Phoebe:
Sure, there was a lot of resources that I could read about having dyslexia, but I just couldn't work out how to adapt things to be able to thrive with dyslexia.

Title screen: 
Phoebe's story
Study with dyslexia

Phoebe:
I experienced a lot of challenges with completing exams. I felt like I wasn't the same as my classmates, and it was noticeable, and that made me very anxious. 

So although it was a relief to get that diagnosis, it did come with some not great things. Like when I went to a teacher with a practice paper, she said to me, 'Look, with your dyslexia, you're just going to have to settle for that mark, and there's nothing you can do to change it.' 

So I did receive a really amazing ATAR. It really proved to me that I'm not dumb and I just need different learning and studying strategies compared to other students. So how I managed the challenges within high school – straight away utilising all the resources that I could. It is all about learning.

So you do need to be gentle with yourself and take that time to learn how to use programs and to learn how to use a reader and a scribe. Prior, I was very anxious to ask questions in class, but realising I need to do that to be able to understand things. 

So I've maintained a High Distinction and Distinction average throughout my university courses. Even though I'm neurodivergent, I can still succeed in a traditional education environment. In order to do that, you need to be your biggest advocate and you really need to advocate for yourself and your needs. 

So learning what strategies and systems work for yourself, what teachers you can actually go to, and then actually meeting up with them. Because I took the time to establish those relationships with my tutors and get an academic plan, my life now at uni is so much easier. 

It's not a one size fits all. So sure, I may look up specific strategies that may help people with dyslexia, but it doesn't mean it will suit my type of dyslexia, and that's okay. 

Throughout all of this, it's so important to just be gentle with yourself and kind to yourself when it does get hard and when you do feel misunderstood. There's always going to be challenges. It's not smooth sailing, but just being kind and gentle throughout that whole process is really, really important.

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