By Michelle Steiner “You can go to college.” The student said. I will never forget the hope that I felt hearing those words. I did not think that with my learning disability, I was able to go to college. I had professionals who told me that I could not do it, and that if I did, I would most likely not go beyond community college. “Isn't that for smart kids?” Certainly not those with disabilities or who struggled with math. But finally, someone believed in me and gave me inspiration to follow my dreams. From the very beginning, school was a struggle for me academically and socially. I was diagnosed with a learning disability in kindergarten. My teacher noticed that I was having difficulty with writing my name, counting, tying my shoes, and doing dot-to-dot pages. I was evaluated by the school psychologist, who diagnosed me with having one. I had to repeat the grade in a new school in your district. I had specialized instruction in all areas and accommodations. The specialized instruction was designed to be based on my needs. I also had the accommodations of having the test read aloud and extended test time. Having these supports enabled me to be in the regular education classroom for Science, Social Studies, and Reading. My brain needed these accommodations to process information and to even the playing field among my peers. By the time I was in high school, I was in all regular education classes except for math and a resource room. I also struggled socially in school. I went to a small conservative school district, where if you were one of them, you were accepted. It was clear from the start that I did not fit in. Everyone knew that I struggled in the classroom and went to learning support. Quickly, I got labeled the outcast. I also had those who doubted that I could achieve my dreams with one. I had a learning support teacher who did not think that I could handle college and suggested a trade school. I also had a psychiatrist who told me that I would most likely not go beyond community college. Despite the doubts and fear, I went forward. I faced more stigma in college from both faculty and students. Disability accommodations were considered cheating. When I asked for a calculator in a math class, the professor told me we use our brains, not calculators, here. I had another professor who told me that I would have limited job choices when I graduated. My grades were dropping, and I had people tell me that I could do better. Even with all of the struggle, I did not give up. I could hear the voice of the student teacher saying, I could do it. I was able to graduate with an Associate's Degree in Early Childhood Education. I was also able to graduate from Slippery Rock University many years later. I found a program that had the least amount of math and science possible. I also had disability accommodations, and I advocated for myself. Becoming a published author was another dream of mine that came true. I always loved to read and write. I had friends in a writing group who encouraged me to write about having one. I was not ready at the time. When I was ready, it was one of the most healing things that I have ever done. Other people say that they can relate to my stories. I write about having a disability at my blog Michelle's Mission www.michellesmission.com and feature my photography too. I also work as a teacher's aide in a school for students with disabilities. I find it rewarding to help children with them. Oftentimes, listening to them is like hearing a recording of myself at their age. Many times, I hear students say that they hate their disability and wish they did not have one. I get to tell them that having a disability is not a bad thing. All the students and staff know, or will soon find out, not to ask me to help with math. My brain is not wired for that. But I can help with other subjects and life lessons. I also show my students how to advocate. One day, they will leave me, but their disability will remain. They must learn how to manage it now and speak up for themselves. I am not the same person as when I was diagnosed all of those years ago. I have gone through struggles with learning and making friends. The path to success has not always been a smooth, straight one. I have had many twists, turns, and bumps on the journey. Many people doubted me, but I also had those who believed in me. I could not have been successful without the support of family, friends, and my teachers. Especially the encouraging ones who saw the potential in me when I did not. There have been failures and hurt, but there has also been healing. Writing has been a powerful tool in this, and has given me a voice. Today, as I work with students with disabilities, I encourage them and tell them that they can do it too.