Inspirational stories -Malcolm

     

As with many 'dyslexics' Malcolm's experience of the British education system was not a good one. Before being labeled as 'dyslexic' Malcolm's lack of concentration was a concern and a mystery to his parents. At the age of seven his parents paid for him to be assessed at the Dyslexia Institute. In Malcolm's own words, his life changed from then. Each week Malcolm received lessons to help him overcome dyslexia. He believes that although it meant his parents investing a lot of money in his education each week, it was worth it.

 

Despite his progress outside of school, Malcolm did not enjoy the school experience. When he started secondary school, he used a laptop to help him keep up with the work load, and to help his teachers to read his work. However being different and even using a laptop meant that Malcolm was bullied.' Sunday night,' he says , 'was hell' because he dreaded going to school on Monday morning.

At the age of fifteen Malcolm prepared to sit his GCSE's, he also made a career choice: to use his skills to become a furniture maker. His mother was thold by one of Malcolm's teachers that he should 'lower his expectations'. Despite this Malcolm wasn't deterred he sat his exams and achieved five GCSE's grade A to C.

Malcolm now attends college full time to learn furniture making. He doesn't know if this will be his final career choice, but he does know that he is not going to give up. Malcolm's determination to succeed is an inspiration. Malcolm stresses that anyone with dyslexia dyslexic or parents of dyslexic children shouldn't t give up, It is worth pushing the the education system, and it is worth investing in your future. Malcolm's message: 'If I can do well so can you'.

Click here to see Malcolm in a video on the BBC website
     

Favourite Books:
Harry Potter ;The Gift of Dyslexia; The Dragons of Autism
     
Favourite Films: Harry Potter; The Day After Tomorrow
     
Hobbies: Computers, woodturning, furnuture restoration
     
Favourite Quote: Dyslexic & proud of it!