“I count flies,” she said.

In her fancy burgundy wool suit, my third-grade teacher never missed an opportunity to tell the class—or my mother—that I counted flies. I was distracted.

I sometimes wonder whether she suspected something, or if she simply thought I wasn’t very bright. I didn’t know I had ADHD then. In fact, I wouldn’t learn that until my mid-thirties. I’m 41 now.

I remember switching exams once—with the smartest student in the class. I erased their name and wrote in mine. They had no idea. My teacher threatened many times to hold me back a grade, and I was terrified. I must have truly believed I was incapable to do something so desperate. If you’re wondering—yes, I was caught.

Everything changed when we moved to the United States. Suddenly, my academic performance improved. Despite the language barrier, my teachers recognized me as intelligent and capable. I became an honor-roll student, performed in theater, and was pulled from classroom to classroom to recite poems. I even earned a nickname: “yoyo” (meme).

Old-fashioned impulsivity and an inability to wait my turn had me waving my arm and jumping from my desk, shouting “yo, yo!” (me, me!) every time the teacher asked if anyone knew the answer. That nickname, as silly as it sounds, gave me purpose and confidence.

I once read that to manage your ADHD, you must first know and own it. I can’t help but wonder where I’d be if I’d had access to the resources we have today—or if I hadn’t found validation in that small but meaningful way. Would I have sought comfort elsewhere?

The risks associated with poor inhibition, low self-control, and challenges with executive function are like driving a car without a steering wheel or brakes. ADHD goes far beyond difficulty paying attention. It requires daily resistance to impulses and constant self-regulation.

Being on the lookout for solutions is exhausting—but necessary. Without intention, this condition can quietly rob you of your future.

Learn your weaknesses and your strengths. When you do, they become tools—and those tools allow you to take charge.