Episode 15: In Conversation with Nabhanya Jayaswal

In Episode 15, In Conversation with Nabhanya Jayswal. She is dyslexic. She is 28 years old, has done her masters in education from Aziz Premji University and is currently working in a FinTech company in Bangalore. She has been working for the past 6 years.

She loves travelling and dancing. She admires her ability to work hard towards things she wants to achieve. It is a difficult journey. Being hardworking is her strength. She is most proud of where she has made it in life. She never thought that she could be independent and work. It has been an upward journey since.

She discusses her journey in school, lack of empathy and understanding from teachers, name calling and the major impact it leaves on you even decades later. Acceptance towards the diagnosis came much later in life, in her Masters. The system of education at that time helped her flourish. She needs to read 2 or 3 times to understand what is being read. Help was readily available. Seeking help and not being judged for it makes a world of a difference. Impact of Dyslexia is more than just academics. It affects the interpersonal relationships, peer dynamics and friendships. Depending on the support provided, it could safeguard your self esteem or completed crush it. Once crushed it takes the longest time for it to come back.

Tips for teachers: All school teachers should have the mindset of understanding that each child in your class is different. Have empathy and support each of them. Educate yourself on different disabilities. Stop labeling children. That’s the worst thing. You have the power to shape a child’s mind in the most amazing way. The child remembers you even decades later for how you made them feel. Be nice. Don’t make it more difficult by making them feel little and name calling them. They have different coping mechanisms and may not be able to forget what is being said. Be mindful of what you say.

Tips for parents: As difficult as this journey is for the child, it is as difficult for the parents as well. Every child looks up to their parents. Be there for them in their journey. Show them you love them as they are. They need your support and to know you are there for them. Help them feel at ease. Educate yourself on the problems your child is facing. What you do at home helps. Do go for therapy sessions for yourself when you get overwhelmed. Have a non judgmental person to speak to. Join forums or support groups with parents who have children with similar difficulties. You know that you are not alone and it gets better.

Tips for students: Please believe in yourself. Don’t believe anyone who tell you that you are not good enough. You are built with purpose and will achieve greater things in life. Don’t let the negativity hurt you. Let it go. You know who you are, you should be proud of who you are. You are not like other children and be happy that you are not. For older children, you don’t need to associate with anyone with negative vibes. Always remember, things do get better.

There is a saying: If all days are not good, all days can’t be bad. The bad days will pass and the good days will come. Marks are not everything. They are not the end of the world. You will flourish. Academically or not, but you will flourish.

Tasting success after starting work opened a whole new world. Felt how to excel, that she was doing good work, and received acknowledgements for the hard work. This is when her life changed. She became ambitious. She is extremely grateful for all the support and opportunities she has received through life. What 12 years of schooling didn’t do, 6 years of earning made her feel like that, a happy and successful person. Work life is tough. She does take time to learn and it is not as easy as others. It takes longer but she has accepted that it will take her longer and she will be able to learn it. Put your mind in whatever you want to do.