Navigating the Paperwork Paradox: A Neurodivergent Student's Journey Back to School

Returning to school is a mixed bag of emotions, a cocktail of excitement and anticipation, but sometimes, there's a dash of dread in there too.

For me, one aspect I didn't exactly miss about resuming my educational journey was the deluge of paperwork that often accompanies it.

Now, you might be wondering why paperwork would be such a big deal. Well, let me provide some context.

See, I am a neurodivergent student, which means that obtaining the accommodations I require to excel in a learning environment includes a number of laborious processes.

It entails making doctor's visits, completing what seems like an unending amount of paperwork, and stumbling through a maze of administrative procedures. All of this is done while balancing the rigours of academics and trying to live a somewhat balanced life. (I’m failing at this currently)

But there's another layer to this already complex puzzle. It's not just about obtaining these accommodations; it's also about remembering what they are.

Imagine trying to piece together a puzzle, but some of the crucial parts keep slipping through your fingers. That's what it feels like for me when I have to recall the accommodations I've received in the past.

Neurodivergent people often struggle with a part of cognitive functioning known as executive function, which encompasses various skills like organization, planning, and memory.

So, it becomes this paradoxical situation. Neurodivergent students, who often grapple with executive function challenges, are required to navigate a system that relies heavily on precise organization and memory.

College presents challenges for neurotypical students, let alone neurodivergent students, and it's like asking someone with a fear of heights to clean windows on a skyscraper - the very task is daunting because of the very thing it requires.

To add an extra layer of stress to this already complicated equation, my phone was hacked recently.

Now, you might wonder what that has to do with school and paperwork. Well, the timing couldn't have been worse.

This security breach added to my stress during a month that was especially rigorous at school. My phone serves as both a communication tool and a central point for organization. I use it to access various tools and apps that make it easier for me to effectively manage my academic obligations, maintain notes, and set reminders.

The fragile balance I had managed to create was thrown off by the intrusion into my personal digital space. I was suddenly forced to cope with the consequences of this breach in addition to the demands of academic life.

What should have been an exciting return to the world of learning was tainted by the added stress.

It's ironic, isn't it? Neurodivergent students, who often grapple with executive function challenges, are required to navigate a system that relies heavily on precise organization and memory. The very accommodations meant to level the playing field often necessitate a level of administrative prowess that can be daunting for someone like me.

Yet, in this story lies a call for change. An opportunity for educational institutions to reassess their processes and become more accommodating, not just in the classroom but also in the corridors of bureaucracy.

As I navigate these challenges, I am hopeful that the system will evolve. That one day, the paperwork will be less burdensome, and the memory lapses less impactful.

Until then, I'll continue to tread this path, armed with resilience and the belief that every challenge is an opportunity for growth, both for me and for the system that serves students like me.

Thanks all for this week! Have an amazing day!