I found out I was Dyslexic in primary school, I really struggled with reading, writing, spelling and speech. Still now which you may not believe. I never knew about Dyslexia back then and I never really knew what it meant either. It’s only as I’ve become older and older that I began to wrap my head around the whole thing. I know that spelling and reading aloud are my weaknesses. The spelling can also make pronouncing words difficult for me. I can’t picture words in my head, therefore have nothing to go off when I’m trying to say these words. It’s quite embarrassing really. I often get told that the way I write and the way I talk are completely different. I worry too much about saying big words in case I muck it up, but obviously, with my writing, you don’t hear me say these words. Making it much easier for me to use larger more complex words (I would never say the word complex out without stumbling across it).
My biggest weakness would certainly be speech. I hold back massively, there are 1000’s of words I would never attempt to say and some words I’ve only learnt to say because I’ve practised and practised until I could never possibly say them wrong.
But when it comes to my writing I’ve had a whole mixture of comments. Some people read my work and would never guess I was dyslexic, might not notice a letter out of place, other people make fun and taunt about these ‘simple’ mistakes. I constantly tell my friends close to me to make me aware of the mistakes I make, that there is no other way for me to learn. But indirect tweets about it… just plain childish and so offensive.
In school, many English teachers would tell me I would never achieve that all-important English GCSE that everyone needed. And honestly, I received no help in terms of getting there from any teachers. When I struggled and struggled through module and module no help was given. It isn’t until now that I realise how totally unfair it was. Students who were most likely to be graded an A or B were taught more and more, I assume hoping that these students might even get an A* in their results. Whereas ‘failures’ like myself were just left because they only cared about the ‘high quality’ students.
I remember being told that I would never go on to any form of job that included any type of literature or any kind of public speaking.
I actually went on and passed GCSE English. I got a C in my final exam. All thanks to the determination I had to prove them wrong. Although I couldn’t write well, I loved to write, and still do. I’ve definitely had my wobbles, I tend to ‘umm’ and ‘ahh’ a lot because I’m busy rattling my brain for the right word to say. This is what has always held me back when it comes to Vlogging (which we’ve totally started to do by the way! Here’s our Youtube channel), but I’ve bitten the bullet and started rambling to myself on screen too!
When it comes to blog posts I find myself re-reading them around 5 times before publishing. I then also quickly send links to friends so they can give it a quick read and give me any heads ups on mistakes I’ve made.
But mostly, blogging has helped me carry on learning. Without it I wouldn’t be writing day in day out, I wouldn’t be reading everyone else’s posts. Blogging has without a doubt expanded my knowledge and given me more and more confidence to do what I love to do most!
This is a fantastic post and you are incredible! I have people close to be that have dyslexia and it hurts my soul when people make fun of them, it’s so unnecessary! I also agree about schools putting you to the side, I was always given so much help because I was predicted to get high grades whilst the kids in the class that struggled were left to their own devices.
Lovely post, I really really enjoyed reading this.
I had no idea you were dyslexic! It’s lovely that blogging has made you feel more confident xx
There is certainly more help for kids nowadays. You write beautifully, so all I can see is that you have done amazingly well.
It’s not something I would have thought from reading how you write. I make mistakes all the time in my posts and while I try to get them, I do miss a lot sometimes.
Blogging is definitely a great way to learn and feel more confident, I totally agree and I feel the same way as you! It helps me read more and learn how to better my writing for sure!
I would never have picked up on your dyslexia from this post at all.
My Dad is dyslexic and now in his late 60’s the improvements he has made are inspiring. He was completely ignored at school and was only successful in art. He is a gardener and is so good at what he does. But my mum made it her mission to help him and now he lets nothing stop him.
He struggles more now Mum is gone, but he is always reading and has even dipped a toe very slightly in to the world of email. It is compounded though by the partial loss of eyesight. But I love that he won’t let that stop him.
Great post, and forget the trolls, you’re amazing ?
Oh wow! I would of never knew!! Go you! x
Joyce | http://www.joycelauofficial.com
Well done, you are an amazing writer. You are proof to so many that it is possible to write really well, regardless if you have to check your work 5 times over. I make loads of mistakes.
O wow, reading your work I had no idea :D. Awesome you are enjoying it so much and writing is making you more confident
YOu are so inspiring. you only proves us that as long as you have passion you can do whatever it is.
Excellent post and I didn’t spot and mistakes! It’s dreadful that you weren’t supported at school, but well done for proving the doubters wrong. Keep it up! Xx
I am dyslexic too and have had great support with my blog, my husband helps proof read my posts. I think sometimes there is a misconception that everyone who is dyslexic has the same difficulties where as you’ve highlighted that people can have different strengths and weaknesses. For me, even though I love your blog header, I have to admit I struggle to read the font clearly.
I’m so sorry that you didn’t get help and were seen as a ‘failure’ – clearly you are not! I think it is brilliant that you are doing something you love and also making people aware of dyslexia, I think we need more understanding and empathy around things that are perceived to be different.
You would never even know you were dyslexic. I know a few people that have dyslexia. Sometimes it’s difficult to even spot it, but with some it’s obvious. I think you’re incredible. I can’t believe the teachers didn’t help you out while you were at school. You’ve done so well for yourself x
Lauren
I would never have picked up on it reading your posts. I can’t believe there are idiots out there who would mock you for it though. Clear jealousy because your blog is amazing.
It makes me so sad that you didn’t get any support through school with this, but hats off to you for the determination. Your perseverance will stand you in good stead in blogging and everything else you take on
Being dyslexic is never easy and I am so happy too more of you having a passion with your work. I am so inspired.
It’s so sad that support was non-existent when you were at school, but it’s amazing to see how far you’ve come! It’s all about determination. It must take you forever to re-read everything, but it’s also lovely that some of your friends proof-read for you 🙂 x
It’s not embarrassing at all lovely! I think it’s amazing you have a blog whilst being dyslexic, I don’t think I’d be able to do it! xx
http://www.maiyabellexo.co.uk
Well I’ve got to say well done you for working so hard to achieve that grade! My boy has learning disabilities but thankfully he’s in an amazing special school. No idea what would have happened to him if he was left to struggle in mainstream school