Dear reader of a dyslexic writer, 

This may be your first time reading something from someone like me, that you’re aware of. That’s right, I am here writing this piece even though I can barely write, according to some.  And, yes, I hate reading.  That’s why they invented audible books, for us lazy folks.  I am referring to thoughts many held while I was growing up.  It was taboo to talk about reverse reading, awful spelling and mixing up words and article synopsis, because you were unintelligent.  The only thing more obstantnat than that, is that all dyslexics are the same.  We are NOT! The severity depends on the difference of structure in the brain.  This sounds painful, but it’s not and sounds sad, but doesn’t have to be.  I embrace it!  If you look back at history you will find many famous intelligent people were dyslexic like Albert Einstein, Thomas Edison, and even Steven Spielberg. You may expect me to go on about how all these famous people were so successful and that their stories are critically important because of their social stature. However, this written piece is not about that.  This article is about the girl next door’s unique perspective on her learning disability. I prefer to say learning difference. I love that dyslexia is a part of who I am today.

It has only been recent since I’ve been so open about my dyslexia.  I am very upfront about it now because I feel it gives people insight to why I am doing what I am doing, but also to who I am. SUPER! Yep, I am so super and creative.  In fact, I have a hard time not being creative.  It’s a symposium for my life where I use my, so called, backwards, brain to recreate things that most see as boring, unimportant or mundane, if you will.  One may see a grossly overweight person crossing the street as unappealing, but I see the awesome dress flowing off her body basking in the sunlight.  Another person may see a rosebush as half dead, but I see a cool textural backdrop for a tiny figurine stage.  While others were watching children’s movies, I was wondering how they made the movie. There is a different viewpoint I am bound to, which helps stimulate my uniqueness.

I also relate really well to children, and it’s not because we have the same IQ, but rather we are whimsical and carefree in our daily approaches.  I find that I have the ability to solve problems inside out.  I may read from the bottom of the page up, and have re-taught myself to start again at the beginning.  I approach life with the same facet.  I get to start at the end sometimes and figure out the beginning.  Kind of like the movies, Slumdog Millionaire, Fight Club and Goodfellas, just to name a few.  It has also given me a sense of bravery and courageousness.  

I can’t tell you how many times during my repeat of the 2nd grade, I calculated the exact paragraph the teacher was going to call on me to read aloud, and then read that paragraph 15 times before she got to me.  Even still, I stumbled on my words and the other kids laughed.  I was terrified, but I did it, and with hardship comes bravery.  Now, I love to speak publicly.  It’s actually my dream, to become a public speaker and promote self-awareness, internal evolution and above all, self-love.  

My ability to try new things and dive deep into the unknown world of art is astonishing.  No, I mean, it’s uncanny actually.  I am unafraid to try anything creative.  I love new mediums, new perspectives and brainstorming. On a rainy day, I can be found writing a new chapter book, painting, drawing, resurfacing or really anything that grabs my attention will suffice.  I’ve written, illustrate and self-published my own children’s’ book “eating KETCHUP from a tub.” I groomed dogs for two years.  I write poetry. I dabble in Interior Design, the focus of my undergraduate degree.  And for all of those who thought, I couldn’t, I also have a duel masters degree in Teaching. Recently, I began getting in touch with essential oils and have paired that with my love to talk about happiness and self-growth.  So besides stating my resume in this paragraph, perhaps, you’ve gotten a different idea of what dyslexia looks like.  So, when you witness this in real life in the form of a small child being newly diagnosed or an adult mouthing their spelling, you can understand.  It may seem like a setback, but in reality, they’re hiding a little extra genius in their tool belts. Perhaps, dyslexia could obtain a new reputation, one filled with infinite creativity and intelligence. 

Sincerely, 

Your new acquainted backwards spelling dyslexic 

INTELLIGENT friend

Natasha Fotakis