An Inspiring Journey: A Young Girl’s Triumph Over Dyslexia
Every day, Cora Walsh takes a stroll home from her middle school in Rockville Centre, Long Island. While passing through the tree-lined streets, she often contemplates her keen interest in the human brain. This fascination sets her apart from most seventh-graders, as she dreams of a future as a doctor with a major in neuroscience from Princeton University.
“I want to be a doctor,” Cora shares. “And I want to go to Princeton and major in neuroscience.”
Cora’s interest in the brain ignited a few years ago, driven by her struggles to understand her own cognitive processes. “It’s kind of confusing what it is like in my brain,” she admits. Despite her efforts, reading remained a challenge, a hurdle her peers seemed to leap over effortlessly.
Like millions of Americans, Cora has dyslexia. However, securing the correct diagnosis was a journey that took nearly five years.
Recognition Through Storytelling
Cora’s determination led her to create a podcast about her experiences, titled “Dyslexia and MEE.” This podcast won the grand prize for middle school entries in NPR’s Student Podcast Challenge, selected from nearly 1,500 submissions nationwide.
“I feel really excited,” says Cora about her victory. Her parents, who accompanied her on this journey, share her excitement. “This is a kid that works so hard and has such a good attitude,” states her mother, Emily Johnson. “I’m so proud of her.”
Discovering Effective Learning Strategies
Over the past two years, Cora has received specialized tutoring to help manage her dyslexia. Her podcast takes listeners through her learning process, capturing moments as she practices sounding out words with her tutor over Zoom. The sessions are methodical, ensuring she thoroughly comprehends each lesson before progressing.
These efforts are paying off, as Cora notices an improvement in her reading skills. “I think I’m a better reader now, and I enjoy it a lot more,” she notes. Her mother observed a significant milestone when Cora began reading the first book of the Hunger Games series for pleasure.
“She would pick it up for fun, and she would go read to [her pet] rabbit,” Johnson says, highlighting her daughter’s newfound enjoyment of reading. “It’s the first time that’s ever happened.”
Moving Forward with Confidence
Cora’s success in the national podcast competition is a significant achievement on her journey. “I’m kind of just proud of myself that I overcame this hard, annoying thing,” she expresses. Her podcast aims to demystify dyslexia and encourage younger students to discover their own effective learning styles.
“I would say: Always try your hardest, and don’t sell yourself short,” Cora advises. “I think trying is … the best thing you can do.”
As Cora continues her journey, she remains eager to explore new challenges, having just checked out the second Hunger Games book from the library.
Listen to Cora Walsh’s “Dyslexia and MEE.”
Edited by Steve Drummond.
