Overcoming The Hidden Obstacle by Imanni

Overcoming The Hidden Obstacle by Imanni - April 2019 Scholarship Essay

Personally, I am blessed to have grown up in a home with my brother and parents that is loving and supportive yet high levels of accomplishments were expected. I always want to do my very best to show my parents my appreciation and it is their examples in the face of adversity that motivates me to push beyond any challenge that seeks to limit me in achieving my goals. My mom has set a standard for me to believe and have faith beyond what I physically can see. To not just hope things will be better in the future but, to work my hardest to make my future great. As a student with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), migraine headaches and hand tremors, this can be challenging.

I initially struggled during my transition to high school. During my freshman and sophomore years, I struggled with keeping up in class. My family and I decided to see my pediatrician who sent us to a Pediatric Neurologist and I completed Neuro-Psych testing. I had a wonderful doctor and she helped me understand how I learn differently and in fact, my case was different than any other she had seen. Even though I was mainly left handed, the test showed I should really be right handed.

That’s also how I found out that I had ADHD. At first, I was confused and upset. But after meeting with my counselor and teachers at my high school, I discovered I could obtain the accommodations and tools needed for success, both at home and school. I’ve accomplished much more than I have ever been able to do in the past. In fact, most of my teachers are unaware of the challenges that make it difficult for me to study and retain the knowledge conveyed in class. When I do share my learning difference, they always comment that they would never think that I had ADHD because of how I manage my course work.

Throughout my high school career, I have been a student-athlete, held leadership positions with my school radio and television stations, served as Treasurer of the Black Student Alliance, and won two awards for perseverance. I volunteer in my local and church communities and also started a non-profit organization that will serve the educational and athletic needs of under-served girls in the metropolitan Detroit area.
Even though it would be easy for me to justify being just an average student as a student with learning differences, it is the inspiration of my mom that provides the drive to always give my very best. During my high school and middle school years, my mother battled breast cancer not once but twice, never ceasing to support me. Because of her unwavering example, I have learned to value each and every day that I live, each opportunity that I receive and I want to be worthy of the investments my parents, teachers and community have made in me.