Student POV - My experience of ADHD Academic Coaching with Connie
Hello!
I am Ella - currently working as a Summer Intern with Connie at interPURPOSE, helping her with social media and business planning related to my school program. I want to share some of my experience with working with Connie as my academic coach - because I really appreciate the positive impact she has had on my experience of school.
I knew I needed help.
I first connected with Connie back in December of 2023 after officially receiving my ADHD diagnosis and coming across her website online. At the time I had enrolled in a new program at a post-secondary institution. It felt like a fresh new start. Using the momentum of what was ahead I was really looking forward to finally figure out my way of managing my academic workload. As someone who had always relied on just getting by on a whim, I truly needed a new strategy. My previous experience, for as long as I could remember with my education, felt rather daunting and out of control.
Starting my first semester, I did weekly check ins with Connie. I had her support plus the use of my school accommodations services for the first time. I started using extra time for tests and exams in the testing centre and making use of assignment extensions when necessary. For the first time in my academic journey, I saw not only my grades but my confidence around school drastically improve.
Spreadsheet for the Win!
This energy carried into my full summer semester. After all my previous failed attempts with organizing my deadlines for assignments, tests and exams, Connie and I had developed a system for keeping track. I started a proper tracking system for each semester’s workload which grew to improve each term. This was a big step for myself and the tool that truly changed things for me.
Burnout Moment - taking a break
After two semesters of busy hard work and dedication the next semester rolled around. I felt proud of how much effort I had put into my studies and work, but my energy and momentum were struggling. I started classes again but found myself in burnout. The passion I had for my academic journey felt like it had vanished, and I couldn’t seem to find it. I had started the semester with my regular check ins with Connie and making use of my accommodations but could feel myself slipping off. By the time midterms rolled around I lost steam and fell out of contact with Connie despite all her attempts to contact me. I simply disappeared.
Back at It - with support
After that point I knew it was time for a rest. Following a very necessary break, I was ready to get back into the game. But not in the way I had done before. I reconnected with Connie and picked up again. She totally understood what I had just gone through. I learned the hard way that my energy has limits and I truly needed to find ways to work that don’t burn me out.
I started my next semester off with a more balanced approach towards my schoolwork. I worked with Connie and strengthened my strategies for what works best for me in terms of studying and completing assignments. I recognized my own way of doing things relieving myself of the pressure to do things a certain way. This new mindset allowed me to complete the following two semester with much more ease although they were by far my hardest semesters. I felt the weight of expectations come off my shoulders allowing me to accept my own path.
The value of coaching support
Now with two semesters left of my degree I feel confident and ready for what lies ahead. I honestly would not have been able to get to where I am today without Connie’s support. I truly hope that any neurodivergent individual who may be struggling with school, who’s self-esteem and confidence may be taking a hit, will be able to find the support they need.
If you are reading this and find yourself or someone you may know relating to my experience, understand there is support out there. I genuinely recommend connecting with Connie. I am so beyond grateful for the impact she has had in my life and privileged to have worked with her.
Thank you for all your support, Connie!
Written by Ella B. July 9, 2026
