What happens when you stop masking your differences | Jesse Sanchez | TEDxWIS Youth

Personal Background & Challenges - The speaker's early life was marked by instability, violence, and exposure to drug cartels, leading to a search for belonging in harmful environments [1] - The speaker was diagnosed with ADHD and learning disabilities, which initially made school difficult until academic accommodations were received [1] - The speaker experienced a significant decline in academic performance and self-worth at Berkeley after discontinuing academic accommodations, leading to feelings of being a fraud [1] Turning Points & Community - Community college provided a transformative experience through mentorship and student leadership opportunities [1] - A youth mentoring program invitation from UC Berkeley Disability Service Office became a pivotal moment, leading to self-acceptance and community involvement [1] - Attending a national student conference revealed the potential of neurodiversity and the importance of embracing differences [3][4] Neurodiversity Advocacy & Impact - The speaker emphasizes the importance of building communities where individuals can be authentic and accepted for who they are [8] - The Neurodiversity Alliance aims to rewrite the narrative around neurodiversity, promoting dignity and potential fulfillment [9] - The speaker advocates for owning one's true self rather than masking differences to defy the odds [11]