I have been taking college classes online at Arizona State University. It has been a positive experience overall. I have changed my mindset about college since I graduated high school, which has made it more enjoyable. I initially put a lot of pressure on myself to be like a neurotypical student. I wanted to be like everyone else and rejected most things that weren’t academics. It was a lot of unnecessary stress and pressure to expect myself to be like everyone else.

Now I realize college is only a small part of my life. It does not devalue all of the important things I do outside of school. I really allow myself to enjoy my own life now even though it’s much different than the lives of other students. Some things I rejected for a long time are some of the most enjoyable parts of my week now. I love art, video games, seeing friends, and relaxing, none of which I allowed myself to enjoy before. I am more confident because I don’t hold myself to neurotypical standards.