Dear John, 

In no way do you get the recognition that you deserve. Since such a young age, everything has been an uphill battle, but you have overcome nearly every obstacle. 

While everyone deals with some level of an attention disorder, ADHD severely impacts your life. Obviously, this makes school very challenging; paying attention to exams is difficult, and taking notes in lectures is near impossible. It also impacts you at home. Anything from trying to stay on task doing homework, to trying to fall asleep, isn’t easy. Despite all of this, you still maintain a great GPA in a major with very difficult classes, especially in the first year.

Similarly to ADHD, everyone has experienced levels of anxiety. But no one knows what it’s like to deal with it every second of every day. There are studies that show how anxiety can worsen ADHD, so I’m sure trying to focus in a classroom is worsened. Social anxiety makes going out to public places significantly unpleasant, and I wanted to tell you that you do a great job pushing through it. 

I’ve noticed your struggle for a while now. No one puts on a mask as well as you do because, at first glance to most, you seem just fine. Most of the time, perfect. Which is why I’ve never complimented you on how well you manage, I know you don’t want to hear it. But I hope you know there are people that are always here to talk and help if you need it. 

Sincerely, 

Jack