Use Your Power

By Evian Johnson

Being a teenage girl often comes with its own set of challenges and joys, but for me, there’s an additional layer to this journey: dyslexia. I was diagnosed with dyslexia at nine years old and it changed my life. Finally, I had an answer for why so many aspects of my life and my education felt different from those around me. Dyslexia isn’t just about struggling with reading and writing; it’s a unique lens through which I view the world, and, in many ways, it is a superpower that I use to help me bring a new perspective to the situations around me. My service initiative, Use Your Power, advocates for those with dyslexia, so that everyone has a fair and equitable access to their education.

1 in 5 children in the United States have dyslexia, but many people still go undiagnosed and do not receive the resources they need to succeed. Dyslexia isn’t just about mixing up letters or struggling to read. It is a neurodevelopment disorder that affects the way the brain processes written and sometimes even spoken language. Navigating the educational system as a dyslexic can be extremely challenging. My early diagnoses allowed me to receive training that helped me become the leader I am today. I can proudly say that I am a graduate of the Smart Start Dyslexia Program. My time in this program helped me understand the way my brain works, mainly in 3D, but more importantly, how to advocate for myself when I need assistance. This is a message I want to share with other students across the country, so that they understand how to reach out for the help they need, no matter what their struggles may be.They can do anything.

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Evian Johnson is the current Miss Hot Springs' Teen (SD). You can follow her on her title's Instagram.

This is her first guest blog for Section 36 Forevers.