According to the American Psychological Association, attention deficit disorder (ADD) is a behavioral condition that makes it difficult to concentrate on daily demands and routines. In the fourth grade I was diagnosed with ADD, although there were no physical differences between me and my peers, my difference was in the way I learned. Although I had difficulty managing my disability, with hard work and dedication I discovered methods that helped me excel. As someone who has struggled for years to thrive in school, after receiving Dean's List honors my freshman year, I realized that I can accomplish anything I set my mind to. Now I will help others accomplish many things they set their minds to, through occupational therapy. I developed a strong interest in occupational therapy (OT) after volunteering with several people. One of my dreams has always been to be the first in my family to go to college and earn a college degree. To be successful, I knew I had to learn to manage my disability. Even though it takes me longer to prepare for school, I have found methods that help me succeed. I listen to alternative music to block out distracting noises and organize my work by prioritizing and using color-coded folders for each topic. A week before the main exams, I start preparing by studying and organizing my time, making this typically stressful week more manageable. These strategies, and many others, help me exceed expectations. I finally achieved some of my goals. I received the Dean's List award all four years during high school. In addition to academics, I use my study habits to participate in extracurricular activities. The position of editor in chief of my school's yearbook required me to manage my time and manage it ourselves... middle of paper ......teering, but as a result of this my passion grows every day. Helping those who struggle led me to my passion and through occupational therapy I will be able to continue my passion by helping others who struggle just like I have. My degree in occupational therapy will serve to make life easier for the people around me. My life hasn't always been easy, but it was through my diagnosis that I discovered my desire to help others. People come from many different types of struggles and I plan to use my education to help those who struggle in their daily activities. I have found my life's calling not only through my experiences volunteering as a personal care assistant and mentoring foster children each summer, but also because of my disability. Even though I struggle with ADD daily, the thought of achieving my goals and helping others through occupational therapy makes it worth it.