"Whenever people wear tee-shirts with writing, I read them. Some describe their interests, favorite clothing designer or advertise the activities they most enjoy. Others state their philosophies on life. If I had my own tee-shirt it might say “Frustrated.” It has never been easy for me to learn. As a student with a learning disability, I have always had to work twice as hard as my peers to accomplish the same goal in the same amount of time. When I do my schoolwork it may take me three hours to do what others can do in 20 minutes. I also may not understand reading material the first time around. I may have to read the item twice or even three times to actually understand what I am reading
I don’t believe, however, that my disability defines me, but that it has had a great impact on my life in both positive and negative ways. Yes, my disability is a part of me, but it is not all of me. While I struggled with my schoolwork from an early age, I also learned the value of hard work, organization and perseverance. When I succeed with my schoolwork it makes me feel like I have conquered a goal that I never thought would be possible. It feels amazing when I get a good grade in a subject that is a struggle for me. I am very proud of getting an Advanced Regents Diploma from high school and of being a member of Phi Theta Kappa from Nassau Community College. Now I attend Long Island University, Post campus. I made Dean’s List for the fall and spring semesters.
I have learned to balance my academics with participation in school and community activities. My “frustrated” tee-shirt is not the only shirt I have. I have others that would tell the world that I am a organized hard worker, runner, tennis player, dancer, photographer, active member in clubs at school, and an assistant teacher in a special needs Hebrew School class.
Even though I may have this disability it does not and I will not let it define me. This will be my senior year in college and I have achieved more than I did in high school and have received grades that I never thought were possible. When I was nominated for the honor society for 2-year colleges, Phi Theta Kappa, I almost could not believe it was happening. When I looked through the papers and asked my parents, they assured me that my grades warranted my nomination. For most students this might be an important achievement, but for me this is an achievement that I used to believe could never happen. Now I know that this dream of achieving many things I thought were never possible is possible.
The fact that school is challenging for me has been valuable in my work with children and in life. I feel I can truly understand and empathize with those who are dealing with difficulties. I am sensitive to the fact that it is hard work to be different and that being different takes many forms.
My family and friends have supported me all throughout my schooling. I have also received services in high school, such as resource room and extra time on my tests. At Post for the last two semesters I received help from learning assistants, but now I will not be continuing those services. In the fall, I will only receive extra time on my tests.
I have tried to prove to others and myself, that I can achieve receiving a college degree. I feel like some people had doubts, but it seems as if I am proving them wrong.
As a learner I may be frustrated, but I need people to look beyond my tee-shirt message. I need them to see that, despite my learning issues, I am a determined student, a caring person, a dancer, photographer and many other things. Having a disability has taught me that “Life consists not in holding good cards but in playing those you hold well.”
