Par's Story

 Par's  Story

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"It Will Not Define Me" – by Par

I wasn’t the kid who breezed through spelling. I wasn’t the one who read aloud with perfect rhythm or filled notebooks with neat, confident words. I was the one who stared at the page and saw letters—and unpronounceable words.

I remember the feeling. That quiet frustration. That sinking sense that maybe I was broken. That maybe I wasn’t smart. But deep down, I knew something else: I saw things differently. I felt things deeply. I could build, imagine, and explain/communicate in ways that didn’t fit inside a spelling list.

Reading was hard. Spelling was harder. “b and “d” were so hard to figure out. But I had support and I had ideas. I had a way of seeing the world that didn’t rely on perfect grammar or perfect spelling. I could take an idea and make it work. I loved spending hours with my Meccano set, making cranes, lifting house bricks—I found ways to problem-solve.

And slowly, I realised: this thing I carried—this word challenge—it wasn’t a flaw. It was a forge. It shaped me. It gave me patience, creativity, and a deep respect for every person who learns differently.

Now, when I sit with Parker and help him code, or write a poem for Billie’s watermelon smile, or celebrate Payton’s quiet strength through song—I do it with the full knowledge that learning isn’t about speed. It’s about showing up, trying again, and discovering your own way—one word, one win at a time.

I’ve helped mates who struggle with spelling. I’ve watched them light up when they realise they’re not alone. I’ve seen the power of saying, “You’re not broken. You just learn differently.” Look at the positive side—and what you can bring to the table. The things we a good at, I have often found people that have a label of Dyslexic are brilliant is so many different areas, like math's, science, sport and people skills. They think outside the box, solve problems creatively, and connect with others in ways that can’t be taught in a textbook.

And I’ve lived it. And while it gets easier over time, it’s still present today. I’ve come to accept it’s a part of me.

So when someone asks me what defined Par, I don’t point to a spelling report card. I point to the things I’ve achieved, the friends I’ve gathered, the great times I’ve enjoyed, the many problems I’ve solved…

Because yes, spelling was hard. Reading was hard—and still is. But it will not define me. It refined me.

Par