When I was in grade three, I had anxiety and always had trouble writing down my thoughts. I often chose to write things using basic words so I could spell them properly. I was lucky enough to have a teacher who recognized my potential and suggested I be tested for a Learning Disability and she was right. I thought that having a Learning Disability would limit the things I enjoyed in life. I am very fortunate to have been diagnosed when I was in grade 3, because of all the support and great accommodations I received. I enjoy writing my own stories and helping others in developing countries. In order to do this I had to create action plans. When trying to write stories and action plans, I struggled a lot with spelling and getting the words from my head onto the paper. Once I was given the proper tools, like my SEA computer, I was able to accomplish so much. I used programs like Word Q , Speak Q and Dragon. I could finally use all the vocabulary to make my writing more interesting and really organize my thoughts. Using these tools was just the beginning for me.

In grade 7, I became very involved with “Me to We”. I used my laptop to research and create an action plan, to start a school wide fundraiser to raise money to provide water for children in Kenya. I became involved in learning other technology, like IPads and made a video to support my Penny Drive campaign to collect water. After having a successful Penny Drive, I found my passion and voice through the use of my SEA technology. I then went on to organize a walk for Autism, a pin drive to send guinea pigs to Ecuador and a Brick by Brick project through “Me to We” to build a school in Kenya. Without my SEA technology I probably wouldn’t have been able to write all these action plans on my own. Being able to organize my ideas, gave me confidence going into highschool and helped me realize that although I have a learning Disability it did not have to limit my dreams. I know many students, especially in high school don’t want to use their SEA laptops as we find it somewhat embarrassing. Yet, having this technology has been my ticket to success.

Although I will always have anxiety and a Learning Disability, I have gained the confidence to take risks and persevere even when things are difficult. Having a Learning Disability has taught me that I have to work harder than my peers to keep up, but my SEA laptop has allowed me to achieve my success. Despite my anxiety, I was able to travel to Tanzania last summer to help build a school. This past October I spoke at WE Day, Toronto, in front of 20,000 people. Had I not gained my confidence through my years of schooling, I never would have had the courage to achieve these accomplishments.

I will be attending Guelph-Humber University in the Early Childhood Studies program to become a Primary/ Junior Teacher. To be accepted into university I needed to take academic English. I was quite anxious and my first thought was, I will never be able to write all of those essays, because I think too much and write too slow. I was a little hesitant and embarrassed to bring my laptop, but I knew if I wanted to be successful and be able to apply myself, using my technology was the only thing I could do. SEA technology, the wonderful support staff at Huron Heights and my parents have helped me gain more confidence and gave me the resources to follow my career path. I hope that when I become a teacher, I can inspire students not to give up on their dreams, especially if they have a disability. I hope I can show them that if you work hard, never give up and accept help from others, you can find the resources to help you achieve your goal.