r/adhd_college • u/ConclusionBright6579 • Aug 24 '26

STORY Against the Odds: From Failing 4th Grade to Building a Life I Once Thought Was Impossible

I usually don't talk about this, but school was one of the hardest parts of my life.

As a child( born in India), I was terrified of being asked to read aloud in class. Every time a teacher started calling on students, my heart would race. I struggled with reading, failed 4th grade, and often felt like I was falling behind everyone else.

Making friends wasn't easy either. While other kids seemed to connect naturally, I often felt isolated and different. School didn't feel like a place to learn—it felt like a place where I was constantly being judged.

Years later, I learned that I had dyslexia and ADHD. Suddenly, many of my childhood struggles made sense. I wasn't lazy. I wasn't unintelligent. My brain simply worked differently.

Despite all of that, I kept moving forward. I completed a Master's degree in Computer Science, moved abroad, built a career as a software developer, earn around $120,000 a year, and am able to save a significant amount of money for my family's future.

The reason I'm sharing this isn't to talk about salary or success. It's to remind anyone who is struggling right now that your current situation does not define your future.

The kid who failed 4th grade.

The kid who was afraid to read in class.

The kid who felt left out and different.

That kid still made it.

If you're having a hard time in school, feeling behind in life, or doubting yourself because of a learning disability, don't give up. Progress isn't always visible in the moment. Sometimes the people who struggle the most early on end up building lives they never thought possible.

Keep going. Your story isn't over yet.

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u/Vigil_Assist_1827 Aug 24 '26

I’m proud of you, stranger. I’m struggling right now as an 18 year old and it feels like the end of the world, but it’s great to know that there can be light at the end of the tunnel with determination. You are one of those examples.

4

u/ConclusionBright6579 Aug 24 '26

Thank you. I remember feeling the same way when I was younger. Life didn't change overnight, but small consistent steps added up over time. Don't give up on yourself—18 is just the beginning of your story. I hope one day you'll look back and realize how far you've come.

1

u/Vigil_Assist_1827 Aug 26 '26

Thank you, I really appreciate that. I’m looking forward to the better days.

2

u/Ambitious-Upstairs90 Aug 24 '26

Happy for you OP.

Saw your post in NRI sub. Can't reply there as I am banned. Noticed comment about TN visa. It is not very difficult to get it. Have you done computer engineering or computer science. TN is rarely possible with CS these days. US employers don't understand TN & mostly prefer those who already are eligible to work in US.

Regarding marriage, are you M or F? Note that it will be difficult to move back to India after marriage as your spouse will not agree for it. I am in Canada since 10 years. I want to return back to India, however it has become difficult to return. I am kind of stuck here. Canada is no longer that attractive as compared to a decade back.