm”. While I never define my obstacles as ‘failures,’ I mark my success by my repeated perseverance through adversity. It was in early elementary school that I first noticed that I learnt differently from other students. I understood all the material but always felt like there was something more challenging with the way I learnt. I would struggle to copy what was written on the board, forgetting what I was writing by the time I got to the page but would retain material presented orally far more easily than my classmates. In math, I would switch my numbers or lose focus halfway through solving a problem. As a young child, this was confusing for me as I felt that I wasn’t as capable as the other students. In grade 6 I was finally assessed, finding out that I have ADHD inattentive subtype. The following year I moved to a school with more support, but with that support came additional challenges for me. I was reluctant to accept help or accommodations as I observed the negative ways certain students with learning disabilities in community class were treated, both by students and teachers. Through the years of grades 7 and 8, I worked really hard but always felt like I could be doing something better. I refused to ask for or accept help so my biggest challenge, in this case, came not from the learning disability itself but rather from my mindset; of wanting to learn in the same way as everyone else.Through the years of grades 7 and 8, I worked really hard but always felt like I could be doing something better. I refused to ask for or accept help so my biggest challenge, in this case, came not from the learning disability itself but rather from my mindset; of wanting to learn in the same way as everyone else. I knew that something had to change.

Music was my saviour. As the only cello player in the band, I was able to perform without comparison to other students and finally realised that being different was something to be embraced. Thus, by the end of grade 7, my teacher nominated me for a leadership program at the Ontario Education Leadership Centre (OELC). Attending OELC allowed me to be around other like-minded students, some of whom also had learning disabilities. During this time I learnt to focus on what I could do well rather than feeling put down by what I struggled with. Upon entering high school I auditioned and was accepted into both the Specialist Music Strings Program and the Theatre and Drama program. OELC taught me that while I should focus on my strengths, I also needed to advocate for myself in the areas I struggled in. I made connections in the special education and guidance department and enrolled in the Music Strings program where I worked hard to become the lead cellist. I took up leadership roles in the school which gave me confidence in myself and seeing how I could lead the cello section in orchestra rehearsals as well as being asked to tutor beginner cellists taught me made me believe in myself and my abilities. I was lucky to have a much-admired teacher with ADHD who helped me strategize and figure out how I could learn best. As I started to appreciate my different learning strategies I noticed I was often more creative than other students since my LD allows me to find unique ways of problem-solving. As I learnt to find the support and to advocate for myself, I also realized that my LD gives me a unique insight into the struggles of other students and I was able to be supportive to students and teachers. With great dedication as well as encouragement and endless support from my Mum, I proudly graduated as an Ontario Scholar with a 95% average, together with the Music Strings Program Certificate and the acceptance into the University Program of my choice.

While the first few years of my diagnosis were difficult, I can now look back and recognize the benefits of those struggles. The ability to keep going when unexpected issues arise, or to take a minute to stop and ask for help are essential life skills that I wouldn’t have learnt without these challenges. Studying abroad is an adventure that comes with many ups and downs, something that through my LD I have learnt to deal with. While of course it isn’t always easy, I will always be grateful for my LD and how it has taught me so much about myself and the world around me.