My name is Kori and I am a 43-year-old mother with dyslexia. I was diagnosed when I was in the 8th grade. I was told by my teachers that I was lazy, stupid and never tried hard enough. I could talk about anything, but try to put it down on paper or read it, that was another story. It was very hard for me because my mom was one of the district’s best teachers. So, teachers believed her kid could not have anything wrong– she just was not trying. It was a terrible time for me. I hated school. No one would believe me when I said the words would run off the page. They would just laugh. I could go on and on– I have so many stories. I am so thankful my mom did not give up. I am now facing something I never wanted to have to face, and that is my daughter is having a hard time in school. She is in the 7th grade and some of the things she says to me puts me right back in the classroom 31 years ago. Kids are making fun of her. Her grades are ok so the school says she is doing fine, but she is crying everyday and saying she hates school and doesn’t want to go. I have been fighting to get her help since the 2nd grade, but she tests too high by state standards to get help even though she is way below grade level. She has a gift of gab like her mother and that is what got me through until I found Chartwell and then Denver Academy. I was blessed to have a mother who never gave up on me and I am not going to give up on her! I wish there was more information in the public education system and that kids were more kind. Just because you are not at the top of your class or are not on the honor roll, that does not mean you are dumb, lazy or not working hard. I wish for success for all, and however you learn, you are special! I am not a good speller or a fast reader, but I am smart.