Alexa Eimbiner

Instead of reading left to right, from line to line, I read above the line, below the line, and anywhere in between. I have a reading disorder and ADHD.

Beyond just distorting the words I read, my learning disabilities warped my identity. Fearing my peers would laugh as I stumbled through words, I sat silently in class. We learn to read in Kindergarten. Why was it still difficult for me? I could only reach one conclusion, a conclusion that destroyed my self-esteem for years; I was stupid.

With the help of my doctor, family, and teachers, I am learning to embrace my weaknesses. I now realize there is no correlation between my challenges and my intelligence. It may take me more time to collect my thoughts, but that does not diminish the value of my work. My learning disabilities do not define me.

With my “one wild and precious life,” I want to help children embody their true selves. Whether it is becoming a therapist or an educator, I aspire to help children appreciate their strengths and grow from their weaknesses. We all deserve to be proud of who we are.