My theory on dyslexia is, “If you don’t have it, you probably can’t understand it. ~Dr. Travis Stork
Growing up, Jennifer Aniston wasn’t a good student and thought she wasn’t smart because she couldn’t retain anything in school. She spent her teenage years battling a learning difficulty she didn’t know and struggled to make sense of the world. She characterizes her life when she was growing up as being out of control.
In addition to that, she had a critical mother, which made her home life difficult. Thankfully, her paternal grandmother loved her unconditionally and always made her feel special.
Her difficulties in school pushed her to develop a sense of humor. She used her humor to make friends at school.
When she went to get a prescription for glasses and had to read a paragraph and answer a quiz, she found out she wasn’t stupid after all, she had dyslexia!
She was in her early 20s and calls the revelation “life-changing.”
Jennifer Aniston is a prime example of how everyone is capable of achieving their dreams, regardless of any potential obstacles. Despite her struggles with dyslexia, she persevered and went on to become one of the most beloved and successful actors in Hollywood.
She has won over 50 awards.
Teach your child that no matter what their challenges, they must never give up on themselves — they have the power to make a difference in the world. Tell them about and encourage them to take a cue from Jennifer Aniston and keep pushing forward, no matter what.
You never know where it could take them!
I thought that I was broken beyond repair for many years. I didn’t think that there was any hope for me. Fortunately, I was wrong about that. I was seeing myself through other people’s eyes, instead of my own. I had forgotten the confidence that I had when I was a four year old and taught myself to read because I didn’t know that it’s impossible to read without learning phonics. I had forgotten that I could use my own imagination and my own creativity to make myself a better me.
And now, that I have remembered, I am better equipped to say yes to the gifts that God has given me.
That’s why it’s so important for parents to observe their children’s strengths when they are very young. Most times, by the end of kindergarten, their creativity, and natural skill begin to decrease because of feedback they get from insensitive and ignorant teachers.
Hi Florence,
I am impressed by the number of celebrities that you have brought to our attention as examples of people who can thrive with different abilities.
Please blog on, I want to learn more.
I believe as people (especially children with learning challenges) learn about the celebrities who are succeeding despite (or perhaps because of) their learning differences, they will see themselves differently and be encouraged to persevere until they get a breakthrough.
It’s so important for people with dyslexia to know that having dyslexia does NOT mean you’re unintelligent. To know that successful people like Jennifer Aniston have struggled with it and thrived.
I once heard a person with dyslexia say that the most important thing is to have at least one person who is there for them and knows their special gifts.
Thank you for sharing this. I’m certain your blog helps so many people.
You’re right, Cheryl. If there is at least one supportive adult in the life of a child with dyslexia, they persevere through the rough times, find their unique gifts, and succeed in the end.