Thank you for telling us and I’m so glad to meet you! This will sound dismissive but I promise it’s not (What a beautiful dilemma!) I say that because of the deep friendship you share to make life plans together and to see your love and concern for your friend! But YES the worry, fear… and that SNEAKY “shame” trying to come in and make you wear it! DO NOT – you are AMAZING! Bad grades? (a LABEL of STIGMA even some professionals STILL put on our ADHD family but that is NOT YOUR title EITHER!) A grade point average is of a group without ADHD student – its not a fair comparison. Your pace is yours and they don’t outpace you, systems just don’t know how to include the diversity of ALL OF US. You’re BRILLIANT and I’m SO PROUD and excited you’ll get your secondary education from people who get that and got you!!

Now telling your friend… see how I just “told” you! Breathe, know she loves you and SHE WILL BE BLOWN AWAY. Take your time to relax and be comfortable with your train of thought. When you feel ready its a great idea to start by casual education. Ask – what do you know about ADHD? Feel her response which may be brief and offhanded – she doesn’t know where you’re going. Then give her the basics .. Well it’s (your top descriptive).. NOW… ready? Well bestie guess whose got that? A laugh maybe. Then your LOVE and Bond will seal you all into being even BESTER Friends… I truly believe that. She will be TORN that you guys aren’t going together – JUST AS YOU ARE! But – you both see and will be so happy and proud that you EACH accomplished an AMAZING FEAT! You BOTH qualified and landed DREAM COLLEGES. Your dream of college together wont be in the same physical place, but THIS IS YOUR FRIENDSHIP’S TIME TO SHINE! She will be so proud of you and ASTONISHED how you BLEW the stereotype some have of ADHD – friends since 4th and she HAD NO CLUE! HA. NO ONE has a clue until they read a label. She didn’t read a label first – she sprouted up with the beans in the can! She know you – now she will know you even more awesome than she knew. Years to come, she will be a SUPER STIGMA BUSTER when she hears anyone say a negative about ADHD! lol

I hope I said nothing to offend and hope I helped you with feeling less anxiety. I hate anxiety – it really get me. See I’m in THAT Group! rotlf