Made From Struggle

My Journey So Far

My name is Logan Shaver, and I’m currently in grade 9 as I write this. The past few years have been anything but easy. School has always been a challenge, not just because of the work, but because of my mental health and neurological conditions: Functional Neurological Disorder (FND), Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD), autism, ADHD, and depression. These things have made it hard for me to attend school, focus in class, and even go outside sometimes.

When I did manage to go out, I often experienced seizures, temporary paralysis, and even hallucinations. On top of that, some of the staff at my old school didn’t understand what I was going through. They would tell me things like “it’s all in your head” or “just snap out of it.” Others said “school isn’t optional” or accused me of “trying to get out of being at school.” The truth is, I wanted to learn. I just needed an environment that supported me instead of making me feel worse.

Finding the Right Support

Everything changed when I joined a program called R.I.S.E Academy, a non-profit online school based in Ontario. R.I.S.E’s mission is to help high school students who struggle with traditional in-person schooling by giving them a flexible way to earn credits toward their Ontario Secondary School Diploma.

When I first started, I didn’t know what to expect. It was all online, and I was nervous it might not work out. The teachers and staff there were different. They cared. They didn’t force me into stressful situations or push me past my limits. Instead, they guided me, supported me, and helped me build confidence in my own abilities again.

I’m especially thankful for Rebecca Chambers, the principal, and Kara Brush, one of my teachers. They have gone above and beyond to make sure I can succeed without sacrificing my health. Because of them and the supportive environment at R.I.S.E, I can now attend school with almost no issues, something that once felt impossible.

Starting INcLusion Wear

Recently, I started my own small business called INcLusion Wear. The name stands for Inspiration, Neurodiversity, and Leadership, three words that describe what I want this brand to represent. It is a clothing company focused on spreading awareness about the parts of who we are that are often misunderstood or overlooked, especially mental health and neurodiversity.

The main goal of INcLusion Wear is simple. I want people to feel included. Too many of us go through life feeling like we don’t fit in because of our differences, whether it is mental health, neurodiversity, or anything else that makes us who we are. I want my clothing brand to remind people that everyone deserves to feel seen, valued, and accepted.

When someone wears INcLusion Wear, I want them to feel proud of who they are, and I also want others who see it to feel like they belong too. It is not just clothing. It is a reminder that no one should ever feel like they are less than anyone else.

Growth and Confidence

Since joining R.I.S.E Academy, I have become much happier and more confident in myself and my abilities. I have learned that when you are in the right environment, you can really grow and start believing in yourself again. That confidence is what helped me start my business and share my story.

I am also planning to partner with charities that support mental health awareness so we can work together to spread the message even further. I want to do things like offer special discounts on Mental Health Day and other events that help raise awareness and give back to the community.

A Message for You

If you are reading this and going through a hard time, I want you to know that you are not alone. I have been there. I know what it is like to feel stuck, to feel like things will never get better, or like no one understands what you are going through. There is support out there. Sometimes, it just takes the right people and the right environment to help you find your way again.

I hope this blog has given you a bit of comfort and shown you that things can change. Life is not always easy, but it is worth fighting for, and you never have to fight alone.