My name is Desarae Bullock, I was tested in 2nd Grade at Manila Elementary School after my reading teacher seen my struggles. I have had a 504 on file with Manila School which allows me longer time with test taking and also extra help where i'm needing improvements. Perhaps the most important element in overcoming the challenges of dyslexia in high school is persistence. Success may not come easily, and it may require extra effort and time, but with a strong mindset, dyslexic students can persist through the difficulties.Trust me I have had many setbacks and frustrations through the years, I have not overcame all of my troubles with dyslexia but the mindset that I can do this has never left me. Moreover, building strong relationships with teachers and peers can provide emotional and academic support. Teachers who understand the challenges of dyslexia can offer accommodations that help level the playing field. Peers can also be invaluable resources, providing assistance with note-taking, studying, and brainstorming ideas. With the right support system, students with dyslexia can feel more confident in their abilities and more motivated to succeed. Organization and time management are also critical in overcoming the challenges of dyslexia has not always been my strong suit. I have a great support system. My school has been helpful and my support system at home. I have had issues with math and reading and it is not always about getting done first its about doing my best is what I have always been taught. Living with dyslexia as a child can feel like constantly battling against something that no one else can fully understand. It’s like trying to walk through thick mud while everyone else around you is running on solid ground. At school, where learning is supposed to be exciting and fun, it often feels overwhelming and frustrating. Words jumble together, letters seem to move around on the page, and reading feels like a never-ending puzzle. The challenges that come with dyslexia are tough, but it’s important to remember that they don’t define who I am. Still, the struggles are real, and each day presents new obstacles to overcome.The most obvious challenge is reading. At school, everyone is expected to read quickly, but for me, reading feels like a race I’m always losing. The words on the page don't make sense the way they do for other kids. Sometimes, the letters seem to shift or blur together, making it hard to figure out where one word ends and another begins. I know what the word should look like in my head, but my eyes can’t quite match it with what’s on the page. It’s like there’s a gap between what I see and what I want to say. This makes it hard to keep up with class assignments, and when my teacher asks me to read aloud, I feel nervous and embarrassed, knowing I might stumble or take too long.Writing is just as hard. I struggle with spelling, and even if I know how to say a word, it doesn’t always look right when I try to write it. My sentences often get jumbled, and I end up feeling frustrated because I can’t express my thoughts clearly. It’s even harder when I’m trying to finish an essay or write a story. I know exactly what I want to say, but putting it down on paper feels like my brain isn’t cooperating. My handwriting might not look neat either, because sometimes I rush to finish or get caught up in trying to fix mistakes.One of the hardest parts about having dyslexia is the feeling of being left behind. In class, I can hear everyone else reading quickly and answering questions, but I’m still stuck trying to figure out a single word or sentence. When we have timed tests, I can feel my heart race because I know I won’t finish in time. It’s like I’m working at a different pace than everyone else. While my classmates move on, I’m still back at the starting line, and that can make me feel like I’m not as smart or capable as they are, even though I know I have other strengths.It’s not just the academic struggles that are hard to deal with; the emotional side of having dyslexia can also be tough. Sometimes, I feel like I’m not good enough because I can’t keep up with my friends. I don’t always want to raise my hand in class because I’m afraid of making a mistake. Being asked to read aloud in front of others makes me feel nervous, and I worry about being judged. I see other kids reading easily, and I wonder why it’s so difficult for me. This can make me feel different, which isn't always easy. Even though school can be tough with dyslexia, I know there are things I’m really good at too. I might not be the fastest reader, but I have a great imagination and can think creatively. I might struggle with spelling, but I’m good at problem-solving and figuring out different ways to do things. My friends remind me of my strengths, and that helps me feel better about myself. I’ve also learned that there are lots of people with dyslexia who have done amazing things in their lives, which inspires me to keep going, even on the hard days. Thanks for listening, Desarae Bullock Senior @ Manila High School Manila, AR 72442.