"My name is Alanah Beard and I graduated from BDC in 2015.  I'm in my final year of university studying a Bachelor of Occupational Therapy.

My HSC ATAR resulted in a 32, however I was accepted into Southern Cross University to study an Associate Degree of Allied Health. If I did well in that unit I was able to transfer over to Occupational Therapy.

After 6 months of hard work, I was able to transfer over to do my Bachelor of OT. I failed 7 classes before I was diagnosed with Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD) which affected my work load and studies. With the assistance of access and inclusions, we were able to reduce my workload. It prolonged my graduation, but I was able to work harder, resulting in better outcomes. I'm now working as a support worker, learning facilitator and also an Occupational Therapist Assistant.

My history of studying and working hard could potentially change the younger generation with their perspective on the HSC ATAR. From time management skills to understanding when to ask for help, coping with the stress of post-ATAR or waiting for university acceptances."

What an inspiration for other battlers!

Thanks, Alanah for opening up about ADD and your conquest.