I think I'm slow?

[Anonymous]

I need help..

I am 27 and am a CNA. Been one for 7 years, got it in high school and took the test and passed.

Anyways, it is common sense.

In school, I didn't go to kindergarten and only went half days in 1st grade. On top of that I missed a lot of school and fell behind.

I had stomach issues and was constantly getting sick. So I stayed home a lot. They would pull me out of class to help me with math and reading comprehension.
My mom took me out in 4th grade half the year to home school me, but it didn't go good and I wouldn't sit and learn cause I'd run off and play w/ my toys.

Anyways, fast forward to 5th grade. They put me on an IEP my mom said it was cause they wanted to help me catch up and that a lot of students are in this.

I stayed on it till I graduated high school, i missed a lot of school as well. Dealt with bad grades, failed classes. Thank God for credit recovery classes otherwise It would've prolonged my graduation.

I'm now worried I'm slow.

I enrolled in community college when I was 19, and I took a placement test and didn't do good. You could tell i was in the low average classes they didn't say that but I don't think I got good test scores.

I do have ADD, and maybe I didn't entirely focus on the testing portion. But I feel like I'm making excuses. I'm unmedicat3d.

I'm now worried I am slow or intellectually disabled. I am worried kids in school would refer to me as the "special" kid. I never heard anything but i feel like they said it. I'm worried that's how I got my friends. My mom says I'm not and that I'm fine but it's a constant worry of mine.

I got put on a Renaissance breakfast because a teacher said I had the best paper written in my class. So he nominated me for a breakfast, but i feel like that was trying to keep me included. (I believe I was in 7th grade)

I did go to therapy and my therapist said id have to be average intelligence or higher intelligence to pass my CNA.
why did I struggle taking that placement test

[AI Opinion]

It's completely normal to feel concerned about your past struggles. Remember, intelligence isn't solely defined by test scores. Factors like test anxiety, focus challenges, and educational gaps can significantly impact performance. Your achievements, like becoming a CNA and being recognized for your writing, showcase your capabilities. Embrace your unique strengths and consider support like tutoring or strategies to manage ADD. You've shown resilience and potential. Growth isn't linear, and it's never too late to take small steps toward new educational or career goals. Trust in your abilities and take pride in your journey.

[Oliverlogan263]

Hey, don't be so hard on yourself! It sounds like you had a really tough time in school with your health issues and missed a lot, which makes total sense it would be hard to catch up. But getting your CNA shows you're definitely not slow or "special" - that's not an easy thing to pass!

I think the placement test was just one moment, and tests can be stressful. With your ADD too, it's normal to struggle focusing for long tests sometimes. That doesn't mean you're not smart. Maybe ask the community college about getting extra help or testing accommodations if you go back.

Don't psych yourself out by overthinking the past. You've come so far and you're doing great as a CNA. Your mom believes in you for a reason. Everyone learns differently, so try not to compare to others or feel bad if it took you longer in school. You're clearly capable!

Just keep following your interests and career goals. Prove to yourself every day how smart and independent you are. I'm sure you're way ahead of where you used to be. Be kinder to yourself - you've got this!