Throughout her whole life, senior Hannah McMillin has dealt with dyslexia, a neurodevelopmental disorder that causes difficulties with reading and writing, although it does not affect general intelligence. According to McMillin, it has heavily impacted her school career.
“I was going to get held back in school if I didn’t get a diagnosis,” said McMillin.
Fortunately, she was able to get diagnosed and was able to progress through school as she normally would.
“I was diagnosed in first grade halfway through the year,” said McMillin. “Honestly, when I found out, I got scared and then got over it [because]I had bigger fish to fry.”
Luckily, schools and teachers have been very accommodating and understanding. However, there were some things that were not so positive about her diagnosis.
“I’ve always been placed into classes and with teachers that have my disability in mind,” said McMillin. “But I still hate reading aloud in class. My sentence structure comes out weird, and it’s embarrassing.”
Although McMillin struggles with reading and writing, she excels in other areas.
“With dyslexia, they say you have a ‘3d’ mind, so shapes, math, [etc.]comes easy,” said McMillin. “It’s very easy for me to visualize, but grammar, spelling, and reading comprehension [are difficult].”
Some words and phrases come more easily to spelling than others, even if they might ironically be more complex.
“I remember when she couldn’t spell orange in 6th grade,” said senior Jenna Presto. “But, she could spell [Marquis de Lafayette] from Hamilton.”
Her friends are naturally very accommodating, but they find joy in making light of the situation.
“The only way Hannah’s dyslexia has impacted our friendship is by giving us more ammunition for friendly jokes,” said senior Emma Miller.
Although they lovingly tease her, McMillin’s friends also appreciate the other aspects of her personality.
“Hannah is humorous; she is able to make a whole classroom laugh with her,” said Williams. “She can also be kind, caring, and empathetic towards those around her. I love seeing her sweet smile, and I enjoy going on side quests with the adventurous side of her.”
Although she has dyslexia, McMillin is still a very smart and fun person to be around. While it may affect her ease of success, she is still able to reach the goals she sets for herself. Her friends enjoy her presence and sense of humor as she proves to be even stronger because of the hardships she endures.
