KATHY STUFFELS
I've been hiding a secret all my life. I would like to share my feelings and experiences with you. I had a normal childhood. I went to school every day, rain or shine, but it wasn't until grade five when the teachers realized that I had a learning disability. Nothing was ever done about it.
High school was too hard for me. Keeping my secret from my friends was even harder because I did not want them to know that I could not read or spell. High school was frustrating. I could not keep up with the work, so I dropped out. My mom would help me with all the reading and spelling. My mom helped me through her life, but when she passed away, there I was: lost and confused. I didn't know where to turn. It was time for me to get help. I was really afraid but I had to do something.
The first step was to get myself back in school. It was the best thing that I have done for myself in a long time. Our teacher Brenda gave me confidence in myself. She recognized that I have a learning disability. Brenda worked with me. Sometimes I asked Brenda the same questions over and over again until I got the hang of it. With the help of a very patient person, my teacher Brenda, and classmates, I have made a lot of progress. I feel good about myself.
I can read a book and understand what I'm reading. It feels really good. Reading and spelling has given me the feeling of independence, something that was missing from my life. I still have a long road ahead of me.