“I have found happiness through drumming and I showed people that having mental illnesses cannot stop me from achieving things I am truly passionate about.”

I want to share about my mental issue which is Asperger’s syndrome. I have been diagnosed ever since the 7th grade and after learning this truth, I understood what made me different from others and understood why I felt like I couldn’t fit in. I was looked down upon as people and school counselors thought I was going to have many issues socializing and being a part of something grand. But when I found my passion for drumming, I found something that I could feel like I belonged. I went on to make great things with drumming as being a axing member of the drumline my junior year in high school and being able to participate in professional independent marching percussion groups that are nationally ranked across the country. Some thought that my autism would stop me from achieving in music, but having autism did not mean I would not succeed, and also having being diagnosed with OCD ADHD and Tourette syndrome, The OCD has helped me perfect my drumming skills which led me to where I am today. I have found happiness through drumming and I showed people that having mental illnesses cannot stop me from achieving things I am truly passionate about.

-Anonymous Entry