In limbo or at a crossroads, or with too much downtime.  It is all the same in my ADHD brain.   I’m trying to define what I’m feeling right now.  I have no definitive plan, and a lot of empty time, which freaks me out. It creates big emotions of feeling overwhelmed due to the lack of predictability and the need to make decisions, but an inability to prioritize or make a decision. That and I continue to struggle with finding opportunities to advocate or make changes for those with ADHD because my life experiences reinforce the need for change. 

This is what I will label a ‘now what’ moment.  I get it. It’s a short break, but then it’s not a break if I reframe it. My coursework is complete; I have one class in the fall and a seminar to take in the winter, but most of my classes are done, and I am happy with my grades.  I also have a comprehensive exam in the fall, but that is different.  I must read the equivalent of 25 books and demonstrate a “comprehensive” understanding of the subject matter.  It will be tough, and I could focus on that, but it’s months away, so my ADHD brain feels we have lots of time, but we don’t.  I am expected to read a mere equivalent of 25 books by fall.    This is the same brain that leaves 20 minutes before it needs to be somewhere, takes 5 minutes to get there, out of fear of being late.  The ADHD contradictions are endless. 

That was going to be the topic of my post, but I am having one of those moments of disbelief regarding the education system. These moments seem to occur more frequently, not sure why I am surprised. The education system’s consistent ignorance of the needs of ADHD students until they are called to task is a source of deep frustration. It feels like all talk and no action. Promising to help a student and then not following through is what I call ‘lip service’.   This seems to be the trend, and I do not want to contact the superintendent again; we have two weeks left, so do your job and help these kids finish high school and attend post-secondary education if they choose.  It’s your job; my taxes help pay your salary, so teach my kid. Do not teach him how you learn, but how he learns. We preach inclusion and individuality, but this is where the education system tends to draw a line in the sand. 

By the way, if you want your students to take pride in their work, then teachers should too.  Teachers set precedents, so when recycling assignments or posting exam review sheets, take 5 minutes and change the date because otherwise my son is two years late for his exam and culminating tasks due in June 2022 for his 2025 classes.  DO NOT phone it in unless you want your students to do the same. 

It’s truly remarkable how we’ve all managed to navigate the challenges of the past few years. I understand, it’s been a long and arduous journey for all of us. I can confidently say that most students would agree that they also want the year to end, as do I, for all our sakes. Hang in there, because we’re almost at the finish line!  June cannot come quickly enough.