Are you one of “those” readers who finishes chapter two or three, then flips to the final chapter of a book to see how it is going to end? It is very satisfying to know characters we have become fond of are going to make out alright in the end. The same is true for a me as a tutor; I want to know how my students are going to do once they leave my care and fly solo in the big brave world. My students become quite dear to me, and I hope for them to be successful in using the tools and strategies I have given them.

Meeting a successful dyslexic adult who came through Orton-Gillingham tutoring as a child is like reading that final chapter and learning that the ranch was saved, or the cancer was cured, or the long lost love returned. It is a relief to learn of a good ending after a rocky start. I recently had the pleasure of meeting such a person, Will, and I think we had a profound effect on each other. My appreciation of Will’s story lead me to invite him to do a special Zoom session with my tutoring students and their parents. I wanted them to be encouraged by flipping a few calendar years forward to see what ending was possible for their family. Joycelyn, Will’s mom, joined us to add her perspective to the tale. Many of her comments resonated with the parents of my students, and I was glad to include her, since the story of a dyslexic child is one shared by both parents and the child.

Will and I met when my husband and I were looking into retirement investment options. Will is one of the financial specialists from the firm we chose to manage our funds. After a marathon meeting about finances, Will asked me if I had a few minutes for some questions about dyslexia. I always have a few minutes to talk about dyslexia, and was frankly ready to discuss something besides investment options.

Will told me he is dyslexic, and had Orton-Gillingham tutoring through his elementary years. He was wondering exactly what happened during those tutoring lessons that helped him. I summarized the high points of Orton-Gillingham for him, (if you are wondering, here is a great article), and could almost see the understanding dawn on him as I described the systematic, diagnostic, phonics based approach that is Orton-Gillingham. In subsequent conversations, I was able to get out the Brain Hat and show Will how O-G literally rewires the brain. It all made sense to Will, and he could see how the early training he barely remembered had contributed to his success.

My turn to ask questions came next. I wanted to know how Will did after his family moved and he was thrown into a new school with no O-G tutoring support close by. The answer was typical: only a little bad. It sounded as if a school fit issue clouded the first semester, but after Will’s very wise and insightful mom moved him to a smaller school with more support, a glimmer of light shone at the end of the tunnel. A school counselor appeared to take on the role of advocate for Will, staying with him until high school graduation. Will worked hard, him mom helped him find audio books when possible, the counselor intervened when necessary, and a path forward was forged. Dyslexia sort of faded from view, and a strong work ethic stood Will in good stead as he persevered and graduated honorably. Choosing a small, liberal arts college made sense to Will. Math was an area of strength, as well as the ability to look at situations and problems differently from how others were viewing them, so Will steered toward a major in that arena. During Sophomore year one professor would not grant time accommodations, so Will took it upon himself to formally apply for them, with a successful outcome. Aside from that, Will’s grit and willingness to apply what he had learned about needing lots of repetition as he studied got him through college.

Now married with a toddler in the house, and settled in a career he enjoys and excels at, Will is the picture of a successful adult. His last chapter is one worthy of a best seller.