In December, we think about those gifts waiting to be opened under our trees or around our menorahs. But at this time of year, I also like to remember different kinds of gifts – gifts that never need to be unwrapped, i.e., the gifts within my dyslexic students that are waiting to be discovered and nurtured. These gifts include artistic expression, musical talent, athletic prowess, scientific curiosity, writing ability and mechanical proclivities, to name just a few! Many think outside the box, see solutions to problems that others never can see and learn to act wisely and decisively within themselves.
Today we often hear about those well-known individuals who are dyslexic such as Richard Branson and Steven Spielberg. But I’d like to share the story of a young man that you probably never have heard of – Jonathan Velten. Jonathan is now in college, and is thinking about pursuing his interest in medicine or entrepreneurial business. He thinks about his gifts this way: “I believe it would be very difficult for a dyslexic to excel in corporation working in a cubicle or in a confined office space with lots of rules and regulations. I believe success lies in accepting the gift of dyslexia, and in learning to overcome the initial and necessary challenges, which allow you to unlock the bountiful gifts of dyslexia. Dyslexics learn at an early age how to solve problems, and play to their own strengths.”
This holiday season, I hope, like me, when you think about your child, you will see many gifts within, waiting to be discovered and nurtured!