Early Struggles in School

If you had told my childhood teachers that I would one day thrive academically, they probably would have laughed. One even predicted I’d be lucky to leave school with a single GCSE. But here’s the thing about underestimating people—it often backfires.

Growing up, school felt like a battlefield. My teachers often told my parents I was a clever girl, but my mind was always elsewhere. The work itself wasn’t difficult; it was just that getting started, especially on tasks that didn’t spark my interest, felt like climbing a mountain in flip-flops.

A Teacher’s Harsh Prediction

One day, a teacher dropped a bombshell on my mum, suggesting I’d be lucky to leave school with a single GCSE. I overheard my mum discussing it with my dad, and that comment hit me like a ton of bricks. My stomach twisted, my face burned, and for the first time, I felt like I was being written off. It could have crushed my spirit, but instead, it ignited something inside me. I was determined to prove that teacher wrong.

Determination to Succeed

That stinging remark stayed with me throughout my school years. I knew deep down I wasn’t stupid; I just needed to find my focus. It was a monumental challenge, but I gave it my all. English was my Achilles’ heel, but one incredible teacher saw my potential and worked tirelessly with me. They taught me to break things down into bullet points, which I then transformed into sentences, paragraphs, and eventually essays. This method became my secret weapon, and to this day, bullet points are my best friends.

GCSE Triumph

The day I received my GCSE results was one of the most nerve-wracking moments of my life. My heart pounded as I opened the envelope. But there it was—all C’s and above. I had done it! That teacher’s prediction had been shattered, and I wished I could have sent them a postcard saying, “Guess who passed more than one GCSE?” The feeling of pride was indescribable; it wasn’t just about the grades but about proving to myself that I was capable.

Challenges in A-Levels

Feeling victorious, I took on A-levels. Business studies became my stronghold, where I consistently achieved top marks. But another subject, one that didn’t hold my interest, became my downfall. One day, a teacher pulled me aside and bluntly said, “Education isn’t for you, is it, Megan?” That was the final straw. I decided to leave sixth form and enrol in college instead. There, I thrived, graduating with a double distinction—four A’s. Take that, naysayers!

Lack of Support and Diagnosis

Despite these negative experiences, none of my teachers ever suggested I might have dyslexia or another neurodivergent condition. Looking back, I wonder how different things might have been if someone had recognised the signs and offered the right support. The education system seemed more focused on labelling students as “trouble” rather than understanding their struggles.

Discovering ADHD

It wasn’t until my 30s, after enduring a toxic relationship, that I began questioning why I struggled with certain aspects of life. While scrolling through TikTok, I stumbled upon videos about ADHD symptoms in women. Suddenly, everything made sense. The forgetfulness, the difficulty starting tasks, the hyperfocus on things I found interesting—all of it aligned with what I was seeing online.

The Long Wait for Assessment

I asked my doctor for a referral for an ADHD assessment, only to be told there was an 18-month wait. The more I researched, the more convinced I became that ADHD was the missing piece of my puzzle. The delay was frustrating, but I was determined to get the answers I had spent a lifetime searching for.

Diagnosis and Moving Forward

When my assessment finally came around, the psychiatrist confirmed what I had suspected all along—I had ADHD since childhood. This revelation was both a relief and a new challenge. Understanding how ADHD affects my daily life has been eye-opening, and I’m still learning how to navigate it. Fortunately, I have an incredible fiancé who is wonderfully supportive and helps me manage life’s hurdles with patience and love.

A Final Thought

If you’ve ever been told you weren’t good enough, take it from me—labels don’t define you. Your potential isn’t measured by a teacher’s expectations but by your own determination. So, to anyone who has ever felt underestimated: prove them wrong, in your own way, on your own terms. And never stop fighting for the support you deserve.

Love,
Megan x

Real Life, Real Stories, Real Me