Q5: If you went to college, what was your intended major when you applied to school? Did your academic interests change? If so, how did that change come about?
Well yes, I did. I arrived at Wheelock College wanting to be a social worker. I ended up finishing at Central Connecticut State University with a major in sociology. I had to change because I couldn’t manage the internships of social work school and paying for everything I needed. With undiagnosed ADHD I floundered a lot because I wanted to jump out of my own skin. I realized this feeling only recently. I’m not sure how else to describe it, but with medication, I have realized that feeling was a motivator and in my way.
This is also the reason I didn’t pursue a lot of things. I wasn’t willing to give up my impulse dopamine adventures or spending. Being undiagnosed and self medicating with alcohol (to stop the feeling of wanting to jump out of my own skin) and not being able to control impulse adventuring with friends. I didn’t ask for help again. When I was told I was just ‘too social’, my issues became my own and if something was going to be too hard, I would likely fail, so I didn’t try. The ‘just try harder’ didn’t work for me.
I do have great affection for CCSU. I finished it!
Q6: What do you feel have been your most influential academic experiences to date?
My first memory of an academic success was in 3rd grade. I tested so well on a standardized test that I didn’t have to participate in additional learning. I think it was in math. I just remember getting extra time to work on my United States relief map while everyone else had to go over the math again. The next memory of enjoying learning was in Mr. Savino’s History class. He taught American History through music. The class allowed us to listen to music and reflect on it’s meaning.
Finally, I’d say behavioral statistics. It taught me to stick with it and ask for help. I failed the first time around. When I retook the class the teacher asked everyone to raise their hand if they were taking the class for a second time. Nearly half the class raised their hands. I went to every class. I asked for extra help after class. I really loved the class in the end. It was exciting, it was hard and I didn’t give up! I got a B+ too. My final GPA in undergrad was so bad, I couldn’t become a teaching fellow in NYC. Didn’t matter that my masters GPA was a 3.8.
What all of these things have in common academically were interactive opportunities for me to get my dopamine fill. I literally feel music, if you add to that a high five, whether real or perceived, and I am more likely to be motivated.
Where Does That Red Hair Come From? 