Jason McMahon was diagnosed with dyslexia in grade 3 and changed to a school which catered to his needs. Now matriculated, he writes a heartfelt thank you note to the school

 

Jason McMahon started his schooling career at Grey College but after a few years, he really started to struggle with his school work. He was diagnosed with severe dyslexia and it changed his life.

His mother had a teacher come in to help him with his homework. That teacher worked at a school that would change his life for the better. He joined a school that was able to cater to his needs and help him thrive.

In a letter to the school, he thanked them for helping him learn to work around his dyslexia and thrive as a student. He thanked them for all the opportunities they provided for him to always be his very best.

His letter was published on Facebook where it has been shared thousands of times. This is what Jason had to say…

I am a Matric learner in Martie du Plessis. I started my school career at Grey College. When I was in Grade 3, my mother realised that I still struggled a lot with reading and spelling. I hated every day; I felt so belittled by the other learners.

One of my teachers then said to my mother that something is wrong and she needed to find out what, so I went to a Neurologist.

From that, we concluded that I have a very severe case of dyslexia. My school at the time was not equipped to handle my special needs when it came to reading, writing and the attention I needed to achieve my best. In the afternoons I always received help with my homework from Mrs Anli Starke, a grade 3 teacher at Martie du Plessis. She told my mother that there was only one place for me, and that was Martie. The following year when grade 4 started I found myself in a new school, with new people and a new outlook on life.

This place changed my life forever. The teachers are more like parents; each and every one of them care so much about every student, no matter what their problem in life is.

My biggest achievement was when I found out about something called the Eskom Expo for Young Scientists. Being dyslexic, your brain thinks in a different way than that of an average person. I can take things apart and redesign them in my mind. Using my gift, I created a portable solar powered generator. At first, it wasn’t even meant to go to the Expo; it was just one of my many crazy ideas. One day I brought it to school and one of my teachers said I must take it to the Expo. Hours of work was done on this project, thanks to my mother’s help with the paperwork and spelling.

Suddenly I found myself at the regionals, not expecting to win anything. But I was wrong; that day I won a gold medal, the prize for the best energy project on the floor and an opportunity to go to the Eskom International Science Expo. Before I went (and I was only told about this after the International Expo) the organizer told my teacher that I should withdraw from the event, because the competition is too stiff and I would only be disappointed if I go to the Expo. I still, not knew this, and it was the most awesome three days of my life.

Then the day arrived for the prize giving to take place; again I didn’t expect anything. That day I went on to win a gold medal at the International Eskom Expo for Young Scientists, out of 500 learners from all over South Africa and about 100 learners from other countries in the world. I remember how shocked that teacher was when I went up on that stage. He was in disbelief that someone from Martie could achieve this. My teacher only told me what he had said afterwards.

My time at Martie has changed me forever. I will forever be in debt to each and every teacher in this school, for they made me who I am today. This school gives you strength, it gives you support and most of all it gives you hope. I remember when I was younger, my father would tell me every night that I could be anything I wanted to be, and thanks to Martie I now can. In my Matric year, I won 10 trophies at our school’s annual prizegiving. Through hard work and support from every staff member, I reached my full potential.

Martie du Plessis is a dream factory; they create them and they make them come true.

Ad lucem! To the Light!

His father Alan, shared a picture of the family together after Jason won an award at the school along with a loving message of encouragement for his son. He expressed his pride for Jason’s accomplishments and hard work throughout his struggles.

“Richard Branson said having dyslexia is a gift and not a disability. You are living proof of this. Ten years ago, we took you out of Grey to Martie du Plessis because of your dyslexia. Not an easy decision but looking back an awesome one! Dyslexia is often misunderstood and thought of not such a major hindrance.

Unfortunately because of the education system, being able not to spell properly (only one of the challenges of suffering from dyslexia) you are branded as being stupid (Nobody’s fault, it is just the way the system works.) Living with dyslexia is very difficult!

We put you in awesome Martie and supported you 100%. BUT there was only ONE person that could change your destiny, and that was you, JASON Mc Mahon. (You are well on your way to it.) Even with dyslexia you made it into the top 100 (normal!) students. Winning a full bursary from the Free State Education Department for being the Top Student in the Learner Disability Section.”

This is such an inspiring testament, showing that supporting a child’s needs can truly make them blossom into a well-rounded adult. Jason’s determination is inspiring and we cannot wait to see what his future has in store. We are pretty sure he will do great things!


Sources: Facebook
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About the Author

Tyler Leigh Vivier is a writer for Good Things Guy.

Her passion is to spread good news across South Africa with a big focus on environmental issues, animal welfare and social upliftment. Outside of Good Things Guy, she is an avid reader and lover of tea.

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