By Yolanda Castile
The riveting explanation of sending your kindergartner to school for the first time can be summed up with two words. Exciting uncertainties. Should I send them now? Will they get lost? Did they forget to eat lunch? Are they afraid? Are they making new friends? I remember patiently waiting to hear the end of day report and what my son’s first day was like. As a parent, you take great pleasure in seeing the glow on their faces as they tell you about their new “best” friend, or how their teacher stamped their folder with a smiley face for good behavior, or their most favorite part of the day, which is the colorful, fenced in square area with the pebbles on the ground. Yes, the playground!
During all the excitement and daily endeavors upon sending them to school for the first time, the last thing you think about is being told your child is offered a referral for a series of test to determine if he has a learning disability. Without hesitation, we began to pray, search for answers, and seek options. One of the hardest decisions made was regarding first grade. We wanted to do what was best for him, but having to explain why we thought he should repeat first grade and not move on with his friends was very difficult. Test after test, modification after modification, wanting to scream during homework time, battling through frustrations, and tears flowing became the norm around our house. I remember one day praying to God and asking Him to give me grace and teach me how to teach him. It was at that point, I realized that I would have to dry my tears and prepare for the journey ahead.
From Elementary, to Intermediate, on to Jr. High when we were told he was dyslexic in addition to other things. How could this be? He was very fluent in reading. I did not quite understand at the time. It was not necessarily how fast he could read; it was comprehending what he was reading. Was he able to acquire and process what he was reading? How did he see it? Many times, it seemed as if we were running into a brick wall. I cannot tell you how many ARD (Annual-Review-Dismissal) meetings I’ve attended. I walked in the door hoping to hear great news about his progress only to discover a slope in test scores. At this age, in his opinion, he is now amongst peers that would probably ridicule him if they found out he needed extra time on a test, or was provided with an aide in the classroom to assist with an assignment. At this point some students reject help and fail to participate openly in class in fear of being mocked, neglect to effectively communicate, and some may eventually “shut down” causing them to regress.
At this point we are now moving on to High school. A part of the plan was to prepare him for the workforce because at the time, college did not seem to be an option. I share this story today to encourage those who may be experiencing similar challenges. First and foremost, prayer, consistent parental support, great educators, and offering positive encouragement is the recipe to overcoming obstacles and defeating disabilities. Do not give up!! There are many fears, frustrations, embarrassments, and anxieties that children, who are exceptional learners face daily in the classroom. There are thousands of children who contend with disabilities ranging from speech or language impairments, to visual impairments, intellectual disabilities, etc. Does this mean they are not able to obtain a dream? Absolutely not. I give all glory to God who has given Kameron great skills as an athlete. I remember hearing him say as a Freshman that he did not think it was obtainable to further his education after high by going to college and do something that he enjoys, and that is playing football. Well, let me say that we can do all things through Christ! (Philippians 4:13) Kam will start his Freshman year as a wide receiver at Tyler Junior College this fall, Lord’s will. He was recently selected second team All-Purpose – TSWA Class 4A All State Football, as well as Blue Grey All American Football Champions at AT&T Stadium back in December. Thank you to every educator at Fairfield ISD for working so diligent. Many times, brainstorming, disciplining, grooming, and fashioning your students not to give up. In conclusion, obstacles can be twofold. They are designed to hinder your progress, but they are also used as a hurdle to exercise your faith as you patiently await the manifested blessing of the impossible turning into the possible! Remember to encourage a student that they too can overcome obstacles and defeat disabilities!
