Having been diagnosed with dyslexia at the age of 18, I have experienced the effects and struggles dyslexia can bring. Looking back I always felt I had to work harder than the rest of the class, not truly understanding what the teacher was saying most of the time and finding myself bored and distracted easily. Despite having a love for reading and later going on to completing a Master's in Screen Writing, I struggled to read and write when I was younger. When I was younger I often dreamed about what it would be like for my school work to come easy as it did for the rest of my class. 

As an Additional Learning Needs Support Worker for Cardiff and the Vale College, I sympathise with the students that struggle with the same mental block that I did when I was younger. I found myself constantly thinking what life would be like if I didn't have to spend hours on a single piece of homework or reading wasn't so exhausting. Fast forward to university, it became clear to me the real difference between the students who had resilience and those who didn't. Dyslexia has taught me that when you find things hard, you will find the motivation to keep going. My educational goals never came easy to me. When I found they were too easy, I'd drop them and push myself to find harder goals to achieve, hence why I became a long distance runner.

Even in my adult life I find resilience in everyday life which is why I am an Additional Learning Needs Support Worker at Cardiff and the Vale College. I’ve grown to learn that being a long distance runner and dyslexia has one thing in common - and that’s the power and strength to push you through when things get difficult and challenging.

My biggest goal and passion in my professional life is encouraging and teaching learners to be the very best they can be, regardless of their learning needs and struggles. As an adult looking back on everything I’ve achieved and accomplished since I was diagnosed with dyslexia, I realise I am grateful as I would not be who I am without it today. I am honoured to raise money for the British Dyslexia Association and to run the London Marathon and for the the wonderful learners I support everyday and who face the struggles of dyslexia on a day to day basis.

I have completed three half marathons and I couldn't be more excited to take things to the next level and complete my first full marathon. I'd be super grateful in advance for any donation, big or small. 

Thank you all so much, 

Jodie x