A factor that plays into success in academics, is getting the right educational resources such as mentorship, academic advising- this is one thing that is lacking a lot in communities of schools.

Being a student, it would be in your best interest to succeed in the academic atmosphere of your journey. Being one about 1800 students in my high school, most of us have the same drive and passion to seek higher academia, and sometimes we are not provided the equal resources to pursue higher academic endeavors. Being in high school, I have always had my moments where I ask my guidance counselor questions about college, and my classes. One thing I noticed is how generalized some responses will be when asking questions as such. What I am really infatuated with from mentorship is that it is peer to peer (not as stressful), and it is more personalized to what you need. Especially when your mentor has gone through the same situations and scenarios, it gives you more confidence to proceed. Around 15%-30% of these students are those with a neurodivergence, and schools may not be able to fund or find programs for these students and their education.

Neurodivergence is the umbrella term for those with ADD, ADHD, Dyslexia, Autism, Downs Syndrome, and so forth. This shows the inclusivity of the variations of learning differences that I see with the students at school. As I compare the learning resources I get as a student and the resources these neurodivergent students get, I can see how much the factors in this academia can differ. We are living in a time of increased neurodiversity and awareness about ADHD, Dyslexia, Autism, and other neurological states. In fact, one in eight people are considered neurodiverse but fewer than 50 percent know it.

With this number of students that are diagnosed with a neurodivergence, resources are not sufficient for them to succeed in school. I have been having the struggle of finding the adequate amount of resources of quality for me to explore different opportunities in my education.

This is not a problem only in my high school, this is a global conflict that is occurring all around the world. This inequity of resources is a problem for the students of this generation, and the generations thereafter. The stigma puts a restriction on these students from pursuing higher academic endeavors. That was when I decided to establish a non-profit organization, My First Mentor. To provide a common platform for students with various abilities and challenges, I have initiated My First Mentor, a non-profit organization, so that students can find appropriate information from a right mentor. Specifically neurodivergence students, because of the very few resources and programs that are designed for their needs. This student-led organization (by student, for student) will help build leadership, and youth advocacy for all students who want to immerse themselves in service to the community.