Q. When did you first learn you had dyslexia? If you remember, how did you react?
A. In the second grade, I wrote a report on the gray wolf. At the time, no one in my family knew I was dyslexic. After spelling wolf like flow (I get my Ws and Fs confused) for the entire paper, my parents knew something was wrong. When they told me I was dyslexic, I remember being confused and mad. At my elementary school, kids with learning disabilities got pulled out of PE to do extra practice. I was mad I that I would be missing PE. 

Q. How do you personally define dyslexia?
A. I define my dyslexia as “letter confusion”. When I was first diagnosed my parents had to use basic words to explain it to me. Ever since then, their basic explanation has stuck with me. Though my dyslexia is much more complex then when it was first explained to me, I still think of it simply as “letter confusion.”
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Q. What are some misconceptions people have about dyslexia?
A. A lot of people don't think people with dyslexia are intelligent. At my school I am part of the top 10%. Everyone in my school that I've told about my dyslexia are always extremely shocked and don't believe me. I think it's hard for people to believe that people with dyslexia are just as intelligent and successful as average people.

Q. What are some of the positive characteristics dyslexia gives you?
A. ​I can't really think of any positive characteristics really... There are no real negative side effects though either. My dyslexia is part of me so I try not make it a good thing or a bad thing, it just is. 


Q. What are some things your dyslexia makes hard for you?
A. It's hard for me to listen to a teacher speaking and copy down what they are saying. My brain works just a second or two slower than everyone else because I have think about every word to make sure it is correct. Sometimes I get behind or caught up trying to figure out if a word is right. Spelling is also super difficult but I think it is for almost everyone with dyslexia.

Q. How does dyslexia negatively effect you in a classroom setting? What about any other setting?
A. Again, my dyslexia doesn't positively or negatively effect my life; it just is. Sometimes its hard to keep up but I try and just take my time. In the process of accepting my disorder I can't really think negatively about it. 



Q. What kind of accommodations do you use in class and how do they help you maximize your learning?
A. I don't use any accommodations. It's kind of stupid but I want to be treated equally to every other student. I know my dyslexia can be a slight setback but I don't like to use the accommodations that come with it. 


Q. Have the majority of your teachers been good at making sure you get your accommodations?
A. When I ask for it, they are more than helpful.

Q. Has there been a time where someone such as a teacher or another student has disputed your accommodations?
A. Some students don't believe that I have dyslexia and have asked why I get extra time in the classroom (when I decide to use my accommodations). Mostly everyone has been really accepting though. I think it may be partly because I go to a small private school. 

Q. What strategies or assistance have you taken advantage of in combating the negative aspects of your learning differences?
A. I had tutoring from 2nd-9th grade. Other then that I mostly working on it on my own to try and figure out how I can function and succeed with my difference.

Q. Are you proud to have dyslexia? Why or why not?
A. Sure, it makes me different. I know that my straight As are a result of me working harder than everyone else and that makes me proud.

Q. What kind of technology helps you combat your dyslexia?
A. None. 

Q. If you had the ability to get rid of your dyslexia would you? Why or why not?
A. No way! I like my dyslexia. It makes life interesting.