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MY COLLEGE GRADUATE..

SUMMA CUM LAUDE

5/15/21

I am so incredibly proud of my son, Nathan, who just graduated with his BS in Forestry from the University of Idaho. He was my second Barton graduate. I am so thankful to God for the Barton program! Not only did the skills he learned give him the confidence he needed to attend university but he graduated with honors! Summa Cum Laude!

Nathan's advice to anyone struggling with language processing: "Get intervention and don't be ashamed to use accommodations." Nathan has always "owned" his dyslexia.
Besides tutoring Nathan with Barton, my husband and I focused on helping Nathan find and succeed in his strengths and interests. In his high school Junior year we started looking at the College Board website to get ideas of college majors that matched his gifts. We found careers in Forestry Operations and it has been a perfect fit!
After graduation and a few days to relax, he moved into his first full-time position (he was hired last fall) for the Mendocino Redwood Company managing some of their land of Redwood growth.
I hope this post is an encouragement to all parents out there who have a child with dyslexia. Do not give up.
  1. Get intervention. Seek an outside tutor if need be (it was challenging to get own son to finish the program I'll have to admit).
  2. Pay attention to your child's giftings. Observe and listen to him/her without imposing your wishes for their educational path or career.
  3. Look for the right experience during/post high school that will compliment and encourage their talents. You may have to knock on several doors and try different approaches until you find the one that fits. It might not be university. Trade school might be a better fit, or apprenticeship.
  4. If you did not officially have your child diagnosed...try this approach. Nathan was never professionally diagnosed with dyslexia, but in our community college they offered to assess him in their department of special services and he qualified for accommodations! The same accommodations carried with him through University. A huge blessing!
  5. Once Nathan turned 18, I knew it was time to let him decide how he was going to "run" with his life choices for education and career, while owning his struggles and strengths. I stand by as his cheer leader, giving advice (when asked), and encouragement.
I am one grateful momma, and you can be too!
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