“Physical maturation of the brain is impacted by how much stimulation a child receives…” ~ Governor Dannel Malloy
In elementary school, Dannel Malloy couldn’t read, spell, or do mathematical problems. He couldn’t even tie his shoes or button his clothes until the fifth grade.
His teachers called him “mentally retarded” and some went as far as posting his failing grades on the classroom board.
His mother refused to believe that something was wrong with her son. Consequently, she encouraged him to focus on his strengths and develop his oral communication and leadership skills.
She went on to introduce him to news and talk shows on the radio and urged him to improve on his listening skills.
Eventually, Dannel was identified as severely dyslexic.
Although his SAT scores were “abysmal,” he wrote a “candid” letter to several colleges. A few colleges were willing to gamble on him, and he decided to attend Boston College.
His reading skills began to improve by the eighth grade and continued through college. There, he was allowed to have someone write down his answers, tape-record exam answers, and take his bar exam orally.
After graduation from college, Dan served as a prosecutor in Brooklyn then moved on to become Connecticut’s longest tenured mayor. In 2010, he ran for governor of Connecticut and won.
While governor, three things stood out:
- He signed an education reform bill considered by many to be a national model.
- He helped transform the University of Connecticut into an institution that prepares students for 21st-century jobs.
- He promoted access to quality early childhood education for all, regardless of economic status.
Governor Malloy is still embarrassed that he can barely write and even struggles with impromptu phrases on autographs, but he compensates by dictating correspondence or jotting down words to prompt him before giving speeches by memory.
Encourage your children to do as Governor Malloy did. They must never let dyslexia or any learning difference deter them from accomplishing their goal and achieving their dream.
The sky is the limit!
I love this story! Resilence and confidence will take you far in life! I hope this goes virtual.
A mother who loves, believes in, and advocates for her child who learns differently is the greatest weapon against failure. Resilence and confidence come from her encouragement and support.
This was an awesome read. It is definitely too bad there are people in the teaching arena that should never have passed to be there. Thank you for sharing.
I think about and admire many teachers who entered the profession to make a difference to the children under their care. They take the time to talk to the children who are struggling and conduct research to find ways to help them. It saddens me to think that there are those who are ignorant and callous, and who do not realize that they can ruin a child for life with their heartless words.
Florence, what a powerful and encouraging story of Gov. Malloy’s journey! Had he been blind, the schools would have accommodated him differently. Btw is dyslexia a visual issue, a visual cortex issue, or a brain issue? Thanks for another positive profile!
You’re so right, Kebba. Blind children are provided accommodations automatically, and it is okay for them to do finger reading. However, when a dyslexic child needs to do ear reading, rather than eye reading, there is push back.
Dyslexia is a brain issue with visual cortex and other visual components.