The Learning Disabilities Association of Montgomery County, MD
an affiliate of LDA of America and LDA-MD
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The Learning Disabilities Association of Montgomery County, MD an affiliate of LDA of America and LDA-MD |
| Success Stories
Life presents us all with challenges. Here are some stories from people with LD/ADHD who describe their experiences and inner motivations. These are stories about people who are determined to achieve despite societal attitudes and obstacles. We can all learn from each other's stories. Do you have a story to tell? Submit your story by e-mail or mail to: LDAMC PO Box 623, Rockville, MD 20848 A couple of paragraphs is preferable. LDAMC reserves the right to do minor editing for continuity. Some questions to use as guides:
My Story, by Ian Healy When I was growing up, I didn't quite understand things in school or in life the way the other kids did, so I was considered "slow". I think my first indication that I was a little different was when I couldn't figure out a simple paste project in 2nd grade. I didn't really know what was wrong with me; I just believed I was not as smart as the other kids. Elementary, junior high and high school were not easy for me, as the other kids would make fun of me for my inability to pick up the subjects in school. I didn't really have many friends in school, other than a few who I got along with. However, each of them either moved out of town after a while, or I lost touch with them. I found myself lonely quite often, and was also quite frustrated. Around 8th or 9th grade, I was tested for a learning disability, and the psychologist found that I did indeed have one- it had to do with visual processing. That kind of put things in perspective for me in high school, as I now was given extra help where I needed it, and the teachers helped me when and where they thought I needed it. Unfortunately, it still didn't help, and I made it through high school by the skin of my teeth. After I graduated from high school in 1994, I thought I'd be ready to hit college right away, although looking back on it now, it probably wasn't the smartest idea in the world. I worked for 3 years at McDonalds, a place where they didn't care about your learning style; just whether or not they could use you to make money. I thought that was the job I would hold for many, many years, and I did have it for 7 years, but I soon realized that it wasn't my career. In the winter/spring of 1997, I went on some college visits to schools such as Davis and Elkins College, Curry College, Landmark College, and Beacon College. Each of them had its own charm and attractability, but the one that stood out most to me was the one I eventually ended up choosing, Beacon College. And to this day, I am still glad that I chose that school over the others. When I enrolled at Beacon in the fall of 1997, I had a pretty darn good feeling about the school based on the visit I had earlier that year. I got along with the students almost immediately, made many more friends in my first 2 months there than I ever had in my life, and was off to a good start academically. The College really turned my life around, because I was able to build my confidence. The school was able to make special accommodations for me, and I benefited greatly from that. That first year, I also met the person who would go on to change my life forever, a young woman a year and a half older than I who, 4-1/2 years later, would become my wife, which is something else, based on my lack of popularity with my fellow students in school, I thought would never happen. Many people who had known me before college would have thought I never could have made it through college, but I was happy to finally be able to call myself a college graduate in May 2001. On top of that, I graduated summa cum laude from college, something I never thought I would have been able to accomplish. Because I was a college graduate, I was able to land a well-paying job with a good company that I still work for. DEDICATION IS EVERYTHING!, by Shane-Marie Healy I have had to overcome a lot of adversity in 28 years. One that has affected me deeply even now was my first Black Belt Test. I had been taking Karate 11 years before I got to that point. To make it simple, I did not take it seriously until I was 16. I first took Karate as a way to work on my balance. The hardest part was and remains when we pretend to fight with each other. That is because my reaction time was and still is slower then normal. While those would be obstacles, my desire to get my black belt and to improve was stronger. I worked as hard as anyone and did not use my weakness as an excuse to not try to achieve anything. My first Black Belt Test took place in New Mexico in December of 1997. The test would go on for 3 days. The first day was the oral examination when the Masters would ask you questions. I had to wait about 3 hours in the cold. It was 32 degrees - cold for a person from Arizona. As I look back, I believe that was a test of the strength of your mind. I passed the oral exam. The next day at 10 we would split up according to rank. 18 were in my group and we did Kata's ( routines) and self defense moves, an obstacle course and basics for 4 and 1/2 hours. It was pretty fun. Later that night we did a show and repeated it again. Then was the belt ceremony and we got our belts from the head of our karate school, Bill Packer. The next day was the part I had been getting ready for. We did the physical part, pushups, Mountain climbers, carrying others on our backs for 100 yards, to name a few. Then we had to run 2 miles. My legs were sore before that. I made the 2 miles on sheer grit and support of my teacher, Scott. Finally it was over. I learned several things from that weekend like I never know how far I can go until I try. The test is not only about the "belt " it is about challenging yourself and winning. For anyone who has a dream, go after it ! If you are patient and dedicate yourself to accomplishing the goal you will go far. We are not perfect, but we can achieve anything! Shane teaches karate to students with LD/ADHD in California. She continues to study and attend tournaments. This month she will train and be tested for her brown belt in Shoulin Kenpo 
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