My Journey with Auditory Processing Disorder by Marissa

My Journey with Auditory Processing Disorder by Marissa - January 2026 Scholarship Essay

I will never forget the sting of sitting at my desk in third grade when a classmate turned to me and asked, “Why are you so stupid?” I remember the way my heart dropped and how I could not stop the tears from coming because, in that moment, I felt completely broken and exposed. I had always known school was harder for me, but I did not yet understand why I was trying just as hard as everyone else but lessons sounded jumbled in my ears, directions seemed to disappear, and it took me much longer to finish my work. Over time with the help of my parents, teachers, and specialists, I learned that I have Auditory Processing Disorder, and slowly I began to understand that my brain was not wrong it was simply different. That realization changed everything for me, and it transformed my pain into determination. My journey with Auditory Processing Disorder has been long and very painful at times, but it has taught me how my brain learns, revealed strengths I did not know I had, and inspired me to support and advocate for others with neurodiversity through leadership, mentorship, and a commitment to serving my community in the medical field.

At first my diagnosis felt like a label and an explanation for why I was always struggling, but eventually it became a source of empowerment. Instead of seeing myself as limited by my processing differences, I learned to develop new strategies to help me succeed. I stopped feeling ashamed of my specialized education plans and instead viewed it as a toolkit designed to help me unlock my potential. Using accommodations like recorded lectures, extended deadlines, and visual aids made a dramatic difference in my ability to learn, but what truly shifted, especially as I got older, was my willingness to ask for help and to advocate for myself. These skills did not just help me academically, they made me a more resilient and resourceful person in everything I do. I learned to work harder and smarter than I ever thought possible. I discovered that the effort I put into overcoming my challenges was a strength in itself.

From that turning point in third grade, I began to see how struggles with auditory processing made me uniquely empathetic to others who feel different or left out. I started to pay closer attention to my classmates and teammates recognizing when someone was falling behind or having a tough day. Because of my own experiences, I rarely judged and always tried to offer encouragement or support whenever I could. I became a youth sports coach so I could mentor younger kids, many of whom face their own hidden challenges. Whether it was on the volleyball court or in the classroom, I made it my mission to boost confidence and be a steady ally for those who needed it.

My perseverance in academics finally paid off in high school where I achieved a place on the Dean’s List Honor Roll every semester. This was never easy for me, but it is one of my proudest accomplishments because it demonstrates the value of long term effort and overcoming obstacles. I am also proud and excited to be going in the fall to Mount Aloysius College to pursue a bachelor’s degree in Ultrasonography and to continue playing volleyball in college. I chose ultrasonography because it allows me to combine my compassion for others with a technical skill set and to directly support people facing both joyful and serious medical moments. My own experiences with neurodiversity have given me the patience, empathy, and insight necessary to excel in this field.

Receiving this scholarship would help alleviate the financial burden of my education and allow me to focus fully on my studies and my community service. My long term goal is to become a skilled medical professional in Ultrasonography with expertise in OB/GYN, cardiac, vascular, and radiology, and to also eventually move into leadership and teaching roles where I can mentor new students and advocate for greater awareness of neurodiversity in the field of medicine. By reaching these goals, I hope to show others that learning differences are not obstacles to success but sources of strength that can drive positive change.

In overcoming Auditory Processing Disorder, I discovered how capable I really am. I learned to honor my differences, embrace my strengths, and help others do the same. I am dedicated to building a future where neurodiverse students feel seen, valued, and empowered both in and outside the classroom. I believe that investing in me is an investment in a compassionate leader and a lifelong advocate for others who understands that diversity of all kinds makes us stronger. Together we can build a community where every unique mind can thrive.