Dear Editor,

Thank you to the first parent, Natasha Etherington, who has the backbone to speak out for all the dyslexic children in B.C. I am a 12-year-old dyslexic boy who has been through two school districts and four different schools.

I wasn't even tested for anything until my parents pulled me out of Maple Ridge-Pitt Meadows School District.

Only then was I tested. I was 10 years old, but my parents knew when I was in Grade 1. I would come home after school with headaches, being tired, and stressed out. My parents had to give me days off from school to mentally catch up.

I recall one time when I had to run a lap of the school and my teacher refused to let me get a drink because I didn't have enough work done on paper.

I hated school and still do: not being understood and having teachers think "you're just lazy." It was extremely hard, because people assumed that "you are stupid" and not trying hard enough.

After I found out that I was dyslexic, it was easier to explain to others that I am not an idiot. I think in ways in which other people most likely don't.

Over the years I have learned that I don't care what others think of me. I know who I am. I know how I learn best. My parents showed me how to stand up for myself, because nobody else did.

Yes, I certainly agree that the B.C. children are being failed in the schools.

To everyone who is dyslexic: do not be ashamed of it; be proud that you are different.

Ethan Dhesi, Maple Ridge