Being diagnosed with Dyslexia and Dyspraxia the age of 39 and seeing it as a gift

By Anuja Vora(Student)

Turning what I thought was an obstacle at the time into my opportunity to become a better student.

Being diagnosed with Dyslexia and dyspraxia as a mature student and seeing it as a gift. 

In February 2020, a month before lockdown, I left my tutorial feeling very deflated when i found out I wasn't doing well in my assignments and skills assessment. Also I was feeling shocked when my primary tutor pointed out I could be dyslexic.

This is the first time this had been picked up, so i was feeling very upset when I left that tutorial. My Dad said to me to look at these obstacles as an opportunity to become a better student and then I made an appointment with Ade the day after my tutotial, the student support officer. Ade was very calming and put my mind at ease that it was a good thing I found out about my dyslexia in the first year rather than later down the line, he has been a brilliant support to me

Along with the great support especially from my loved ones, my peer group, and also some of my year group Ade and Jane, I started to see the dyslexia as a gift and am now excited about what positive things it could bring to my skills practice and assignments.

So during the lockdown period whilst I was caring for my Dad whose health was deteriorating rapidly, I managed to pass my skills assessment and resubmit all my assignments and get into the second year and the best thing was I got to celebrate me passing my second as well achieving 6 years sobriety with my Dad before he passed away on 31st August 2020.

On reflection, I feel now we all have full rights to our vulnerabilities and its better to be seen and supported rather than suffer in silence. I am sharing my story today because i found by being open about my insecurities and struggles has helped me get the right support and help I needed. I want to thank each one of you for cheering me on.

Ade Banjoko

Disability and Student Support Officer

“Students are often not aware of the support available. However, adjustments can be made that will make a difference to their studies. If you have had /are experiencing similar feelings, please get in touch by emailing me at disability@metanoia.ac.uk”