supafinemadeline

While I have taken about 8 years of German in school, I never really considered myself ‘fluent’ untill recently. I went on an exchange trip to Germany this summer for two weeks and only spoke German. Just by being around German all the time, that tested my language skills and I learned so much more in those two weeks than I ever did 8 years in the classroom.

Later on in the summer, I went to Switzerland for 2 weeks with my grandparents and 2 cousions. I was the only German speaking person in our group and I was depended on to get us from point A to point B, help buy food, and haggle with street venders. Once again, just by being around the language and using it in the simpliest of ways, helped me. Now, I can sucessfully say that I am fluent in German!

Well, my entire life I have made impeccable grades. However, once I came to my super-hard high school, things started going downhill. I worked my ass off, but to no aviail, I still had sucky grades. However, my counseler soon noticed that my PSAT scores (and all of those other stupid test thingys we take) did not reflect my actual grades. They were way better. Next, she wanted me to take an IQ test. I did. I’m smart. So, why was I suffering so much in school?

I then got tested for a learning disability. It turns out that I have a (mild) case of dyslexia and have a processing problem. I can comprehend concepts and learn just fine. My problem is when I have to return the information and explain things. I remember when I was getting tested and she showed me a picture of a doorhandle and said, “Now, tell me what this is without actaully saying the one word for it.”
I replied, “It is usually made of out brass and is connected to a door. It keeps the door closed and is also used to open it. Sometimes it has a lock and…” and I kept going. The testing lady giggled and said, “See, most people would say ‘that’s a handle for a door’. I think we found your problem”

Now, because of my dyslexia, I don’t get points off for spelling (unless spelling is actually being tested) and for my processing problem I get to choose my own teachers and get extra time on tests and exams. Ever sense I was diagnosed and helped I have made honor roll…3 times!!

You have no idea how good it feels. I am working the same amount, but this time I actually am getting the results I deserve!

Well Erin taught me this awesome, cool rave hand move…so I like to think of as the first step in getting towards my goals!!

Note: and yes, I am in all of the musical’s. and NO, Ms.Stadler’s dances we do are nothing like what I am trying at…