Why I Read: Diagnostics Intake Coordinator, Greta D'Agostino

by Greta D'Agostino

“If you remain calm in the midst of great chaos, it is the surest guarantee that it will eventually subside”

― Julie Andrews Edwards, The Last of the Really Great Whangdoodles

 

In first grade I remember being the only kid in my class that couldn’t tell my left from my right, couldn’t write the entire alphabet and couldn’t read. I even recall my teacher asking me at one point, late in the school year, “What is wrong with your brain?” When I came home from school that day, sobbing yet again, my mom sprung into action.

Within weeks my mom had me independently evaluated; it was the best thing that could have happened for me. The evaluation revealed that I was not only a capable learner, but gifted. My potential was high, if only I was taught in the right way for me, and given some time.

I began private instruction several times a week, which continued for the next few years. The fall of my second grade year brought a new teacher, who was much more patient with me, and was willing to provide some accommodations, despite the fact that I didn’t qualify for any services. She let me take longer to complete the books the class was reading and shortened writing assignments. I started out that year in the lowest reading group, and by the end of second grade I was in one of the middle reading groups.