Dyslexia, AI, and a Journey Through the Entertainment Industry

For as long as I can remember, learning has been a challenge. I have dyslexia, which means I have always found reading and writing incredibly difficult. My journey through education was far from smooth, and for much of it, I felt like I was fighting an uphill battle against a system that did not understand me.

Early Struggles

It started at a very early age—preschool, in fact. I struggled to understand and focus on writing and reading. Back in the 1980s, this was often dismissed as laziness. Official diagnoses for conditions like dyslexia were not commonly available, and being labeled as "thick" or "lazy" was far more common than receiving support. Dyslexia was often seen as a disability that families avoided discussing. Instead, children like me were placed in lower classes and left to struggle.

I remember my mother being very strict with me. She would sit me down to go over spelling tests, and I was not allowed to leave the table until I had completed my work. As a stubborn five-year-old who did not want to comply, this led to some intense battles. In my mind, those sessions seemed to last for hours.

Things were no better at school. I was bullied heavily, which only added to the stress. Eventually, my parents moved me to a new school when I was six. It was there that a kind, patient teacher made a real difference. I do not even remember her name, but I remember that first year being happy. Her kindness and patience gave me the support I needed to learn the fundamentals of reading and writing, and for the first time, I felt seen and understood.

Finding My Place

Secondary school was another struggle. I remained in the bottom group for most subjects, including Maths and English (although I oddly excelled in English Language). However, outside of school, I found my "happy place" in the Army Cadets. I joined at age 11, encouraged by a friend who loved it and thought I would too. My first evening at the unit was intimidating, but I quickly fell in love with the camaraderie, the hands-on learning, and the sense of purpose. I thrived in an environment that rewarded leadership, teamwork, and practical skills.

My journey into drama began almost accidentally. My younger brother wanted to join a local drama school but was too young, so I joined to wind him up. That decision changed my life. The drama school, "Beginners to Stage," run by Wendy Parsley, introduced me to a world of creative expression and teamwork. From that first session, where we imagined surviving a plane crash and finding rescue, I was hooked. It was chaotic, intense, and exhilarating—the perfect blend of teamwork and creativity.

Discovering My Career Path

After finishing school, I went to college to study Dance, Drama, and Singing. Due to my poor grades, I also had to retake my GCSE Maths and English. Around this time, I got a job as a pot washer in the kitchen of my local theatre. This was my first step into the world of backstage work. I started volunteering for shows, learning as much as I could from the crew, and eventually got offered a full-time lighting position.

To appease my father, who doubted whether I could make a career in theatre, I took evening classes to become a qualified electrician. Not only did this make him happy, but it also enhanced my skills as a lighting technician. Over the next 10 years, I gained a hands-on education that no classroom could ever provide. I worked alongside some of the best in the industry, learning lighting design, sound engineering, stage management, set building, and more. By the time I left, I had become the Technical Manager for the venue.

Redefining Success

Throughout my education, grades were a constant source of frustration. A "C" was the best I could achieve, and it never felt like enough. The system seemed stuck in the 1950s, equating grades with worth and failing to recognise other forms of potential. For someone like me, who thrived in hands-on, creative environments, this was disheartening. Over time, I redefined success for myself. It was not about grades; it was about passion, persistence, and proving to myself that I could achieve my goals.

How AI Changed the Game

AI has been a game-changer for me. Before using ChatGPT, I relied on tools like Grammarly to ensure my emails and texts were professional. This was a huge confidence booster and played a significant role in advancing my career. ChatGPT has taken that support to another level. Whether I am drafting an email or brainstorming ideas for a project, it provides a starting point that makes the process far less daunting.

For example, when I struggle with writing, I can input a few bullet points, and ChatGPT generates a draft. I always treat it as a draft because it is not perfect and needs tailoring to match my voice, but it saves me so much time and energy. For anyone hesitant to try AI, I would say: just start. Use it for small things like checking grammar or generating ideas. It has opened up a whole new world for me, and it could do the same for you.

This journey has taught me that there is no one-size-fits-all approach to learning or success. Tools like AI are not a replacement for hard work or creativity, but they are incredible allies. For someone with dyslexia, they are nothing short of life-changing. And that is something worth celebrating.

Why I Am Sharing This Story

I wanted to share my story to highlight the challenges of living with dyslexia, especially in a time when support was limited and stigma was common. It is a journey of resilience, adaptability, and finding unconventional ways to succeed. Tools like AI have been transformational for me, helping me overcome barriers that once felt insurmountable.

But this is not just about me. I hope my story inspires others to embrace their unique thinking and explore the available tools. Dyslexia is not a barrier; it is a different way of thinking, and it can become a strength with the proper support.

What about you? Have you faced similar challenges? How have tools like AI or other innovations helped you in your journey? I would love to hear your story.