The LD Advantage
About me
Hi-- my name is Nicolina Kristof.
I am a senior at the Drew School. I attended Foothill High School until halfway through sophmore year when I transferred to Drew High School. An average week for me includes homework, mentoring through Eye to
Eye, tutoring at the Cobb Elementary School, volunteering at Rocket Dog Rescue and volunteering the the San Francisco Zoo where I have worked for the past seven years. In three weeks, I will be graduating from Drew and am planning on attending University Of Portland in the Fall.
At a very young age, I was diagnosed with ADHD, Dyslexia, Sensory integration Dysfunction (SID) and an Audio Processing Disorder. Growing up with multiple LD's was not easy for me. I never felt like there was anyone else who was going through what I was. For the longest time, I let myself be defined in a negative way by my learning differences. It wasn't until I changed high schools, due to the fact that my school was unwilling to give me the accommodations that I was entitled to, that I began to view my learning differences as a positive.
Purpose of This Website
So you might be asking yourself what this website is about? At Drew School, each senior, is required to complete a senior project that includes a product that will better the community. I decided to create a website for teenagers and young adults that is all about Dyslexia and ADHD. I feel like the internet is full of parent and doctor's personal advice on how best to deal with an LD but there is no real advice from people with LD's themselves.
I believe that teens and young adults should have access to advice from people who have the same LD as them.
On the next pages you will find advice and statements from individuals, ages 14 to 25, on how they view their LD's and what tips and tricks they have discovered that works best for them.
Acknowledgments
I wouldn't be the person I am today without my parents. Once learning about my LD's, they did whatever it took to get me the help I needed and the accommodations I was entitled to. I know I don't say this enough but mommy and daddy thank you so much for everything. I will always be grateful. I love you so much!
I would like to thank everyone who completed my surveys and let me learn a little about how they live with either ADHD and/or dyslexia. A BIG GIGANTIC shout out to...Matt.C, Tim B, Mia G., Kristen R., Kendall H., Lexie B., Dylan G., Audrey D., MJ P., Matt B., Sarah K., Boo K., Adrian T., Joseph N., Audrey W., Michael A., Aidan M.,
Joseph S., Donovan M., Kendall D., Elizabeth B., Faith H., Michael W., Giuletta C., Harrison W., Catherine B.,
Meredith C., Alexandria B., Nicholas L., Seth C., Kobi G., Kyle W., Ryan M., Stephen S., Taryn F., Jazmin S., Gracie, Kaelynn N., Lizzy H., Nora L., and to all of the people who chose to remain anonymous.
