Navitgating College as a Neurodivergent

When I met with my high school counselor to discuss college, she told me I wouldn’t be able to get into a university. Hearing this as a 17-year-old was disheartening, and I decided not to even try applying. After graduating high school in 2020 and having my senior year cut short, I spent a lot of time reflecting on my future. That summer, I resolved to go to community college, earn straight A’s, and transfer to a school where I could pursue my passion for fashion.

Transferring to VCU after a year of online learning was both exciting and overwhelming. Being back in a classroom after so long was a major adjustment. Despite having accommodations, I often felt out of place in lecture halls. Retaining information and taking notes in real time was challenging, and I hesitated to ask for help out of fear of being judged. Instead, I pushed myself to adapt and found that using tools like Google Calendar to organize assignments and deadlines helped me manage my workload effectively.

When I transitioned to more creative, project-based work—designing with Adobe products and bringing my visions to life—I discovered where I truly thrived. Embracing the ways my neurodivergence shaped my problem-solving and creativity helped me see my differences as strengths. I realized it was okay to approach challenges differently from my classmates; in fact, it made my work unique. Overcoming these hurdles not only allowed me to succeed academically but also taught me the value of perseverance and self-acceptance.