Over Coming Dyslexia by Charlie

Over Coming Dyslexia by Charlie - December 2024 Scholarship Essay

My name is Charlie Wilson, and I am a high school senior with a passion for understanding and helping others through challenges. I am eager to study counseling, mental health, psychology, or social work at the University of Tennessee-Chattanooga, University of Tennessee-Martin, or East Tennessee State University. My journey to this point has been shaped by a significant challenge I faced early on: living with dyslexia.

In the third grade, I was diagnosed with dyslexia. At that time, I struggled very hard to keep up with my class, and the words blurred and danced on the page, posing a challenge to read anything. It was a tough time, full of frustration and lagging behind. My parents and teachers realized this and sought to take another approach toward educating me. They took me out of regular school, and I began a home-schooling curriculum.

Homeschooling proved a pivotal point in my life. This allowed me to study in my own way and at my own pace, using an alternative learning style. Parents and tutors alike worked with me one-on-one to employ a variety of creative methods customized just for me to grasp concepts on reading and writing and have some enjoyment as well. We employed audiobooks, hands-on activities, and one-on-one tutoring sessions. And in due time, I began to see progress. I learned to appreciate the process of learning and found that I was capable of overcoming the challenges that dyslexia presented.

As I grew older, I came to understand that dyslexia had taught me very important lessons in perseverance, resilience, and adaptability. It also spawned my interest in helping people with their own struggles. I want to support others in understanding their mental health and overcoming obstacles, just as I have done.

With a 3.8 GPA, I have worked diligently to prove to myself and others that I can do what was expected of me, despite the obstacles I experienced in the early stages. The motivation behind my academic dedication lies in an inner desire to contribute to the lives of others, especially regarding issues about mental health and support. I feel that everyone deserves an opportunity to be successful, regardless of challenges.

This scholarship would go a long way in helping me fulfill my educational and professional objectives. It would allow me to continue on my journey of beating obstacles and assisting others in beating their own. I am committed to using my education to make a difference in the world, and this scholarship would bring me one step closer to that dream. Thank you for considering my application and the opportunity to share my story.