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For the first time in my life, I felt as if I was not good enough. Seventh grade was the first

time I felt this way. After losing everything in our house fire, I also found out I did not make the

same dance team as my teammates, yet this made me push myself harder than ever. Instead of

quitting, I took private lessons every Monday after school. I took extra dance classes. I took the

time to practice at home every chance I got in order to memorize all the moves. My teammates

did not understand what it is like to always be a step behind. In dance. In sports. In school.

Living with a Learning Disability — ADHD and Dyslexia— has taught me many things

— never give up and always set the bar high despite the setbacks that may happen.

After not making the dance team, I worked harder than ever not only in dance but also in

school. Math was a constant struggle, so every Wednesday before dance I went to my tutor for

two hours each week, and I properly took my ADHD medicine, to help me stay focused during

school and dance. I learned to manage my time and when challenges arose, I avoided getting

frustrated with myself — which became a change.

When the following year’s dance auditions arrived, I felt more nervous than ever before.

Walking into the first set of auditions, I knew I had done everything I could to prepare by taking

all of the extra classes and private lessons. After the three exhausting days of auditions, I learned

I finally made the same team. I felt bliss. Despite all of the stepbacks, all my insecurities and

self-doubts, I knew the hard work had finally paid off. Little did I know that my walk was not

over yet as more challenges — and opportunities — loomed.

For most of my life, I admired the high school pom team— like any little girl would. My

mom got an email saying that the high school varsity pom team had upcoming tryouts. I knew I

had to try out. I confidently walked into tryouts but was still nervous about the fear of getting

cut. I persevered through all three days even though I faced challenges: learning the routine,
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trying to stay focused, and memorizing all of the steps. I went home every night of tryouts and

practiced until I knew the routine perfectly, applying the corrections the girls on the team had

given me. After nervously making it through tryouts, I received a call from the head coach while

I was out to dinner; I made the team. I jumped out of the booth smiling from ear to ear, knowing

I had finally overcome my learning disability by pushing for success. Now, it is my fourth year

on the team, and due to my improvement and leadership skills, I am now captain.

The new confidence I gained from these experiences has taught me that living with a

learning disability does not define me. Although I may have to work harder than others, I can

still overcome any struggles that I face. Over the past couple of years, I turned my frustration

into a new mentality that embraces learning and growth. As a result, I earned an academic letter

and my confidence soared. With all of the obstacles that I will face in college, I am confident that

I will overcome them by asking for help, getting a tutor, and studying for every exam and test.

The next time I am faced by a new obstacle, I will remember my seventh grade year and

how I pushed past every obstacle I encountered. I will not let my disabilities impact my future

goals. I will continue to push myself and not settle for anything less.