My Story
My Teachers Didn’t Think There Was Anything Wrong with Me.
It was always hard for me to keep up with other students but all my teachers didn't think there was anything wrong with me because I was a good student. I turned my work in on time, I listened in class, and I answered questions when called on.
I was told I had dyslexia.
Things started to get really bad in the 4th grade when I was told that I had Dyslexia. I think my mom (who is an occupational therapist) knew before I was diagnosed but she wanted to be sure. We also learned that my dad and little brother have dyslexia as well. I was evaluated and given the diagnosis of "learning disabled". I have an ISP which stands for Individualized Service Plan because I go to a private school. The schools that I have been in haven't really helped me. My grade school tried but they didn't really understand what was going on but they did try hard to help.
Middle School was Hard. My last year of High School is the Hardest.
My middle school years were hard but I pushed through. The hardest year is my last year of high school (this year) because they do not want to help me. When I have offered to do whatever it takes to help them understand my dyslexia they haven't been open to listening. They keep telling me to read more and I should get better. They also do not understand what ear reading is, at all. My high school has changed the resource teacher that was working with me to another person that they make work at lunch and not help other kids. They also don't try to help me when I really need it. They are really set in their ways and they are not open to little changes.
My Challenges, Tools, and Strengths
Texting and emailing people is challenging for me. Emailing is more for people like places I would like to work and teachers. Texting is hard for any person I am texting. My close friends usually understand what I am trying to say. Some of the tools I use which help me are Read 2 Go, Notability, Textgrabber, Voice Dream, and istudiez pro. My IPad and iPhone have been life savers! One of my strengths is my ability to understand people. I have helped a lot of friends’ work through hard times. Also, my creativity is a strength. My hobbies and passions include acting, music, reading, being with people, my pets and so much more.
Moving Forward
I plan on getting my degree in Mortuarial Science at Kansas City Community College.
My message to others? Know that it does get better, and if you fight for what you need you will get it.
Many thanks to Kellie for sharing her story with us! All the best to you Kellie, Class of 2016! Keep us posted on your progress in college and beyond!
A special thank you to Kellie's aunt, also a "Kellie", Kellie Elmore, Professional Photographer from When I Grow Up Photography, for permission to use the great photos submitted! - http://www.whenigrowupphotography.com/
Do you have a story to tell? Want to share it with us? If you are an adult dyslexic age 18+ and would like to share your story living as an adult with dyslexia please contact us at info@headstrongnation.org. You can discuss your strengths and your struggles, any dyslexic hacks you'd like to share, your favorite assistive technology, and how you "Own" your dyslexia. Your story may inspire another person to share theirs too!
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