By Daphne Green
As much as I would love to talk about how I wake up at 5:30 am to a cup of lemon water as I take out my heatless curls in my spotless room– that could not be further from the truth. Hi, my name is Daphne Green. I’m a sophomore, I have been a student at ASUPD from February 2024, over the summer and into this semester and it’s taken lots of work and adapting to get to where I am now.
To be completely honest, my alarm goes off at 6:40 am and I usually exit the cozy captivity of my bed at 7:20 am, right after my sister heads to school and I finish my “totally refreshing” TikTok scroll. I’ll then watch some news as I down my bowl of rice krispies or cup of smoothie. Take my ADHD medicine (muy importante), followed by some typical hygiene. Then I’ll get dressed all nice, do my hair, and maybe throw on dabs of concealer and lipstick I use as blush. (Maybe drink a three-quarters-cup of black coffee).
Around 8:30 – 9:00 is when I’ll get my 10% battery, off-brand, earbuds on, and turn on either my Spotify DJ or my Tyler the Creator, Danielle Caesar, SZA, Kanye, Frank Ocean playlist, titled “–”. The schedule I’ve found most helpful when working with ASUPD is to match work with that day’s live lesson. This typically eliminates the challenge of “Choose what assignments you’ll do today!”. I find it better when things are set, and I prefer less due date freedom (even though I do very much so appreciate it). One major thing I’ve added to my daily routine is One-on-one’s with teachers or help sessions. This has been a total game-changer for me! As someone with ADHD, seeing the intimidating instructions and gigantic-looking assignments discourages me. Having a teacher there to talk me through it and calm the waters that once were a hurricane in my head and I’ve noticed it’s upped my grade tons!
After my medicine wears off and my siblings are home from school, I’ll usually coop up in my room, whittling away at a crochet project and watching a show, or getting absolutely demolished in Apex Legends. I don’t feel like I have school-home separation but I also don’t feel like it’s mushed together which I find odd.
Before I wrap things up though, I would like to say that no matter what your school day may look like, no matter the school you attend, be patient and find your way of getting things done and understood. It took me 4 years to get back to where I am now. My grades became straight D’s once I entered 7th grade and only started being A’s and B’s this school year. I struggled mentally which impacted my school as well, but I am proud of where I am, despite my want for future improvement and attempted perfection. Have patience and self-love and willingness to grow. (Mental help resources linked below)
Finding my “groove” took many failed attempts and many steps out of my comfort zone, but, life is life, no? I’m thankful for my time at ASUPD and what it has taught me beyond curriculum. ASUPD teaches you how to adapt to your own, personal needs.
Ciao,
Daphne Green.
Helpful Links
https://www.mhanational.org/youth (Youth Mental Help)
https://www.wethinktwice.acf.hhs.gov/explore-resources/mental-health (Mental Health Resources)
