Being HISA President has been one of the most rewarding yet challenging experiences of my life. The role requires strong leadership, organisational, and interpersonal skills—all of which can be tricky to navigate as a neurodivergent person. I have ADHD, and while that brings strengths like creativity, problem-solving, and resilience, it also makes certain aspects of leadership more complicated. I’ve experienced this first-hand throughout my time as President.
Growing up with learning difficulties, school was tough. I was often kept behind in primary school, needing extra support that never quite met my needs. By the time I reached secondary school, I had completely fallen through the cracks because my primary school had decided I had ‘outgrown’ my learning difficulties. It wasn’t until I arrived at UHI that I finally received the right kind of support—both practical and pastoral—which allowed me to thrive. My time as HISA President has helped me grow even more, but it has also pushed me to my limits at times.
My biggest struggles have been with time management, planning, and organisation. As President, I’ve had to juggle meetings, deadlines, and events; at times, it’s felt completely overwhelming. There have been moments when I felt like I was drowning in responsibilities, and burnout has been a real challenge. Learning to use digital calendars, setting constant reminders, and delegating tasks has been an absolute lifesaver. Without these strategies, I would have been completely lost.
Sensory overload has also been a big hurdle. Large gatherings, loud events, and chaotic environments can be incredibly overstimulating, making it hard to focus or function at my best. I’ve had to find ways to protect my mental and sensory well-being—taking breaks and ensuring I have a quiet space to retreat to when needed. Without that flexibility, I know I would have struggled even more, and my work would have suffered. That said, my ability to speak in front of large audiences has massively improved. I’ve gone from only managing a small talk in front of 5-10 people to speaking at a conference with over 1000 attendees!
Another challenge has been how neurodivergent leaders are perceived. No matter how capable I am, I’ve encountered people who assume that because I communicate or work differently, I must be less professional or less qualified. That’s been frustrating, but it’s also made me even more determined to advocate for better awareness and understanding of neurodiversity. Educating others and pushing for more inclusive environments have become a key part of my leadership.
Despite all these challenges, I wouldn’t change my experience. Neurodiverse leaders bring fresh perspectives, creativity, and passion to the table. However, managing energy levels, emotional regulation, and perfectionism is a constant learning process. I used to struggle to ask for help, but I’ve learned that reaching out—even for small things—makes the bigger challenges so much easier to handle.
Being a neurodivergent Student Association President is tough, but it’s far from impossible. By developing coping strategies, seeking the right support, and embracing my strengths, I’ve been able to thrive in this role. My hope is that by sharing my experiences, I can help make leadership more accessible for other neurodivergent students. Neurodiversity in leadership isn’t just important—it’s essential for creating student organisations that are truly inclusive and representative of everyone.