What do children and their families have to say about their continued success and confidence after participating in the Children's Learning Center program? Read on to find out!

Hi, my name is Anthony. I went to the Learning Center for 4 years.

When I first learned that I was dyslexic I was scared because I did not know what dyslexia was. I thought there was something wrong with me and I did not know what to do. It was very confusing for me. The teachers at my old school tried and tried to help me but I just couldn't get it. I thought I was stupid.

I was 9 years old when I started to go to the Learning Center. At first I didn't want to go to because I thought it was boring. But as I progressed I saw it was really helping me a lot. The Learning Center helped me gain confidence in myself. After passing the first level I wanted to read more because I knew I could do it.

As I passed each level it felt like winning a gold medal in the Olympics!

The Learning Center taught me how to read and break down difficult words. Because of what I learned I am able to go to the 8th grade, and I know that I will be able to keep up with my class. Because of the Learning Center, I know that I can do anything if I put my mind to it. It was hard for me to learn how to read, but I did it.

What I also learned is that dyslexia is really a gift. Because if I were not dyslexic I would not have met my two wonderful tutors, Mrs. Panzer and Mrs. Brown.

Thank you.

Dear staff and teachers,

Thank you for helping my little brother learn to read. I noticed it is really working and he has improved on his reading and spelling. I hope you keep up the good work because you are making a difference in so many kid's lives such as my brothers. My brother is thanking his teacher for the book of word searches on his last day.

Sincerely,

Mikayla, sister of Colin

P.S. thank you

I wanted to share with you a success! You remember my daughter, Julie, who was (is) severely dyslexic and attended the center about four years ago…well, she is now a published poet! Her poem was nominated and included in the anthology attached. Then, more recently, a poem of Julie's received second place in a contest sponsored by our local women's club. I've attached a copy of this also.

Sometimes, I am so overwhelmed I could cry. I'm sure you know that feeling. I think Julie's experiences at the Center and the Hillside school made all the difference. Remember when she couldn't even recognize letters? I'm just so grateful.

I can't remember her teacher's name there off hand, but if you do, you may want to pass this on.

Thanks again. Keep on helping on!

Kids picked on me because I was at a lower reading level. I felt stupid and dumb. I was very depressed. I hated to get up in the morning. I wanted to stay home and sleep all day or watch TV. I just couldn't face the world. I didn't want to see my teachers; I didn't want to do homework.

On the first day I went to the Learning Center, they made me feel welcome. I got to meet all the other kids that had dyslexia. I saw some older kids that had been there for a while, and they said that it was really fun-it wasn't like school. From the first day I really started to like it a lot.

When I started at the Learning Center I was 11. And I'm 14 now. I read more often, and I am happy when I read. I really enjoy it better. I understand what I'm reading. And I go to school and I do well now. And I get good grades.

Before, I wasn't doing very well. I didn't put any effort in it. And now I put in tons of effort, and I get something out of it. I didn't think I could ever go to college or amount to anything. And now I can, and I want to go to college, and I want to have a good life.

I want to be a teacher for kids with dyslexia. I want to show them what I learned. I want them to understand that they can do better in their lives, that they can move on. Dyslexia doesn't have to be the end of everything.

Katie, graduate of The Greater Boston Learning Center