- Gurleen Kaur 

The challenges of dyslexia marked my early years. While I overcame it quickly, the impact on my

school life was significant. Math was a constant struggle, and being in the special needs program

amplified my feelings of inadequacy. I felt ashamed, as if I wasn't smart enough. The looks from

classmates and even some teachers were hurtful, and I kept my struggles a secret. By the time I

reached ninth grade, I was exempted from math so that it wouldn’t bring down the overall

reflection of my performance in other subjects. However, the lingering stigma was hard to shake.

It wasn't until later that I realized my strengths lay elsewhere. I excelled in other subjects, and my

academic performance improved. My hard work paid off. I did well in my 10th-grade board

exams and scored 80% in 12th grade with humanities. Now, I'm a second-year BA (Hons)

Psychology student at Delhi University.

This journey has taught me the importance of self-acceptance and confidence. It's about looking

everyone in the eye and being proud of who you are. Embracing my strengths and

acknowledging my challenges has been the key. This has allowed me to navigate life with greater

self-assurance and a deeper understanding of my capabilities. This journey has taught me that

everyone has their own unique strengths. My past experiences have shaped me, and now I am

focused on my passion for understanding the human mind. I hope my story encourages others

to embrace their abilities and pursue their dreams.