In high school I was in the top of my class but my bipolar always got in the way at some point or another. School was the only thing I was really good at and the only thing that I had to be proud of because in every other way the disorder wreaked havoc. In college I really struggled being so far from home. I did relatively well in school but I was absolutely miserable much of my time there. I moved home for a boy and I got my associates at a community college, I took off 3 years and got married. I am just now generally stable and going back to school once again. I am determined to get my bachelor and not let this disorder win. I was never good at any job I had and was very close to being fired multiple times but I usually quit before that, beating them to the punch and not getting a employment record of being fired. I have managed to stay at my current job for a year and 6 months which is really something I'm proud of. I still don't do as well as all of my peers but staying in the job this long has allowed me time to improve so when I have symptoms the effects aren't as bad on performance because I can go in "autopilot" and do well enough to pass as acceptable. I really am trying to get to a point where i'm seen as doing well and that is my aim now that I am more stable. My career has always suffered but I'm hoping that although I will be late to graduate and I have to see all my peers with successful degrees and professions before me, I can still make something of myself. I have a year and a half left of school. Wish me luck, and I wish you the best as well. Medication makes all of the difference for me, the right medication. Don't be afraid to at least try a drug if you have break through symptoms. I was totally against antipsychotics until I had an episode that had features of psychosis. It really has helped a great deal as a maintenance medication as well and I have been better off since. Don't lose hope, do be kind to yourself. Anything is possible, don't let the bipolar win. Just keep in mind the limitations are only obstacles not a prison sentence.