Different, Not Less by Mya

Different, Not Less by Mya - January 2026 Scholarship Essay

Not every student learns the same way in class. For some, learning requires being pulled out of the main classroom and placed into smaller groups. While this approach is meant to help, a student may feel left out or less intelligent compared to the other students in the classroom. This is exactly how I felt; different from everyone else, and I did not fit in. However, I could not give up. Having a learning disability does not define me. In the beginning, it affected me in a negative way. It made me feel less than other people. I overcame this when I realized I just had to figure out which way I learn the best. It was only when I discovered my unique learning style that I began to overcome these challenges.

In third grade, I realized I learned differently. I kept getting pulled out of class for reading, math, and test assistance. At first, I accepted this as normal, but I soon noticed that none of my classmates were leaving the classroom. The realization made me question my abilities and left me feeling inadequate and embarrassed. This routine continued throughout elementary school, with daily instances of being separated from the class. I started to look around and noticed my classmates never got a turn. Everyone would stare at me as I walked out when the teacher would come and get me. I would be left out of the fun class activities. Instead, I was learning basic reading and math skills. I felt self-conscious and sad, but I was determined not to let my feelings defeat me.

The cycle of feeling different went on until eighth grade, when I decided to accept my differences and use them to my advantage. To be a successful high school student, I had to learn how to advocate for myself. I began to seek help when necessary and I refused to leave class until I understood the material enough to study on my own. I also learned how to study efficiently. This means no distractions in my learning environment while studying. In addition, when I study for a particular class, I do not review all the material presented at once. Instead, I try to master the more complex topics first, and I go over what I do understand as I progress. Cramming the night before a quiz or test was no longer acceptable in my study routine. I made daily studying a priority to ensure I comprehended the subject matter. For me, procrastination was simply not an option.
Looking back, I realize that my journey with a learning disability has taught me resilience and self-acceptance. By embracing my differences and refusing to let challenges define me, I have grown not only as a student but also as a person. Everyone learns in their own way, and what matters most is finding strategies that work best and never giving up on the learning process. My experiences have shown me that being different does not mean being less; it simply means taking a unique path to success.