Jannah’s Journey to 7 A’s: From Struggles with Dyslexia to Academic Success

The 16th of December marked a significant day for students who sat for the Singapore-Cambridge GCE N(A)- and N(T)-Level Examinations. It was a day filled with anticipation, not just for the students but also for educators like myself, eagerly waiting to see how our students had fared.

This day remains etched in my memory, vivid and unforgettable. Even while holidaying in the picturesque landscapes of Switzerland, I held my phone close, anxiously awaiting messages from my students. And then, it came—a text from Jannah that brought tears of joy to my eyes:

7 A’s. Seven. A’s. I could hardly believe it! Memories of teaching Jannah came flooding back, tracing her journey from a shy Primary 5 girl to the remarkable young lady she is today. My first impression of Jannah was of a quiet, polite child who, despite her struggles with reading, writing, and spelling, never gave up. She tried, and tried, and tried again.

Witnessing her transformation has been nothing short of an honor. Jannah has blossomed into a confident individual who not only embraces her dyslexia but has turned it into a source of strength. (She even incorporated her journey into her N-Level art submission—a testament to her creativity and resilience!)

If I were to highlight three admirable traits that define Jannah, they would be:

  1. Her Positive Mindset – Life has not always been rainbows and butterflies for Jannah, but her ability to acknowledge her struggles, learn from them, and focus on what she can control sets her apart. She faces challenges with grace and determination.

  2. Her Openness – Jannah’s willingness to share her thoughts and ask questions in class reflects her curiosity and courage. She never hesitates to seek clarity, a quality that has undoubtedly contributed to her growth.

  3. Her Relentless Drive to Improve – Jannah’s perseverance is truly inspiring. She embodies the spirit of resilience, always willing to try again, no matter how tough the journey.

Jannah Syahirah, as your Educational Therapist for the past five years at DAS, it has been an absolute privilege to watch you grow into the confident, resilient, and beautiful young lady you are today. Continue to stand tall in the face of adversity, seek knowledge with humility, and embrace each day with gratitude. Your journey is a testament to the power of perseverance, and I have no doubt that you will continue to achieve greatness in all that you do.

Watch Jannah’s reflection over her journey at DAS and how she has grown with her dyslexia as her superpower here