“It all started when I was in my 2nd grade. I was the usual happy-go-lucky girl and to be precise I don’t remember much about my childhood except that I was a below-average student in the class. Although I was too young to be judged as a weak student, it was difficult for me to read and write stuff and I used to skip words and letters in between while reading. Being a 2nd grader my school ignored it and as I went to the higher grades, I started to fail in almost every subject! I was not able to read, Math was my biggest nightmare and doing my homework used to be a humongous task! And it caused a huge worry for my mother regarding my future!

As the days went by, things got a little tough with my school and family. That’s when I was introduced to my school counsellor Mrs.alphonsa who was literally my saviour during my childhood. I was sent to her to check whether I have any form of studying difficulty and I did turn out later that I indeed had a learning disability. They had a word to it and the name of the disorder was Dyslexia.

To make it easier I was taught to pronounce it as ‘dys.lex.ia’ since it was a gigantic word for the 7-year-old me! Dyslexia might be a simple disorder for many which involve a hindrance in reading writing, learning stuff. Because ‘b’ & ‘d’ would be the same one for a dyslexic person. But as a 7yr old going through this was quite a struggle. But like with most cases, my mother and my school were the backbones of my journey!

I was sent to remedial classes, which helped improvise in my learning and writing. Looking back now I realise how disappointing it must have been for my parents because, a child in anyone’s dream! And when you realise that your child isn’t as bright and normal as others, it would be a cause for a heartbreaking disappointment! They had to dole out the expensive bucks to help me understand the alphabets.

But things started getting better as my grades went by. Fast-forwarding now I’ve grown into fully functioning 19 yr old who can make her own decisions and who stands here today to speak and spread awareness about this disorder which many kids still face these days.

1 in every 40 kids is found to be dyslexic and I have conducted various workshops in schools and the reception has been really wonderful! Through proper guidance, everyone can shine In his/ her own way. The best part is that I’m getting paid for what I love doing doesn’t that sound fun. I would say without my mother and Mrs.aphonsa nothing would have been made possible and I am utmost grateful and privileged for everything that’s been given to me.”