I was in the gifted program as a child. I ended up dropping out of high school and getting my GED. As an adult, I have constantly felt like I wasn't smart enough and even worried that maybe my original IQ test was wrong.

There were only a handful of kids in the gifted program with me. Some of are very successful now. One makes 6 figures, which is crazy for our area (our hourly wages are often lower than other states).

Others, like myself, are barely getting by. I live in a trailer park, but it's not a big deal to me since I grew up in poverty. Another student from the gifted program works part-time at a local restaurant and is struggling as well.

I've noticed many of us from the gifted program have battled addiction and/or mental illness over the years. Everyone expected us to grow up and do great things, but in the end, most of us let society down. Just wanted to share in case it makes anyone feel better about the disadvantages they've faced.