Dear kiddo,

This is my second year teaching you. And, as you know, I now teach you in two different classes. Of every high schooler I’ve taught, you stand out as one who struggles with listening, with not talking at the wrong time, with focusing on your work. I’ve talked to your other teachers and I know your whole day looks this way. I know you hate reading. I couldn’t believe it when I double checked your file and didn’t see an IEP or ADHD flag. 

On that note, do you remember this fall, when I asked you if anyone had ever talked to you about ADHD? Well, that turned out to be a coincidence. Because guess who just found out they have ADHD? Me. 

I wouldn’t say our struggles are similar. You’re much more hyperactive, I’m far on the inattentive side. And I’m not a doctor; maybe you don’t have ADHD at all. But you’re struggling. I’m struggling. We’re both struggling. 

This video addresses resilience for people with ADHD, something I’m really having a hard time with right now. You might like it.

So.

A few days ago, you were turned around in your seat, talking to a friend. I asked you to turn around and focus. You weren’t enthusiastic about this direction. 

Then I said, “Come on, focus. I have high expectations for you because I want you to be successful.”

 And you said, “Miss. No one’s ever said that to me before.” 

It broke my heart. Has no one ever given you a quarter? Do you destroy your own quarters the same way I’m always destroying mine? You deserve so much better than that. Sure, you make me crazy. But I care about you. And I know you can accomplish so much in this world. There’s certainly nobody else in it quite like you! 

I hope when I said that, I gave you a quarter. Especially because being your teacher gives me quarters every day.

You got this, kiddo!

- Ms.D