I have ADD, couldn't clear highschool so i quit... need help..?

Question

i'm 19... i dropped out of highschool after trying to pass 3 years in a row and failing... in my country there are no special classes or anything to help people with this disorder... at least i didn't find any when i searched.. what are my options now... i'm ok at things like music and love to write and i'm really good at it, i always aced my english exams... but to do journalism or get into anything to do with writing i need to finish highschool... any suggestions?

Answer 1

Well – in the U.S., there are no ‘special classes’ for ADD, either.  ADD is so variable between students, so it’s hard to get support - in part because our schools tend to like things to be easy to figure out.  This is why it is so important to learn about your own strengths and weaknesses so that you can advocate for yourself – and ask for the help that you need, when you need it.  You didn’t mention what it was that challenged you – but you did clearly state where you are strong, and you would be amazed at the difference this can make for you.  Some people have no clue of their strengths, and it’s sad – because this is exactly where you need to focus and develop as much as possible.  

It is too bad that in the U.S., we are so invested in the ‘high school diploma’.  Don’t misunderstand me – because I do believe that it is important to keep working towards completing your education.  What I take issue with, is that a bona fide ‘high school diploma’ is – now, my opinion here – just a piece of paper that is pretty meaningless.  A favorite counselor of mine from days long gone by, put it to me another way, after asking how in the world I could help a young man I knew get his HS diploma, after finishing the required credits at home.  His answer:  ÃƒÂ¢Ã‚€ÂœÃ¢Â€Â¦you have a printer, don’t ya?...”  Another way to put it – just because one has a HS diploma, means little more than having made it to graduation.  It doesn’t guarantee actual literacy, etc.  BUT – unfortunately, … unless you plan to go to college (which you can do, without a HS diploma, by the way) you will find endless dead-ends, without it.  My only purpose in mentioning this, is to discourage you from ‘beating yourself up’ over quitting school.  Let’s face it – high school is simply not for everyone.  Some of our most gifted individuals in history just couldn’t hack it, and left … only to become very successful later in life.  

You might consider trying college; you may find the atmosphere more to your liking which can be a powerful motivator.  The only down side is that it costs $$ - but you might qualify for financial aid.  I guess the main thing is – never give up, and maintain confidence in yourself (maybe start by changing that name of yours?). ;-)  

Finally --- I struggled in school, and barely graduated.  But once I got into college (after I matured a bit more), I became airborne.  Everybody is different.

Good things come to those who persist.

Answer 2

There are lots of people with ADD, you just need to make it an positive in your life, rather than a negative.  Not sure what country you are from but you need a good education to get a good job.

If you like journalism and can't get hired because you're not a high school graduate, try writing freelance for some of the free papers or think about becoming a photo journalist.  Being ADD may enhance what you "see" vs what others do because your mind is working 90 miles an hour.

Another suggestion would be to write letters to the editor that might get published---you can then use those as proof that you can do the job when applying at a newspaper.

Good luck

Answer 3

Have you talked to your Dr.? After that get a tutor who is good with math and study!!! Is this all you need? If so after you have your math down to manageable portions take your necessary test to get your diploma. Good luck I wish you well and God speed.

Answer 4

Get your GED at adult school nearby

Answer 5

I am 26 and really struggled in school terribly when I was younger.  I learned to compensate for my disability.  People like us cant sit down and study for hours.  I found that studying in little spurts of 15 mins. at a time was really effective.  Oultine everything you read because everything I read would just get mixed up.  Just because you have ADD doesn't mean your stupid and that you cant finnish High School.  Its not like your the only one.  I really turned it around my junior year of high school and was going to a private school and getting B's.  I ended up going to a top university and making it to my senior year with about a C average.  I haven't finnished yet for other reasons, but essentially made it through college with a condition that is considered to threaten your success in life, which is complete bull$hit!  If I can do it you can too.  People use to call me stupid when I was in grade school because of having  ADD but look at me now I got my own company and livin the life in Califonia at 26!

Answer 6

First, are you taking medicine?  Is it a dosage that works for you?  Second, are there any other problems- medical, emotional or personal- keeping you from succeeding?  Once you have sorted out those issues, you should either look for a coach or do your own research on ADD to help you adjust to the world.  Finally, have you found a career which truly interests you?  Your ADD will affect you less if you enjoy what you're doing.