21 May 2025 Alumni Panel: I Knew I Was Dyslexic When…
- Do you know anyone with dyslexia?
- Would you know how to recognize the signs of dyslexia?
Just before Spring Break, current Upper School and Lower School students got a glimpse into their futures from the 2025 Alumni Panel.
Recent Graduates Share Their Dyslexia Stories
Just before Spring Break, current Upper School and Lower School students got a glimpse into their futures from the 2025 Alumni Panel
Recent Graduates of The Legacy School’s Class of 2020 and Class of 2021 returned last month for the 4th Annual Alumni Panel to share their Dyslexia Stories with current Upper School and Lower School students. Legacy School Alumni on the Alumni Panel shared their Dyslexia Story of knowing when they had dyslexia, and also their strengths, skills, future plans, and favorite Legacy memories.
Students Asked Questions
Students submitted questions to Ms. Lisa Hamby, Founding Teacher and Social Studies Department Head, that were answered by the Alumni Panel.
I Knew I Was Dyslexic When…
- I got tested in 2nd grade. My parents were told about my diagnosis and the next year I was at Legacy.
- In 2nd grade, I realized I needed a lot of extra help with words. I was in pull out classes. So I got tested. My parents thought I might have dyslexia, but when I got to Legacy Ms. Jamie said “it definitely was dyslexia.”
- I used to play baseball when I was about 5 and my hand eye coordination was always off, which was an early sign. I didn’t know my left from my right hand.
- I was in 3rd grade and nothing really made sense to me. I was put in all the specialty reading classes and I didn’t fit in. There was something off about me. Turns out I was right. I found Legacy and started to fit in.
- I actually don’t have dyslexia, but I have ADHD. I knew I had something when I was falling behind in classes and had trouble paying attention.
Just before Spring Break, current Upper School and Lower School students got a glimpse into their futures from the 2025 Alumni Panel
What Was Your Favorite Memory of The Legacy School?
- I really did like tutoring…the one-on-one games.
- I really enjoyed Predator v. Prey
- My favorite was when we started the Geography Bee.
- I really liked the Wax Museum project. Those were fun
- I enjoyed Ms. Michelle’s Literature class and Ms. Lisa’s Social Studies class.
What Three Words Describe You?
- Determination, Dedication, and Responsibility
- Musical, Creative, and Determined
- Hardworking, Creative, and Driven
- Hardworking, Compassionate, and Responsible
- Compassionate, Caring, and Hardworking
What is the best thing about being an adult?
- I enjoy taking college classes.
- I love working as a lighting, drama, and music tech at Jemicy School as I am passionate about music. I also work as a professional musician and play concerts.
- It is O.K. to take time to discover who you are. I am looking forward to voting.
- I love exploring my interest in Criminal Justice. I hope to work for the FBI as a Forensic Scientist.
What is the worst thing about being an adult?
- I have more responsibility. But I will be prepared for the future. The benefits outweigh the responsibility!
- Being responsible and having to pay taxes!
- All the paperwork! But with responsibility comes greater respect. People expect more from you.
- Realizing the true value of a dollar and seeing what you can buy. But, I am becoming more financially smart.
- Financial literacy is very important.
What is the most difficult part of high school?
- The transition from The Legacy School to Jemicy School wasn’t difficult.
- The Legacy School doesn’t give much homework, so it was a shock to have a lot of homework in high school.
- The Legacy School knows each kids’ struggles.
- The Legacy School helped with little things like digital organization and study skills. MLA style was hard to learn.
What was it like transitioning from a small school to a big school?
- Transitioning to a large high school was very hard. More kids. There was no uniform dress code at my high school.
- The transition from a small to a big high school was hard.
What was helpful in high school?
- I had a Case Manager who I found most helpful. I had a great English teacher in senior year.
Were you made fun of in high school?
- People need to stay in their own lane.
- No, as everyone at Jemicy School has a Learning Difference. Don’t let anyone diminish you.
How stressful is homework in high school?
- I studied each day for tests.
- Always ask for help if you don’t understand. Use an outline format for papers.
- Find studying strategies that work for you. Practice time management skills to stay on track. These strategies will follow you to college. Space out assignments so that you write a paper one section at a time until the paper is done.
- Always keep track of assignments. Don’t procrastinate. Keep a positive attitude. If you don’t know something…look it up. Break up big assignments into manageable chunks. Homework counts as much as studying for a test.
What has been your greatest achievement?
- Graduating from high school.
- I was the first child in my family to graduate from high school. My mom was very proud of me!
- I applied to a number of high schools during 8th grade and had multiple options for high school. Making Honor Roll in high school.
- I lobbied on Capitol Hill for a Jewish youth organization…I think the bill got passed.
- I wanted to get scholarships and I was chosen for scholarships.
Is reading still a challenge? Does dyslexia affect you in your job?
- People with dyslexia are usually the most creative people in the room.
- Reading will always be a challenge. I have developed skills and know what works for me.
How hard or easy was it to make friends in high school?
- It is hard to keep friends due to drama. Find a few good friends. You will find friends through sports, Model U.N., etc.
- Be the person who fits in. Stay away from friend drama.
What was your favorite subject in high school?
- My favorite subject was Math.
- I’m a professional musician so loved music class. Loved the parallels between today’s music and the past. I enjoyed learning about lives of people in history.
- History and Literature. I’m not a math person. Loved learning stories of historical figures and events.
- I loved learning about history as it was helpful to know how we got here.
- My favorite subject was writing, which was helpful in high school. Alo, learning typing skills was invaluable.
Thank you to all our amazing alumni for joining this year’s Alumni Panel! Best of luck in the future!
To Learn More About The Legacy School:
- Visit The Legacy School website to learn more about The Legacy School’s mission for empowering students with dyslexia and other language based learning differences to reach their full academic potential by providing our students with a solid foundation for their continued success.
- Like The Legacy School on Facebook.
- Follow The Legacy School on Instagram.
- Subscribe to The Legacy School Videos on YouTube
- Interested in applying to The Legacy School? Find out more about the individualized education program!
