An Interview with A High School Dyslexic

Since both Hayley and I are in elementary school, we do not know what it is like for older students that have dyslexia. To find out, we interviewed Mary Grace, a dyslexic High School junior in For Worth, Texas.

Question 1 – What was it like when you first found out you were dyslexic?
Answer 1 – I was confused because I was little and did not understand what it was.

Question 2 – Did you tell any of your friends?
Answer 2 – No, I did not tell them at first. Mostly because I did not understand it and I was not sure they would understand. It was easier to explain what dyslexic was when we were older.

Question 3 – How did they react when you told them?
Answer 3 – Most of my friends were surprised because none of them noticed that I was different

Question 4 – Did you ever get bullied?
Answer 4 – No, I did not.

Question 5 – Did you understand what dyslexia meant?
Answer 5 – Not at first. I understand what it means now, but I was too young to get it at first.

Question 6 – What is the hardest thing about having dyslexia?
Answer 6 – For me, I mix my words up. For that reason, I do not like to read out loud in class.

Question 7 – What age were you when you found out?
Answer 7 – I was in fourth grade. I was about 10.

Question 8 – How did your family react when they found out?
Answer 8 – My family was really supportive. My mom had suspected something was wrong because she was a dyslexia specialist. My older brother was not dyslexic but he did have some learning challenges included ADHD. That helped prepare them for my dyslexia.

Question 9 – How do you manage your dyslexia to be successful at school.
Answer 9 – The whole goal is to pay attention. I sit in the front of the class to minimize distractions. I also do all of the homework. In addition, I do any extra credit offered to help support my grade and add to my learning.

Question 10 – What advice would you give your younger self?
Answer 10 – At first it is hard to cope but you will learn coping skills. At first I was not good at reading but now I am better. It is also helpful to talko to people that have dyslexia.