A few months ago, at the age of 33, I was diagnosed with ADHD. That means I went through my entire formal education without realizing why I couldn’t focus, why I was so disorganized, or why I was so easily distracted.

I managed to get decent grades, and I survived through college and earned a bachelor’s degree. I developed some good coping skills that helped me get through the toughest situations, and I had a successful college experience. However, if I had known about my ADHD, I would have been empowered to do things a little differently.

Here’s what I wish I had known about ADHD when I was in school.

It’s Not a Character Flaw

I can’t tell you how many times I looked around my classroom and felt like I was a bad student, or less intelligent, or not good enough. Most of the other students in my classes seemed to get things done faster, pay closer attention, and keep their desks and backpacks tidy. Whereas I couldn’t seem to stay focused, got easily distracted from my task, and had a backpack that looked like the interior of a recycling bin.

I wish I knew that the challenges I faced weren’t caused by a character flaw. I wasn’t a bad student, or stupid, or even unmotivated. I was simply dealing with ADHD.

Comparison Is Poison

I used to (and sometimes still do) compare myself to others. I’d look at the person in class who always seemed to pull As and feel ashamed of my B. These comparisons only ever made me feel worse about myself.

I wish I knew how unproductive, and unhealthy it was to compare myself to others. Self-comparisons are problematic because you’re not dealing with all the facts, it wastes time and energy, and you’ll always see yourself as lacking in some way.

For me, I was making assumptions about my intelligence based on grades. I didn’t have all the facts about myself before making these comparisons, and I certainly didn’t know what my classmates were going through.

Comparing how well we did today vs. how well we did in the past is a much more productive measurement of growth. It can show us our progress and help motivate us to continue growing.

There Are All Kinds of Learners

From Kindergarten to my last semester of college, most of my teachers favored one type of learner. I was not that type. I was messy and distracted with a wandering mind. I did have a few rare teachers who catered to my learning style, but most teachers taught in a way that favored students who were focused and organized.

I wish I knew that there were all kinds of learners. I just happened to be a learner who needed variety and discussion, with bite-sized chunks of learning. Other students do better if you hand them a packet of work and have them study on their own. I’ve known students who flourished in lectures and others who learned best in small breakout groups. All types of learners can be highly effective, and having variety in a class is valuable.

Help Is Available

I didn’t know that my challenges could improve with the right kind of help. The past few months of proper medication and treatment have been life-changing. I would have been a much more productive student had I been able to get this kind of treatment when I was in school.

If you’re struggling in school, seek help and guidance. Go to your teachers, school counselors, parents, and friends. Keep looking for ways to improve your academic experience and try new techniques until you land on things that work. You have the power to improve your life. It’s worth the effort.

Remember, grades only measure your performance on one particular task, the only person you should compare yourself to is your past self, you’re unique style of learning is awesome, and help is out there if you’re willing to look.