Learning Disabilities - Some Words of Encouragement

Way back in the 7th grade I was struggling a lot with school, mostly math. I couldn't, for the life of me, remember how to do the steps. Once they were taught, I forgot the lesson within a day, a few hours, or possibly minutes if I didn't write them down. I soon began attending special help classes, angry and frustrated that I even had to be there. My family tried to help with homework the best they could, but it often ended with me crying because I was so angry with myself. I began having low hope and confidence that I was even capable of passing the classes. I barely wanted to try because I knew I'd forget or fail.

We discovered I have some learning disabilities, and they mostly arise and become a problem in math. Slow processing (it takes me a lot longer to learn things, and I usually need to write down clear steps), short term memory, and attention deficit disorder (ADD). I didn't really have issues in any other classes except math.

For these reasons, middle school and high school was a massive blur of a lot of studying, tutoring, tears, and mental breakdowns. On top of that, these years were when my anxiety was at its highest, I was in a toxic relationship, and I was incredibly underweight (16 years old and 85 pounds, yikes). Everyone has their personal journeys through their teen years, and this was mine.

Now let me turn the tables. After junior year Intermediate Algebra I was done with math for a long time. I think I managed a B or a C, which was passing so my family and I were happy (also, to note, my family has never been pressuring to get amazing grades only. My sister and I have been raised and expected to just try our best, so that's what we've done). Relief settled in, I got out of my toxic relationship, I went to therapy, I gained healthy weight, I had an awesome senior year. And I graduated with HONORS. I didn't have to take another math class for about 4 years, until I had to this past semester in community college as a requirement for general education. Why did I have to do this when my major is ART? No idea, don't ask me. #bitter. My counselor took my disabilities into account and said the best course for me would be statistics, as it's less equations and more problem solving. I was still nervous going into the class, but miraculously, I got through with only a few mental breakdowns and no tutoring, and I managed an A- in the class!

The reason why I'm talking about this is because I know a lot of people deal with learning disabilities as well as mental health issues that can greatly affect their schooling. I feel like it's not really talked about as often as it should be. A lot of families and school staffs expect their kids/students to be invincible and that they shouldn't be dealing with any other issues when in school. And I'm not saying they should be pitied, just helped and encouraged to just do their best. I was fortunate enough to have an understanding family who helped me through all of this.

I know how it feels to be angry and frustrated with yourself for not being able to understand things because of learning disabilities. So I wanted to take a second to say that if you have learning disabilities, are dealing with mental health issues while in school, or even if you don't and just have a hard time with a certain subject, it's OKAY. Everyone can't be good at everything, and if you're struggling with personal issues when in school, you're a superhero! It's the hardest thing ever to be juggling personal situations AND school. I look up to you, and I'm proud of you. Just do your best, and that's the best you can do. If I can power through my worst subject and even manage to graduate high school with honors and get an A- in stats, YOU CAN DO WELL TOO. Don't give up hope, believe in yourself and you can get through it.

Much love,

Joely x