Testimonial from a mature student
This young lady had repeated every year of her degree course after taking an extra year at school to obtain her GNVQ in Advanced Science so that she could proceed to her chosen degree.
She was assessed for dyslexia earlier this year at Elizabeth Shepherd's instigation.Her programme goals were to improve her concentration, not to 'drift off' in class and she also reported that she 'misses' things when she is trying to take notes in lectures and had difficulties retaining information. Her ultimate target was to graduate!
She wrote:
'I wasn't sure what to expect when I went for my first session. I'd heard rumours about playing with clay and making pictures - sounded like I was going back to infant school. However, I was pleasantly surprised to have someone who understood my fears: that I wasn't and aren't, thick or stupid and/or lazy; that I could achieve my goals. Even after the first few sessions I found my concentration had improved. Using the techniques helped me to listen to my lecturer during lessons instead of drifting off into my own little world. Elizabeth also taught me to slow down, absorb and picture every word and sentence. At first I found this hard work as I was used to skimming and skipping over words I didn't understand. So armed with a dictionary in one hand and a few pieces of paper in another (to help slow me down) and a lot of patience I've learnt to enjoy reading again! Woohoo! I had been struggling for so long that I thought nothing or no one could help me. I have been given a lot of support throughout my sessions and knowing that if I needed help then Elizabeth is only a phone call away.'
She has subsequently passed her recent exams and is looking forward to her final year. She feels more confident, less stressed and happy that she is now able to take control of her learning.
Elizabeth Shepherd lives in Crowborough, East Sussex. Her contact details are at www.unlocking-learning.co.uk/elizabethshepherd