Hey peeps, I know one of my big goals when I write these blogs is to always make my personality come out while people are reading them. I always try to make them fun and sarcastic because that is the type of person I am. But on this entry I want to talk about how dyslexia has made me mature..... in a way. When I say "in a way," I am talking about advocating for myself.
Most people with dyslexia have a hard time turning everything around (I mean not really because everything is backwards lol sorry back to being serious). Some people instead being positive and proving to themselves that they are just ask smart as everyone else they just don't put in any effort. But I've realized looking at dyslexia from a positive side has really made all the difference for me not only a a student but also as a human being. I started out extremely embarrassed at the fact that I have a "learning disability," because all I could think was the word "disability" and it was something that made me different and not normal like the rest of my friends. But as I've grown up I've learned to make light of the situation and realize that although I absolutely suck at reading, there are a lot of things that dyslexia has done for me to make me stand out in a good way.
For example, I am insanely good at seeing key details to things, and if you need something summarized you can come to me because I will just repeat everything word for word right back to you because my memory is kinda insane. (Could I have been a parrot in another life? Hmmmm?)
Side Note: That also means if you've done something bad to me don't think I won't remember 4 years later!
Anyways, dyslexia has been something that has taught me different ways of going about life, but one thing I really succeed at is advocating for myself. I had to learn at a young age that in order to make sure I get what I deserve and need to learn and succeed in school, I need to make sure my teachers and administrators understand me and my dyslexia. In a way, advocating for myself taught me to be comfortable in my own skin and to be proud of who I am. This ability to advocate for myself has extended into all areas of my life and truly made me a pretty confident individual.
So yeah sometimes having to go up to a teacher during class and let them know I have accommodations and that I may need a little more help in some areas can be very embarrassing. But I have learned that speaking up for myself not only in a classroom setting, but also in everyday life will get you further than sitting back and let yourself be walked all over.
I have had teachers that don't understand, who feel extra time on a test, not using a Scantron or accommodations in general are unfair or simply unnecessary. And to them I simply say I'm sorry you lack compassion and you don't appreciate learning differences but perhaps after spending a year with me and seeing how these "unfair or unnecessary accommodations" allow me to learn and succeed like everyone else, you might just change your mind and even gain both a little insight and compassion for those who struggle.
Everyone has their own battles in life, but how you choose to go about winning those battles is what will make you a successful person. And thats Aly's eye view!
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