Breaking the Limits if Expectations by xiomara

Breaking the Limits if Expectations by xiomara - February 2025 Scholarship Essay

The label of "special education" has always sparked my intellectual curiosity, particularly because I wore it for much of my academic career. Diagnosed with Severe Combined ADHD and High-Functioning Autism, I was placed in special education early on. People often told me, "It’s okay, she’s just going to pass," as if the bare minimum was all I could achieve. This mindset never sat right with me, especially since I was putting in my best effort but still faced dismissal and low expectations.

As a child, I was extremely proficient with technology and multilingual. I had a natural aptitude for learning languages and working with various devices, often solving problems others didn’t notice. I also developed artistic and musical talents early on, finding creative expression through drawing and music. Despite these abilities, my potential was frequently overlooked because of my diagnosis, and I felt as though my skills and talents were hidden behind the label of “special education.”

In third grade, I was placed in special education, and that’s when I met a teacher who would change my life. Conchita Garza was more than just a teacher; she was a mentor, a guide, and a source of unwavering support. She taught me that my ADHD and autism didn’t define my abilities. "You can be anything you want to be," she told me, and those words stuck with me. Her belief in me gave me the confidence to pursue my dreams, despite the hurdles I faced.

Although I kept in contact with her throughout my school years, middle and high school proved to be challenging. In addition to my learning differences, I was diagnosed with closed-angle glaucoma, which required extra accommodations. This added another layer of difficulty, and the taunting began again. I heard cruel remarks like, "She’s just making excuses," and "She’s lucky she’s even passing." But these comments only fueled my determination. I became even more committed to proving I was capable of far more than the label society had given me.

It wasn’t until high school that my true potential began to shine. For years, I had been seen as a “special education student,” but now I was determined to break free of that box. My hard work started to pay off. I began to get the grades I had always dreamed of, earning the respect of my teachers and peers. Instead of being viewed through the lens of my diagnosis, I was now recognized for my effort, dedication, and ability to achieve.

When I enrolled in a culinary associate’s degree program, I saw it as my opportunity to prove that I could succeed despite any limitations others might expect of me. I knew that I could excel in this field if I applied myself. I maintained a 4.0 GPA, and while I did require one accommodation (extra time for certain tasks), I refused to let that define my success. I went beyond the bare minimum in every dish I prepared, always striving for excellence in my work. Culinary arts became my platform to show that my potential went far beyond any labels placed on me.

Becoming the first person in my family with special needs to graduate from both high school and college was a monumental achievement. It wasn’t just a victory for me—it was a testament to what anyone can achieve when they challenge society's assumptions and refuse to be limited by a diagnosis. Throughout this journey, I remained motivated by my desire to prove that I was more than what others expected me to be. It was about showing that special education was not a box to be confined to, but a stepping stone to something greater.

One of the greatest influences in my life was my special education teacher, Conchita Garza. Her unwavering belief in me, especially in a system that often undervalued my abilities, taught me to see beyond my label. She showed me that I could live outside the bubble that society had created for students like me. She didn’t just teach me academics; she taught me that with hard work, dedication, and the right mindset, I could accomplish anything.

Today, I continue to live my life with the understanding that labels don’t define who we are. My journey is about proving that anyone, regardless of their challenges, can rise above expectations. I have learned that it is not the circumstances or diagnoses that determine our future, but our determination and belief in ourselves. This philosophy has not only shaped my academic success but also influenced my personal and professional goals moving forward.

In conclusion, the special education label that once seemed like an obstacle has become the driving force behind my success. It sparked a desire to go above and beyond, to break through the limits set by society, and to show that anyone—regardless of their diagnosis—can achieve greatness. As I continue on my journey, I strive to inspire others to challenge the limits others have set for them and to rise above their own expectations. No matter what roadblocks come our way, there are no limits to what we can accomplish when we believe in ourselves and refuse to give up.