Sydnee Fairweather

Mya Hill is a bright sophomore in college working toward a Bachelor’s degree in Social Work. Mya grew up with dyslexia and says that she always knew she was different.

“At nine years old my mom told me I had dyslexia and at the time I did not know what it was, but as I grew up I discovered the meaning of dyslexia.”

Dyslexia is a learning difficulty that can affect your ability to read, spell, write, and speak. Children who have it are often smart and hardworking, but they have trouble connecting the letters they see to the sounds those letters make.

Mya said “When I was old enough to understand what dyslexia was, the first thought that came to my mind was that I was stupid. I thought that I was not intelligent and that I was slow because I learn differently.”

“In middle school, I was teased by other kids because I was the girl who read slowly or the one who always needed the teacher’s help. As I got older I hated reading more as I feared it.”

Mya says that dyslexia makes her stutter sometimes and causes her to process information differently. It affects her emotions and how she feels about certain things.

“Reading out loud triggered a bunch of emotions as others would watch me try to sound out words. My mom would always tell me that you are smart, it’s just you learn a different way but I never felt smart.”

Mya said that her sixth grade teacher told her “Don’t ever let anyone break your soul; you have to stand on your own two feet and fight, because there are people who would give anything to see you fail. Never give them that satisfaction, so hold your head up high, put a smile on your face and stand your ground.” These words of encouragement made Mya accept that she had dyslexia and that statement stuck with her for the rest of her life.

Mya began to work harder and didn’t give up on herself.

In 8th grade Mya made the honor roll, something she never envisioned herself doing. It was one of the most joyful moments in her life. She felt that her strong commitment to practicing reading and writing had paid off.

Dyslexia may have been a setback for Mya, but she did not allow it to take over her life.

Mya said “I still struggle but I’m ok with that because dyslexia does not define me. My dyslexia has taught me resilience and endurance. The best things in life come through challenges.

The challenges we face in our lives are a part of God’s plan for us to be stronger and better people. I’m excited for other challenges that lie ahead and the blessings that come with them.”

Until recently Mya Hill was uncomfortable with telling people she has dyslexia. Only two of her friends knew through middle school and high school. Now that she is a sophomore in college, almost all of her friends know and she is comfortable with sharing her story with others.