For Briana Marrero, structure is everything. Diagnosed with ADHD, she has built a life
where organization isn’t just a preference but a necessity. Her color-coordinated closet
is a reflection of her discipline and attention to detail—a system that reduces decision-
making stress and creates a sense of control in her busy life as a nursing student.
This photo series follows a day in the life of Briana Marrero, a young woman with ADHD.
Briana’s calendar is her roadmap through life. Each square is filled with appointments, deadlines, holidays, and reminders. Between her demanding nursing program, therapy sessions, and personal commitments, it’s the tool that helps her navigate a packed schedule.On her bedroom mirror, a faded photo of young Briana, a suggestion from her therapist that has since become a source of strength. “She reminds me to be kind to myself,” Briana explains. Seeing her younger self every day keeps her mindful of the importance of self-compassion, even on days when her ADHD feels particularly challenging.Briana’s dog is a source of unconditional love and support. Whether curled up at her feet as she studies or going for a walk, she brings joy and calm to her busy life.Briana’s home is filled with textbooks strategically organized. Soon to graduate, she reflects on how her strict schedule has been key to her success. “I wouldn’t have made it this far without structure,” she shares. From study sessions with her friends to color-coded notes, her attention to detail has helped her navigate the demands of her program.As we spent time with Brianna, she paused in front of the bathroom mirror, catching her own reflection and smiling at herself.As we walked through her home, Briana paused in the kitchen, her attention caught by the charger wrapped in bubble wrap on the counter. As she continued to share her story, she picked it up and began fidgeting, her fingers popping the tiny bubbles. It provided her with a grounding sense of calm in contrast to her busy and distracted mind.Tucked carefully into the pages of her Bible, Briana keeps a fortune she received from a cookie months ago: “Many successes will accompany you this year.” Under it are her lucky numbers, a small reminder of hope. This simple quote has become a source of encouragement to keep up her hard work that will lead to the success she’s striving for.Briana’s home is full with small yet powerful reminders of her resilience. A specific frame with the affirmation “A good nurse makes all the difference,” is tucked in at a desk in the hallway she often walks by. “Sometimes, I just need to hear it from myself,” she says smiling.Next to her bed, Briana keeps her Bible and a small collection of crystals. For her, spirituality is a balance between religious beliefs and the energy of the universe. “I turn to my Bible for guidance and strength, and my crystals help me focus my intentions,” she explains.
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Andrea Rivera is a junior majoring in Digital Communication and Media with a Digital Journalism focus. After her studies, she wishes to pursue a career in the entertainment field.
Megan Aguilera is a senior majoring in Digital Communications and Interactive Media at Florida International University. Her goal after graduating is to pursue a career involving content creation in the marketing field, including content for social media, campaigns, etc.
Alessandra Henriquez is a junior at Florida International University pursuing a double Bachelor’s in Digital Art and Digital Communications + Media with a certificate in Asian Studies. As someone with a multicultural background and a love for storytelling, Alessandra hopes to combine her skills with her experiences to produce multimedia content people will enjoy no matter where they are from. She is proficient in both English and Spanish, and as an aspiring polyglot, is currently learning Mandarin and Korean.
