Overcoming Dyslexia A Journey of Struggle and Triumph by Logan

Overcoming Dyslexia A Journey of Struggle and Triumph by Logan - December 2024 Scholarship Essay

For the first few years of my education, I carried a secret fear that weighed heavily on my young mind: the fear that I simply wasn’t smart enough. Kindergarten through third grade were marked by confusion, frustration, and an overwhelming sense of self-doubt. While my classmates breezed through books, I struggled to even make sense of the letters on the page. They blurred and shifted in my mind, making the words seem unattainable. No matter how hard I tried, the meaning remained out of reach. Without knowing the reason for my challenges, I internalized my struggles as a personal failing. By third grade, I had resigned myself to the belief that I was just “stupid.”
Everything changed in fourth grade when I was diagnosed with dyslexia, a learning difference that affects how the brain processes written language. This diagnosis was a turning point. It didn’t provide an instant solution, but it gave me an explanation—a reason for my struggles that had nothing to do with my intelligence. With the support of my parents and teachers, I began Barton Tutoring, a specialized program designed to help students with dyslexia. It was through this program that I discovered audio books, a tool that transformed how I engaged with stories and information.
Audio books opened a door to a world I had always wanted to explore but could never fully access. For the first time, I could enjoy books without the frustration of decoding words. Through listening, I built my vocabulary and comprehension skills. Most importantly, I began to regain my confidence. Barton Tutoring also equipped me with techniques that made reading less daunting. I learned how to approach words in manageable ways, recognize patterns, and read at my own pace.
By the time I entered high school, I was no longer the same person who once believed they were incapable. I carried a newfound confidence, determined to challenge myself and prove what I was capable of. I enrolled in honors classes and even tackled college-level courses. These were challenges that once seemed insurmountable, but through hard work, perseverance, and the strategies I had developed, I not only kept up with my peers but excelled. Now, as a senior with a 3.81 GPA, I look back on my journey with pride and gratitude.
Dyslexia hasn’t disappeared from my life, and it likely never will. I still encounter challenges when reading or writing, but I no longer see dyslexia as an obstacle. Instead, I view it as a part of who I am—a unique challenge that has shaped me into a resilient and determined individual. Overcoming dyslexia is not about erasing it but about learning to live with it and thrive in spite of it.
This journey has taught me the value of perseverance and the importance of believing in myself. Every step I’ve taken—from those early days of frustration to where I stand now—is a testament to the power of hard work. Dyslexia may have made my path more difficult, but it has also made my successes all the more meaningful.