Yes I am shouting it and I do have his permission to share!
Billy, is my first born. From the moment he started school, dyslexia impacted how he could access the curriculum. I was NEVER going to let him define his worth on his academic literacy ability. Together we navigated a broken education system. He attended supportive state primary schools. His effort enabling him to sustain the bottom of average.
We did what we could at home, mostly put him in the way of any opportunity where he got to be successful. He learnt to play the trumpet, the only one in his school, and it gave him success no one else had. Yr 7 and 8 he attended a state secondary, the staff were amazing, but the sheer size of the school meant he was invisible and with supportive parents, right at the bottom of any list for intervention.
A chance conversation between 2 music teachers, saw Billy invited to apply for a music scholarship at a local independent school. I was wary, he wanted to try. He succeeded. On arriving at this school in Year 9, he realised how broken he was. To this day he says that year 7 and 8 were the worst years of his life.
But suddenly, having the opportunity to do music alongside his studies, he set himself a goal. To join the Royal Marines band.
This was his purpose and motivation throughout his GCSE years. At the age of 16, he was successfully accepted into the Royal Marines band. He declined. His confidence had grown so much, he felt there might be a different path for him.
He remained for 6th form and completed a BTEC knowing he would struggle, but making the most of every extracurricular opportunity. Including, starting his Gold D of E. Which really saw him thrive, develop leadership skills, and allow his dyslexic strength to shine.
Still not sure what he wanted to do, he took the opportunity to be a gap student, in a school in Alice Springs in Australia. He was there for a full year, which meant that he needed to complete the final part of his D of E independently without the support from School or us as parents.
It wasn’t easy but he did it and I can take no credit for his determination and drive. Today he collects his award. He has taken his grandma, her lifelong dream to go to a garden party at Buckingham Palace, and he made this come true for her!
He still doesn’t really know what he wants to do with his life, ironically he’s the child I worry least about now.
He has proved on countless occasions already in his life, that academic attainment is only one way to success and that his independence and ability to believe in himself sets him apart, this is all any parents wants isn’t it? your child to fully know their worth inside and out and to confidently forge their own path.
I told ya, dyslexic success right there… not only that (I am biased!) but he is a beautiful human that leaves a lasting impression on everyone he meets!
I am so lucky to call him my son 💙
