This month, beginning with National Charter Schools Week, we will feature stories from charter school graduates from across the country. Check back every day to see a new student feature in our 30 Days of Grad series. Being a young, Black girl with dyslexia is no easy thing. Just writing this is difficult because some of the letters don’t appear to be what they seem. Imagine having this problem throughout your life. It’s the hardest thing I’ve ever had to deal with. I passed from year to year, but one year my mom kept me back anyway. At first, it felt like a curse, but then I realized it was a blessing. I had an extra year to get on grade level academically. I worked harder, smarter, and more focused than my peers. So much so, I am now ranked seventh in my entire graduating 8th grade class.
My school helped me so much. I even had the principal checking on me every step of the way. Ms. Procope talks to me as if I am normal, like a young adult. Teachers help me by explaining the work and answering questions when I ask. My teacher Mr. Brown even helped me with this essay. I don’t know if the school realized that they made a scholar and an athlete out of me. At my past elementary school, there was no sports program. At first I was going to give up on the idea, but then I came to Howard University Middle School, a charter school in Washington, D.C. and discovered basketball and soccer. I like playing both of these sports because they are so fun and so different from each other. The school helps me get out of the house and try new things. If I could speak to a potential new student, I would do tell them three things: 1) That they should attend Howard University Middle School because you will have lots of opportunities to learn about history. You would also get to read wonderful books like Random Family, Macbeth, and The Skin I’m In. 2) I would also tell them how staying true to one’s self is the most important thing in this society. And 3) I would tell them that keeping up with your grades can take you to many opportunities in life. In conclusion, even though I have dyslexia, Howard University Middle School has helped me a lot. Howard University Middle School is a place where you will find great opportunities if you are serious and focused about your future. This charter school really has made a difference in my life! [Click to Tweet] Dyslexia and grade setbacks didn’t keep @howardums 8th grader from finding success #30DaysofGrad
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