Leah Dukas, May 2004

Leah Dukas, age 15, experiences with Davis Course, May 2004

At first learning of my ADD tendencies, I was sad, confused and miserable. I finally knew why I had so much trouble learning, but I was scared because I felt that I would not be able to learn or study.

I started talking to Madeleine-Judith, the director of the Davis Course, and my mother and I decided to try the course as they were telling me that I could learn about ADD condition and learn how to deal with it.

The first time I met Mira, my Davis counselor, I was scared that I would fail because I always had the feeling that I would fail. During the course, I felt more self-confident and Mira reassured me in every step of the course. I learned about myself, my ADD, how to study and how to deal with my feelings. I learned that I am not a failure.

From the Davis Course, I got the tools to concentrate and to be focused during class and not involved in everything thing else surrounding me. I learned how to control my blanking out during tests and to organize my thoughts, enabling me to focus and finish the tests .

The most important tool I got from the course was self-esteem. I feel good about myself, know I am not “stupid or slow”, but that I learn differently from most other kids. The way I learn is a gift that not all kids have.

My friends and family are supporting me and helping me in my schoolwork and I feel I am doing much better.

Thank you, Mira, Madeleine-Judith and all the others at the DDA people!