Hi Emma,
Both my girls were in orphanages when we adopted them. My younger one had been so delayed that she was thought to be MR when she was 18 months old. Fast forward - she is high gifted and AMAZING - like YOU. Yes, your history and my daughters' histories are part of yourselves, but that is not all you guys are made of - you all have many gifts (and not just your smarts!!).
Last week a young woman who had been adopted from a Romanian orphanage spoke to a clinic where I work. She had gone through horrible events that no one should endure. She is using her past to help others by getting a degree in mental health. She basically is "making lemonade out of lemons" as the old saying goes. I imagine that you are giving back to the world too!!
So, best wishes. You are strong.
