Headline: Parental Gratitude and Growth: A Journey from Dyslexia Diagnosis to College Graduation
As parents, we embark on a journey filled with unexpected twists and turns, each moment shaping us in ways we never imagined. For me, this journey took an unexpected detour when my daughter was diagnosed with a childhood seizure disorder the summer before kindergarten. Followed by a language-based learning difference (e.g. dyslexia) in first grade. These were pivotal moments that not only transformed her life but also profoundly impacted my own and our family. As I reflect on her remarkable journey from blood draws every three weeks to my conviction in pre-kindergarten that she “might be” dyslexic to graduating from college this weekend, I am overwhelmed with gratitude for the lessons she has taught me along the way!
From the moment she entered kindergarten, my daughter faced a myriad of challenges, both medical and learning related. Simple tasks like learning to write one’s name became daunting obstacles, and the journey ahead, such as learning to read, seemed impossible, not to mention fraught with incredible frustration. Yet, despite the odds stacked against her, she approached each hurdle with unwavering determination and resilience. Her tenacity in the face of adversity was nothing short of inspiring, teaching me the true meaning of perseverance and courage.
In witnessing her journey, I learned to embrace the power of adaptability and creativity. As someone who craves certainty, she taught me to be flexible and “roll with it.” While I was uncovering her learning needs, I was also digging deeper to understand her older brother’s learning profile. As we navigated the complexities of dyslexia and dyscalculia, traditional methods of learning often fell short. I always tell my clients that they know their children best and to never doubt their parental “gut” that we are blessed with. I knew her public elementary school was failing her, and she deserved to truly know and believe that she was smart and capable!
Through trial and error, together we discovered innovative approaches that catered to her unique learning style. Whether it was utilizing audiobooks or incorporating multisensory learning techniques, we embraced each challenge as an opportunity for growth and exploration. She will tell you today, were it not for Carroll School and their ability to embrace the dyslexic thinker through innovative curriculum and a growth mindset, she would not be where she is today! Again, she taught me to trust my gut, to think outside the box, and to know that where there is a will, there is a way.
Moreover, my daughter's journey taught me the importance of empathy and compassion. In a world that often values conformity over individuality, she reminded me of the beauty found in diversity. Her struggles with dyslexia and dyscalculia highlighted the importance of embracing and normalizing neurodiversity, celebrating the unique strengths that each individual brings to the table. Through her eyes, I have learned to see the world with greater empathy and understanding, recognizing that our differences are what make us truly extraordinary. It is my earnest wish that more independent schools embrace neurodiversity in their efforts to promote diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging (DEIB+)
As she progressed through high school and eventually transitioned to college, I marveled at her ongoing growth and resilience. Despite the obstacles she faced, she never lost sight of her dreams and aspirations. When people have doubted her, whether it was on her collegiate soccer field, or interacting with a teacher who didn’t “get” learning differences or accommodations, she has proved them wrong. More importantly, she has taught them! She has helped them to understand how we all learn differently! Her unwavering commitment to her education and her relentless pursuit of excellence were a testament to her indomitable spirit. In her pursuit of graduating from college on time, she has shattered stereotypes that others have had of students with dyslexia and learning differences, proving that with hard work and determination, anything is possible. This I know, as her teachers in high school and college have shared this with her. What a gift she has given them, much like the gift she has given me.
Now, as I watch her don cap and gown and prepare to embark on the next chapter of her journey, I am filled with an overwhelming sense of pride and gratitude. And yes, many “happy tears” too! From the moment of her early diagnosis to becoming a college graduate, her journey has been profoundly touching. Not only has she rewritten her own story and inspired others, but she has also imparted to me invaluable lessons in resilience, compassion, and the unwavering strength of determination.
In her journey, I have found solace and inspiration, and for that, I am eternally grateful. As she spreads her wings and ventures into “the world of adulting,” I know that she will continue to inspire and uplift those around her. As I bid farewell to one phase of parenting and welcome the next, my heart swells with gratitude for the remarkable woman she has blossomed into, and for the profound influence both she and her brothers have had on my life.