Daniela Riquelme Zumaeta

What are you studying, and what inspired you to pursue this area of study?

I am currently studying a MSc programme in Environment and Sustainable Development, I chose this programme because I worked in the environment area in my country of origin, and I was hoping to learn about the environment from a wider perspective.

How do you like to spend your spare time?

I enjoy crafting a lot, I like embroidering and sewing but I also like doing sports, I have been training pole dance for the last 6 years. Another thing I really like is spending time with my dog and my husband.

Can you describe your disability and how it impacts your daily life?

I have been recently diagnosed with ADHD. It has been hard to study since I discovered I had it, because I used to mask a lot. Starting tasks is a burden, as well trying to focus on one thing at a time, or even trying to pay entire attention to the class which is sometimes difficult and in not in my native tongue. My disability has also impacted my entire life without knowing it, making new friends is scary but also keeping them. 

What do you wish more people understood about living with a disability?

I wish neurotypical people could understand that sometimes, having a neurodivergence means we need more time to focus or to comprehend several things. Our brains work differently than most people’s, unfortunately, that is something not so many people realise, and there is a lot of comparison with what is called “normal”, and it brings a lot of sadness.  

What principle(s) or motto do you absolutely live by?

I think my motto is “be yourself”. It was very exhausting living a life without knowing who I really was, so for the first time, it is gratifying to feel completely me, with my strengths and weaknesses, not trying to pretend, because it brings so much effort, and it turns to burnout. Another principle is being more compassionate about myself, as my entire life I felt guilty and talked to me very badly. 

Are there any resources or initiatives you’d recommend to other disabled individuals?

There is lots of information online for neurodivergent people, but my favourite ones are @neurodiverse.show which shows real life with a bit of humour and drawings, and @adhd_love_ which is a couple that coexists with her ADHD. I think those two express realities quite well. It is very gratifying to feel like you are not alone in the world anymore. It would also be very beneficial to find a hobby that you really enjoy and can sustain over time, as well as connect with like-minded people.

Can you share a moment or experience where you felt truly supported or empowered as a disabled student?

I think coming to UCL and realizing these kinds of disabilities are supported with special adaptations and help is quite empowering, as in many places is still a taboo. 

I think teachers have been very supportive and understanding about disabilities. It is very easy to talk to them. Here in the UK, having mental health problems feels more empowering than perhaps in other places, so it should be easier for someone with these kinds of issues to stand up for themselves.

What advice would you give to other students with disabilities?

I believe is important to recognise our strengths and weaknesses and not being afraid of who we are. Recognising what is hard for us and always asking for help as there could always be someone like you, although is invisible to the eyes.

If you could influence one change in the way universities support disabled students, what would it be?

There is a lot of help from the universities in the UK, especially from UCL. Unfortunately, this is not something that is happening everywhere around the world. What I really would like to be improved, are the tools that are given from the departments themselves, as I believe there is not so much knowledge on how to help neurodivergent students. Between so many people is quite hard to see who’s struggling with invisible disabilities.