Student hopes to inspire others with presentation about managing ADHD
A Forensic Investigation student has had her work recognised after presenting at a workshop about managing ADHD, which is now being used to support other students.
Final year Forensic Investigation student Aspen Milledge gave a presentation as part of an ADHD information session hosted by GCU’s Disability Team. After hearing about the event, Aspen offered to create a presentation which discussed how to manage stress and burnout which can happen as a result of ADHD.
The Disability Team were so impressed with the presentation that they asked if they could use Aspen’s work as a resource for other students who have ADHD. The presentation will now be shared online and included as part of an informational video.
Aspen, who often taps into her creative side during her studies, knew that this project meant a lot to her and feels good knowing that she can use her advice to help other students.
“The Disability Team were hosting an ADHD Information session and I volunteered to speak at it if they were looking for any speakers. I really wanted to get involved and ADHD in relation to university really means a lot to me.” Aspen explained.
“ADHD management can really make or break someone and the statistics for students being able to manage their ADHD is really low. I don’t like the idea of knowing that people are struggling with it.
My own mother has ADHD, but she wasn’t diagnosed with it until she was older. Until then, she just thought that there was something wrong with her, so I don’t want anyone out there thinking that they’re not made for university because of their ADHD. Everyone belongs to university, it’s just learning how to manage it and figuring out what’s best for you.”
As part of her presentation, Aspen wanted to discuss common issues that those with the condition face within a university context. Aspen said: “I focused on combatting stress and burnout, because I find that they are the biggest factors that personally affect me. I can work myself into the ground, which is a very common issue for those who have ADHD.
It ties into ‘not feeling good enough’ so you naturally say yes to doing lots of things which leads to feeling burned out. It can be difficult to keep to coursework deadlines, so you naturally leave everything to the last minute. I really wanted to focus on how we could combat this and how to avoid it in the future. I wanted to provide practical tips from someone who has ADHD to someone else who has it as well.”
Now that her work is used to help others, Aspen feels honoured to have the chance to support other students with ADHD. She explained: “I was really complimented by it! It means a lot to me and to have my passion project recognised in this way felt really nice. I’m really excited to have it shared with students and to have it all made official.
I study within the STEM field so I don’t often get the chance to do creative things anymore, but when I do then I always jump on the opportunity. I put my heart into it and tried to make it as fun as possible, even including Red Pandas which is my favourite animal. People with ADHD do have some weaknesses where we struggle, but we’re also very strong and creative.”
By Rachael McAlonan
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