Mar 29, 2021 by Yolanda Fontanez-Coleman | Dyslexia, Learning Resources, Reading, Tutoring, Wilson Reading
My name is Anya. I am sixteen years old and I am dyslexic. I found out that my mother thought there was something out of the ordinary about me when I was five years old. My mom started to see a change in me because I would get home at 3:00 and start my homework, but I wouldn’t get done until 9:00 at night. When my mom took me to the doctor and told them that, they just kept saying there wasn’t anything different about me, but my mom knew there was. So, she didn’t stop looking.
Finally, my mom had me tested at the age of six, and they told her I had dyslexia. When I got older my mom told me I was dyslexic. I didn’t accept it even though ever since I was in fifth grade people always teased me because they said I was dyslexic. They made me feel bad about myself and they bullied me for being dyslexic. I never knew why until I got old enough to understand that people are judgmental. People judge me before they even get to know me.
When I was in sixth grade, all the kids were mean to me and found fault with me, except for two girls who are still my best friends. Their names are Sally and Tisha. Those two girls were the only ones who didn’t treat me differently or make fun of me in school. My mom and aunt talked to me and explained that it is just how people are and I didn’t need to be someone I was not. It took me a very long time to accept the fact that I’m dyslexic because I always thought that dyslexia was a bad disability to have. At first it didn’t matter how many times my mom explained it, I just didn’t want to hear it.
One day, I was in school and looked up the word on the computer and read what it meant and that same day is when I accepted the fact that I was dyslexic. Now that I am older and can walk around and say that I am dyslexic, it is a really great thing for me. I came a long way to get where I am now. I owe that all to my mom, my Aunt Tasha, Mrs. Smith and Mrs. Mary who told me I could do it. I’m so proud of myself because I came a long way and worked really hard to get where I am now. I am glad I had people in my corner to back me and people who motivated me into doing what I needed to do.
When I first started to see that I was progressing, I was pleased with myself, because people had always doubted me from the time I was diagnosed with dyslexia until the present. The people who don’t doubt me are the people who have been in my corner from day one. I just want to say thank you to those people. I am not ashamed or afraid to tell people that I am dyslexic because now each year I get older I accept it better. I just want other kids and adults to know that it’s never too late to get help for any disability. Never let someone tell you that you can’t do it or make it, because you can. When people doubt you, take that as a positive comment and let that motivate you into doing whatever you want to be or do. One thing I learned is never say the word “can’t,” because the word you’re supposed to say is “can.” When I stopped saying, “I can’t do it”, a lot of great things happened to me, meaning I hit all my goals for reading and spelling. If I can do it, so can you. Never let the word dyslexic scare you because with a little hard work there is nothing you can’t do. People who have dyslexia and are willing to address it, are the ones who get somewhere in life.
I have been working with Anya for a little over two years now using the Wilson Reading Method. She is very near to completing the program and regularly amazes me with her devotion to learning to read. I have come to realize how helpful it has been that Anya’s family has been consistently supportive of her tutoring, despite the fact that we tend to take over their kitchen table and, as a result, the entire kitchen, and have for over 130 hours of tutoring, leaving the four other members of the family to fend for themselves. They delay dinner preparations, keep the level of noise and distractions to a minimum, and remind her to have materials ready each time I arrive. I can’t tell you how helpful this is to the time we spend together.
That said, I have had several “Aha moments,” with Anya at various times during our work together. In the very early stages, Anya immediately picked up on the tapping that Wilson uses to help students with left to right orientation in reading words. She is the only student who has ever actually articulated how helpful it was and used it consistently without being reminded. In another moment, last spring, I realized that Anya had committed all of her vowel sounds and key words to memory without being asked; again, my only student to do so. At that level in the program, it was a substantial accomplishment and she later, without being asked, did the same thing for all her vowel digraphs, even before we studied them! This kind of commitment is typical of Anya and a reflection of how her family’s dedication to her success has impacted on that sense of commitment. However, the most amazing thing that has happened since we began the Wilson process has been a complete change in Anya’s attitude and demeanor, her treatment of others, and her self-confidence, which I like to think is a result of tutoring. Since she is the only student who has had the perseverance to come this far in the program, she is the first I have seen so thoroughly transformed by this process. It is truly heart-warming to watch her tackle a piece of writing appropriate to her grade level and read it confidently and expertly. She aspires to go to college, and I think she will be ready for the reading needed to do that when she completes the program. She has been a star and a trooper throughout this process, which hasn’t been easy, and for that I am in awe of her.
Nancy, We are so proud of Anya’s success and we are so proud of your hard work and dedication to her and her journey! Thank you! Yolanda
Very inspiring! Sounds familiar. I currently work with two students with dyslexia and they are amazing. They teach me more than I could ever imagine. Keep up the good work!
So nice, Carmen. I’m sure you’re doing a wonderful job with your students. Check out our newest blog on a book being published by a young man with dyslexia. I think you’ll enjoy it. Thanks for your comment!
Anya I’m so proud of you. I looked up to you Anya. I know I have told you many of times that I strive thru you. Watching you over the past couple of years to see a change in you for the better and letting Mrs Smith in and allowing her to show you that reading is so much fun and getting the knowledge… Keep up the good work.. You have proven to your self that you can do it.. I wanted to say thank you so much to Yolanda and Mrs. Smith without Team Tutor I don’t know what I wouldve done.
This is the reason we do what we do! The pleasure is all ours… we are all so proud of her!
Wow, what great stories!! Thanks for sharing your successes! Very inspiring:-)
Hey Dee! It is so inspiring! What an amazing process… thanks for your feedback! Yolanda
I Am So Proud Of Niece (Holding Back My Tears) I can’t even express the way I feel I’m so thankful to have my twin sister that never gave up on Anya and I’m so thankful for Mrs. Smith Team Tutors for goin the extra mile for my Stink Soooooooooo Proud Of You Anya Marie Williams You Great Role Model
It is our pleasure to be apart of this but truly Anya did all the hard work! What an inspiration for others!
Beautiful story Anya! You’re a very positive person and I know that you’ll be successful. Keep up the good work!
P.S. This made me smile 🙂
thank you!
Wooooow, i never thought that i would get this far with my story Dslexic Girl.. im so proud of myself right now i have no words to explain how i feel..
We are all so proud of you Anya! Keep up the great work and you are such a great role model for many students out there!
thank you ms.Yolanda, i hope i am
Awesome story Anya, it was very inspiring!!! You’re determination will take you far…Get It Girl!!!!!!
thankz boo
This is such a big deal anya! Your story is on a website for people all around the world to share your experience. It takes a strong woman like your self with your confidence to be able to share with others. Your sister and i are very proud of you. (Clapping our hands to you) keep up the good work. You are going to do great things and hailey is lucky to have you to look up too. Woohoo so excited for you!!
thank you lindsey
What a beautifully written story Anya! You’re an inspiration to young girls eveywhere. Each of us has a struggle and it’s incredibly brave of you to share yours with the world.
thank you carla
Where do I start??
I can still remember the first day that Anya and I both started at our school private school. I was in my last yr. and she was in her sophomore yr. Every time I seen Anya in the halls she would always look like something was bothering her and was afraid to say anything to me… I’ve been told that I look like I’m a judgmental person and also to spoiled so just leave me alone. I thought I gave her that same vibe that others thought of me before even getting to know me! We always kept our distance from one another as much as possible. One day I had to sit in one of Anya’s reading classes and everyone was giving something to read but not “ANYA” she would just catch an attitude for nothing so she wouldn’t have to do what was to be done. All I heard was “I don’t want to do this, I’m not doing this” I left her class with a headache and a little angry because she wouldn’t even try. Then during the other half of the year it was just “our luck” we had classes together! I wasn’t up for it because I witnessed how she would react to the readings that were giving for class. All Anya used to say was “Kara, I don’t want to do this!, I can’t” I guess she thought that would continue but I wasn’t having it. I put up with it the few times we had that class leaving with headaches and anger because she wasted time. Anya reminded me of how I used to think after I went through all I went through with my medical problem. One day she went off and totally shut down on our English teach. I knew exactly from that day that she felt like isolation was what made her feel like what’s was best for her because I did the same thing she done. Even though we had never spoken to each other up until that day. I knew how she felt so I pulled Anya to the side after class and though I had to be to my next class I had to let her know that I used to feel how she feel and was always afraid to do what I thought was impossible to do. After I told Anya about my medical problem and why I was always doubting myself she opened up to me and shared things that I never thought would be going on with her causing her to feel the way she was feeling. Every since that talk we shared with one another Anya put effort into her readings, writings, the way she interact with others and she has come a long way. When I talk to Anya time to time I’m anxious to hear about how she is doing good and following her dreams! KNOW ANYA IM NOT GOING TO LIFE TO YOU. COLLEGE IS HARD, AND TIRING “I enjoy it a lot though).. If you can make it in our school you will do great in any college you attend.
thank you sooo much denise for what u said to me it ment alot
Hi Denise!
That was a beautiful reflection you gave to Anya! We are very proud of Anya at ATG! Please stay in touch!
Ms. Michelle
@ Ms. Michelle,
Hey, I will be to the school soon
I MISS EVERYONE THERE! @ Anya,
Yourrrr WELCOME. Keep your head up.
I have been working with Anya for two years in a Youth girls group called Teenshop. She is one of our Star Leaders. I can always count on her to step in and make our new girls fill welcome. She is a Blessing to work with.
awww thankz ms.latanya
Anya:
I’m sitting here fighting the tears.All of us at
Zion are so very proud of you . I believe whole heartedly
your BEST is yet to come. Just as you conquered these benchmarks, I know
with continued hard work and determination you can accomplish anything you
set out to do including graduating from college.
Continue to walk in the light. You know we got your back and I’m going to
keep pushing (smile)
Ms Donna
Thank You For Believing In Me Ms.Dona,
Wow! Anya, your story has touched a lot of hearts. I am so proud and delighted that you are having an opportunity to see the power of the written word first-hand. Keep writing and reading and you will go far!
Thank You For Everything Ms. smith
Thank You Ms LaTanya without you and Ms Donna I wouldve known what else to do either. Teen Shop has change Anya as well…
Yes it has
Dear Anya,
Your story of hard work, loving friends, not giving up, is so inspirational. You are being a real leader.I know that you are someone we can all look up to. Don’t forget, You always put a smile on my face. Thanks for sharing.
Awww Thank You Mr. Smith
I just want to say Thank You to everyone that was there for me when i needed them the most..
i’m very proud of myself. so once again thank you guys for all your work.. 😉
I just want to say I’m Soooooo proud of my niece Anya for believing n her self n not letting people get to her n I’m also thankful to mrs smith for helping my niece meet her goals n everytime I read her story I’m also holding back years cause I also had to watch her go though things far as her school work if it wasn’t for my older sister n teamtutor my niece would not be meeting her goals n getting ready for collage so I just want to say thank every one that help my baby Anya auntie loves you n I’m Soooooo proud of u
i love you to aunt taina ..
CONGRATS ANYA, KEEP UP THE HARD WORK!!! IT WILL PAY OFF IN THE FUTURE!! AS LONG AS YOU CONTINUE TO DO YOUR BEST YOU WILL BE FINE!! ALSO NICE WORK MRS. NACY KEEP DOING WHAT YOUR DOING:}
thank you so much
i am so proud of my little sister Anya..she came along way to get where she’s at now…i can see that this story is going to take her far in life because she’s already living her dream..when i read her story i cried becuase when i first met her she always doubted her self when ever she had to do work but once we talked about it she started doing so much better so Anya keep up the good work and keep striving for the best in life and all your dreams will come true. <3 Anya..
Great Job Sis.
thank you maria! im glad we had the same talk
I think we’re all proud of you, Anya. You’ve come a long way the last few years, and you’ve been working hard to deal with this issue.
Just remember – you can do anything you set your mind to do. Thomas Edison was dyslexic, and it didn’t stop him; and there have been at least two Presidents who showed the signs of it, too. So aim high!
thanks walt
Anya,
Even though we struggled together many times it was always because I could see your potential. When I was young dyslexia was not something that was understood so I was called stupid and lazy by teachers and family. It was not until I had my own children that I understood what it was and that I myself had the disability. The good thing was that I loved to read and it helped me to overcome the disability. I know without a doubt that you will be successful in what ever you choose to do in your life. I have a feeling that it will probably include helping other students beat the label as you have. Good luck in all your future endeavors. Much love and praise. Anne
thank you ms.anne for not giving up on me.
Hey Anya. Thank you for sharing your true feelings in your wonderful letter. I want your permission to hang it on my wall and to share it with many of my students both at ATG Learning Academy and at my office. While it must have been so hard for you to discuss all of your feelings, it should be of great comfort to you to think of how many students your wonderful words WILL help. I am so proud of you and want you to autograph a copy of your letter for me. You are a bright ( and very fashionable ) young woman who has a great future ahead of her. Once again thank you for writing such a wonderful essay.
Shelley Brownstein
thank you ms. shelly and i will give you a copy of my story in school
Hey Anya, your story was great i enjoyed reading it..you came a very long way..i watched you grow into a very strong young lady and i just wanted to say Congratz on your story..your going to go far in life.. goode luck