Frustration

One of the problems about not having an official ADD diagnosis is not getting accommodations in college. So if you think you have ADD, please, please, go see a doctor and get diagnosed. When I have functioning health insurance again, I plan to do the same, even though at this point, it’s too late to really help with school. Some day, I’ll tell the whole exciting story about why I do not have an official diagnosis.

My point today, however, is teaching and learning styles. Neither of the professors I have for this summer session has a teaching style that meshes well with my learning style. Both of them are “soft due date” types, ones to assign homework at the end of class, for the next one. I have trouble dealing with that. Between work and my natural ebb and flow of concentration levels, I like to know what is coming up, and what is due in the near future.

I’m trying to plan ahead and set dates for myself based on the limited information that they’ve given so far (The order of topics) but I am not nearly as good at adhering to my own deadlines as I am at outside ones.

About that College Thing

As of yesterday, around noon, I am done with my undergraduate college work. Noon, because that is when I met with my internship professor. When did I finish my paper and portfolio to give her? 11AM, as I packed up the two kids I was nannying who I needed to bring with me to the meeting. Some things never change.

Do I think that I would have done better in college if I had my ADD under better control? Yes. Am I learning to let go of things that are in the past and can’t be changed? Yes, finally. So it is over, and It is what it is. I do plan on continuing to do little featurettes on strategies that did work for me and strategies that did not. I know, I know, I’m promising an awful lot here. I have the best of intentions, I swear

Do not fear, though, there is more ADD ranting about college to come. Next Tuesday I start my Masters in Education Program. Two classes this summer, then fieldwork throughout the school year. After that, Y’all get to hear the excitement that is trying to deal with one’s ADD as a teacher. At least I will always have material to write about.

Now, to sleep, as I have to move tomorrow. In typical ADD fashion, nothing is in boxes, everything is a mess, and I didn’t do any of the pre-organization I hoped to do.

Note-Taking

Note-taking is a touchy subject for people with learning disabilities. If you are documented with your school, talk to disability services to see what sort of help they offer when it comes to notes. There is a chance that you can get outlines from professors, help from classmates, permission to tape lessons, etc.

For those of us who are undocumented, for whatever reason (a post for another day), I have, over the years, and with the help of some books, advice of friends, and lots of trial and error, come up with a system, and some tips: