16 Jul Dara Lenihan – Students’ Union President
When were you identified as dyslexic?
My dyslexia was discovered at 19 years old, in my first year of University. Growing up, I didn’t think anything of it, I thought I was just a slow reader and writer. However, my dad is dyslexic, he struggles to read, but it didn’t cross my mind until I was leaving secondary school that I might be dyslexic too.
Thinking back, my efforts at school weren’t really paying off, and it really affected my self-esteem. I felt like I was constantly playing catch up, never quite reaching the same academic standards as my peers. When I was 18, turning 19, I started studying Digital Marketing at TUS and a lecturer at college noticed the way I wrote was a bit different to everyone else. So I was encouraged to ask for more information at the disabilities office. I felt so lucky and so seen because I was so supported by the TUS community! Soon I was screened for dyslexia, but I was terrified. I had gone my whole life not feeling like I was enough so far and suddenly I was faced with the idea that I was either dyslexic or stupid. It was a lot of pressure!
I was wrecked tired after the screening but found out really quickly that I was in fact dyslexic! I was relieved and a bit scared but the people at the disabilities office assured me that I would have all of the supports I needed in place immediately. This meant money on my library card for printing extra materials, extra time in exams, academic writing supports and a software to help me take notes in class. TUS is one of the only universities in Ireland that provides screening and then supports until you get your official diagnosis. They asked me to get my diagnosis within the year. But then the pandemic hit.
Fast forwarding a bit through navigating dyslexia and online classes I was then in third year when I was assessed by Dyslexia Ireland at 22 years old. They were so kind, incredible and accommodating. The documentation afterwards explained everything and I finally felt validated and understood.
It validated my frustrations and needs for supports. For example, I was annoyed that no one had noticed earlier and that I had spent years struggling without support. At this point I had a year and half of study left and I planned to make the most of it. I remember researching all about dyslexia and what celebrities had it. As a big Lord of the Rings fan, when I found out Orlando Bloom was dyslexic, I was over the moon!
How was your experience at school?
Primary school was really difficult; I really struggled with focusing. I wanted to be a really good student, but I was always the last person writing notes and I couldn’t get them all down from the board. It made me want to give up. My memory is something I have always struggled with too and I didn’t understand why at the time. I enjoyed the more fun interactive, dynamic and engaging activities at primary school.
Secondary school was tough. My self-esteem was really affected during exam time. It was a difficult time; I was trying really hard but not getting the results I hoped for. I hated watching all of my friends get their results so I opened my Leaving Cert on my own.
Homework was a huge strain on me. School was exhausting and then I would spend my whole evenings on my homework. I had no time to process; there was too much homework. It was mad because I had consistent headaches from being worn out.
Did you receive supports in education?
I had extra reading lessons at primary school and I was taken out of religion class for it. It makes me wonder who noticed I struggled to read and why they didn’t question it further. However, I built confidence through therapy which really helped. It really helped my low self-esteem and helped me to progress as a person and have self-belief. I would really recommend it; I found therapy life changing.
At college when my dyslexia was discovered I then got supports and everything I needed – it was so helpful. As I mentioned before I had things like extra time in exams and I got to do them in a smaller room. This helped with my nerves, and I got to go into exams with a piece of paper which explained to my marker that I was dyslexic, and encouraged them to ignore spelling mistakes and explained why I sometimes wrote in bullet points.
How has your experience been in work?
Initially I considered going into the guards because every day was different and it was a hands on role, but I have put that on the backburner because I realised I am more creative, I write stories, poetry, I paint. I then got into video creation and making YouTube videos. Making videos let me tell stories my way without the limitations of my words.
After I graduated, I started working at the Students’ Union of TUS. I did 3 years there and became the President of TUS Students’ Union. I have learned a lot about myself. I have now interviewed the President of Ireland. I spoke at an Oireachtas Committee and addressed the
European Parliament! I’ve built up my confidence as a person and pushed myself to grow. I would recommend joining the Students’ Union to any young person; it changes you for the better. I learnt about the world, gained interpersonal skills and negotiating skills. Unions are dynamic environments which are multifaceted and engaging. No two days are the same, just how I like it!
How does your dyslexia affect you?
I put systems in place for myself; I struggle with starting tasks and I have voices of self-doubt. But now I have a notebook with a line down the middle of the page, one side is for to-do lists and the other side is for notes on how to start the tasks. Like if I need to call the dentist, the phone number for the dentist is on the other side of the page. It’s so simple and it really helps me! I also write things down a lot, with memory I really need google calendar. I have reminders on my phone and I set alarms. I try to be organised because if I’m not, I get lost in life! I’ve developed my own techniques.
What advice would you give to other people who have dyslexia?
Keep an eye out for things that help you, really look inwards. Do what works for you. Being neurodivergent means there’s no roadmap. We live life off the beaten path. So to live it to the fullest, make your own paths! Oh, and if you are questioning whether you might have dyslexia, investigate it!
For parents, listen, let children have breaks. Let them go at their own pace. It’s not the end of the world if their homework is not perfect. That is part of learning how to do it their way. And grinds always helps!