In 1991, I started my first year of college. It was a scary time for me as it is with most students leaving home for the first time. I was set up with general courses, as well as an education course, since that was what I was majoring in at the time. I also took a psychology class.
The psychology professor was big man that tended to go so fast that things he taught went in one ear and out the other. Because I had a learning disability this was not good. I spent more time reading and getting notes from other students, but the worse part of the course was the testing. The professor tended to cover 3 or 4 chapters and then have a test. I was doing ok with the regular assignments but not the tests.
So, I came up with the idea that maybe he would be willing to give me the exam orally instead of written. After class one night, I went up to him and asked him if he minded. He said he didn’t mind and we set up a time and day. I spent the next day studying as hard as I thought I possibly could so that when that evening came I felt ready for the test.
That evening I went over to his office and took the test orally. I did lousy, and he suggested that I drop the course at that point because my grade was so bad. I asked him to let me take it written the next day when all the other students took it. He said that was ok. So, I spent that evening and all day the next day studying for that test. I was determined to prove him wrong and to prove that I could do it.
The next evening, I went in to take the test and felt even more ready than I had been when I took the oral one. For some reason, the answers seem to come easier for me. When I left that room after the exam, I came out with a wonderful feeling of accomplishment.
As a person with learning disabilities, I had to have courage to continue on, determination to prove to others and myself that I could do anything I put my mind to, and confidence in myself as well. Without these things I never would have gotten a grade of 105 on the test and passed the course with a B+.
One thing I have learned over the years is this: Do not give up on yourself, no matter what. You just need to keep telling yourself, "I can do this". The more you tell yourself this, the more you will begin to believe it. And the more you will do.
About the Author
Michele Gauvin Alley is a successful adult, who has learned to cope with learning disabilities. She and her mother, Sandy Gauvin, created LDPerspectives, a site dedicated to helping people take charge of the Learning Disabilities in their lives. From parents to teachers to students, we provide resources and support for anyone involved with LD. We're here for you! Share in the wisdom and resources at www.LDPerspectives.com