Aoki Lee Simmons Shares How She Went From An F Student To Harvard With ADHD

Model Aoki Lee Simmons recently started sharing some advice on social media on how she manages to accomplish so much while attending Harvard University and modeling full time despite having ADHD.

In her most recent video shared on TikTok, she explains why she feels her advice is valid and how she went from failing in 5th grade to being a successful Harvard student.

Simmons, 20, the daughter of Kimora Lee Simmons and Russell Simmons, started her video off by explaining why she feels her "getting stuff done" advice is "somewhat valid" with evidence. "When I was in 5th grade, I was failing so bad, the school had to like call my mom in because I was hiding the letters saying I was failing from her," she began her story. "I was in huge trouble that whole summer, I was grounded the whole summer, it was bad. I had a lot of time to think."

She continued by explaining the "systems" she created to not get in any more trouble with her mom. "Gotta fix it. Nothing fun will ever happen again. And I figured out that a couple of tricks that really helped, like really helped. I went from 5th grade failing to 6th grade top of my class, then I got into high school at 12 and then everything took off from there," she explained. "What I figured out that summer of being in trouble and self reflection, was really useful."

In just one summer of change, Simmons turned it all around and went from the bottom of her class to top of her class. She continues to use the same skills she learned during that rough time now in her life, with some upgrades, and wants to share these tips to help others. "I'm gonna share more things that work. I have ADHD. I can't study for more than an hour without like running off and doing something," she said. "So I chose to work with myself instead of against myself."

She also credits her mom Kimora for helping her to get to where she's at today. The model felt that having ADHD was going to hold her back in life.

"Combination of have to and have to make it work, I made it work, that's why I'm sharing," she said. "Also I had a lot of privilege and a lot of encouragement from my parents, but I really have bad ADHD and I really thought at that young age I'll never be able to focus, I'll never be able to do well in school, I'll never be able to like sit down and pay attention. My teachers couldn't figure it out either. So, obviously I had a lot of help and support and love and privilege, but that same privileged kid could not get it done in 5th grade and got it all done in 6th grade so that's kind of what I'm sharing."

Many of Simmons' social media followers took to the comment section to leave their thoughts on her advice. "Good for you for actually taking the time to think and not being upset that you got in trouble," one wrote. Another added, "Share the tips girlie! Mom of a 6th grader. She’s a very good student but want to continue to motivate her and encourage strategies."

One follower wrote that even as an adult, tips like these are needed writing, "Girl I done tuned in for the tips. I’m in the adult get stuff done hole! 😫 please share!" Another fan expressed gratitude writing, "Thank you for being transparent. ❤️"

Some parents of teens dropped into the comments to share that their kids struggle with ADHD and these tips are helpful for them. "This gives me such hope because my daughter is in 6th grade an struggling with ADHD," one follower wrote. Another added, "Awww we love you Aoki. My son has it too. He’s 14. I’ll share these videos w him."