As a neurodiverse student with ADHD, I struggled to keep up with my classmates. I failed most of elementary school and was encouraged to retake grades.

Over the years, I realized how my ADHD was a sort of gift. To be able to see the world through a different lens allowed me to easily empathize with those who also struggled with neurodiversity and disabilities.

In high school, I worked with the Special Education department to assist students with Autism, Asperger's, Intellectual Disabilities, and Physical Disabilities. This experience taught me the patience, gentleness and persistence that goes into working with students, with and without disabilities.

I learned that if we practiced different approaches than traditional ones, those students could experience the same kind of success as their peers.

And that’s why I believe the importance of empathizing with user stories - because how else could designers do better?