Sarah Posen

Mr. Sauter

Brookdale English

27 September, 2018

Coloring outside of the lines is usually a metaphor for someone that is being free and

creative. But what if you are coloring outside the lines because you can’t stay within the

boundaries? That was my life until I was 8 years old and diagnosed with ADHD. Finally, the

reason for my difficulty of staying focused, remaining on task and keeping organized was

uncovered. My hyperactivity and impulsivity was due to my ADHD, not because I was simply

refusing to follow the rules. I wanted to color inside the lines and remain on course but I was

unable to focus the same way that my peers were. This made school difficult and it became

obvious that I was not able to work to my full potential.

Throughout my time in elementary school and middle school, I had a hard time staying

focused and struggled with the transitions of going to a new school with more work to do with

shorter deadlines to work with. Once my parents and teachers realized that I was struggling in

school, I was brought to a doctor, where I was diagnosed with ADHD. With my diagnosis and a

504 plan in place, my life was changed dramatically with the additional tools and

accommodations for success. Although I was originally hesitant to use the extra accommodations

at first, I saw that the accommodations improved my grades significantly and allowed me to rise

to my highest potential.

The one activity that provided me with a safe haven from the stress of trying to stay in

control in school, was the use of art. Art was the creative outlet that provided me with a safe
place to color outside the lines without the pressure that I faced in other areas of my life on a

daily basis. Whether it was doing a craft or a project or just coloring in a coloring book I was

able to unwind and clear my mind of the stressful feelings I had that day. Art served almost like a

security blanket for me because I knew I could always doodle or draw to relax my mind. It was,

and still is, a way to keep me balanced through any rocky situations I go through.

The long path through all the tough times helped shape me to become the person that I

am today. I have learned to accept the help when I need it, even if I think I do not, to be

confident among my peers when my needs are different from theirs and to advocate for myself,

in order to have the proper tools for my success. My unique experience has given me the insight

into what it is like to struggle and come out ahead. I choose to be an assistant teacher, buddy and

counselor because I have a personal perspective that enables me to connect with and mentor

children who are having struggles of their own. I have pushed myself hard and given myself high

expectations because I now know that I can accomplish anything that I set my mind to.

ADHD does not define me, it is just a part of who I am and I have proven that I can be

successful in spite of, or even because of, my diagnosis of ADHD. My life is a masterpiece that I

am creating and will always be creating throughout my life. I can now color inside the lines

when I need to but I never lose sight of the creative side of me that sees the value in coloring

outside the lines too!