January 13
Some kids can’t sit still in class. Others stare out the window, lost in their thoughts. Then there are kids like Rebecca Barrera, who ask a million questions, try their hardest, and still get told they’re not learning fast enough. When Rebecca was five, a teacher dismissed her as an academic lost cause—her mother refused to accept that.
Rebecca was diagnosed with ADHD early, but school was still an uphill battle. Standardized tests, rigid expectations, and a system that didn’t understand how her brain worked made things harder. But with a mother who fought for her, Rebecca figured out how to work with her brain instead of against it. She went on to earn a nursing degree and build a career that keeps her engaged, moving, and connecting with people in a way that makes sense for her.
In this conversation, Rebecca shares what it was like growing up with ADHD, how early medication rewired her approach to learning, and why she still has to be intentional about managing her symptoms at work. She also talks about the fast-paced nature of nursing, the emotional weight of the job, and the daily strategies that help her focus. If you’ve ever struggled in traditional settings, you’ll probably see a bit of yourself in her story.
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"Growing up, I thought ADHD was just a learning disability. Now, I realize it’s so much more. It explains why I ruminate, why I’m a perfectionist, and why I think and feel so deeply."
- Rebecca Barrera
"People always say, ‘I became a nurse because I love helping people.’ And while that’s true, for me, it was also because I found science and medicine fascinating—I just wanted to understand it."
- Rebecca Barrera
"I love that my job (as a nurse) isn’t a desk job. It gives me freedom. Every day is different, and I get to connect with people in a way that truly makes a difference."
- Rebecca Barrera
"You can’t let your shortcomings define you. You can’t victimize yourself or make excuses."
- Rebecca Barrera
"Learn to recognize your strengths, find ways to manage the challenges, and grow from them."
- Rebecca Barrera
- Rebecca Barrera's kindergarten teachers initially misdiagnosed her as intellectually disabled until teacher recognized her potential, leading to her ADHD diagnosis in 2002 and appropriate support.
- She recounts her early medication journey, transitioning from Adderall to Concerta despite her medically-trained family's initial resistance to pharmaceutical intervention.
- Rebecca exhibited "emotional hyperactivity" rather than physical hyperactivity, characterized by intense curiosity, persistent questioning, and a strong drive to learn.
[11:00 - 33:00] Academic Success and Nursing Career Journey
- Rebecca overcame standardized testing challenges by advocating for accommodations, ultimately securing admission to the University of South Carolina's nursing program.
- Her genuine interest in medicine and dedicated study habits helped her maintain a 3.7 GPA in nursing school, channeling her ADHD hyperfocus into academic achievement.
- In her current pre-op nursing role, Rebecca thrives in a fast-paced environment, working four 10-hour shifts while building meaningful patient connections.
[33:00 - 55:00] Managing ADHD and Professional Growth
- Rebecca manages her ADHD through strategic breaks, consistent sleep schedules, and optimized medication, balancing focus with authenticity.
- She reframes ADHD beyond a learning disability, recognizing how traits like deep thinking and emotional sensitivity enhance her nursing capabilities.
- Rebecca advises young women with ADHD to develop coping skills and embrace their unique traits, crediting her success to determination and humility.
