Lydia,

So, you didn’t know the word “poison” today and a classmate laughed at you. Sixth grade is tough. It hasn’t been a great day. That’s ok. You’re going to be ok.

You do not know this yet, but you will graduate from a private university with a degree in English Literature. Your favorite book will be Paradise Lost. Yes. You actually read it … many times!

Right now, you feel like you will always be shrunken, cornered, and laughable. I promise, you will not hide yourself forever.  

Your path is going to be different. Eventually, you will learn to think that different is cool and believe it or not, you will like yourself. You will believe that you can do great things because of your dyslexia. You will not fear it anymore.  

You will admire your resilience. Young lady, you will find that the resilience you developed so early in life is a rare and valuable trait.

I want you to know that you are a great, cool kid. You are kind, smart, and so creative. I promise, you will believe me later.

I would like to offer you two pieces of advice; first, hug your parents – they are your biggest advocates and they feel this with you. Second, I want you to lean into that desperate desire to read. You are capable. Unclench your fists, breathe when you think you can’t, and hold your head high. You, my friend, have nothing to be ashamed of.  

I believe in you. You inspired me to JUMP into service and I will carry you forward. Together, we can help others.

With admiration and gratitude,