From the time I was five years old, I felt "different". Simple things like learning to tie my shoes took me what seemed like forever. When I was in the first grade, I developed a habit of walking around the classroom. I just couldn't sit still. The teachers solution was to tie me to a chair, in front of the class. It was humiliating to me. But I was smart, I broke the ropes.
My second grade teacher complained on my report card that though I tried my papers were always messy. Math was extremely hard for me. I was always afraid to ask a question. After all, the teacher had already explained it to me once. My teachers didn't seem to have a lot of patience and I didn't want the other kids to ridicule me.
Before I entered high school, I was given standard tests which were required of anyone entering high school. My mother was told that I should be in a special school because high school would be very hard for me. But my mother felt that it would hurt me more than help me. High school was hard, every teacher I had felt the only way to help me was to fail me.
I lost job after job but I seem to last longer at jobs that were verbal.
Ten years ago, on the advice, of a friend, I was tested and found out that I had a learning disability. I was not "dumb." ƯAll that had been needed was for me to learn a different way.
I truly can't blame anybody for what I went through growing up. They just didn't know. But I will never forget the shame I felt, or the ridicule. I do not in anyway feel sorry for myself. I see it as a challenge.
Three years ago, I decided to do
what I've always wanted.. to write.
I defied the world that said I
couldn't write and I'm doing it anyway. I wrote this article didn't I?
I found a room of very supportive people who encouraged me to keep writing.
Quitting is not an option for me. I use my spellchecker and say every letter
when I type because spelling and grammar don't come easy for me.
For me there is no such thing as CAN'T because yes I can!
I have turned a lemon into lemonade.
June Phyllis