#DAW24 - Your Story - Abigail Harris

Where does your dyslexia story begin?

My story begun with a lot of struggles at school, I did alright at GCSE but got no A Levels because I found it too hard. One of my teachers said my effort didn't match my results, another said I would never achieve anything in life because I was too stupid. I just assumed I was stupid and that I wasn't good enough to get to university.

Is there an unexpected twist or turn?

In 2020 I started training to be a vicar at Westcott House in Cambridge and the tutor for learning support noticed my difficulties and referred me. I was diagnosed with dyslexia and dyscalculia.

Despite not having the grades, I finally had someone who understood me and that I wasn't stupid, but I just see the world differently. She supported me with my studies, and I got a 2:1 degree from Durham in Theology, Ministry and Mission and got ordained on the 30th June 2024 as a curate at Hexham Abbey.

With the right support, I've been able to learn to advocate for myself and others.

In my job, a lot of the challenges I face are part and parcel of the vocation to the priesthood and the typical skillset of vicars. I break the mold in that sense.

I've gone from someone who was told they'd never achieve anything in life to someone who's now been able to help others with dyslexia and write a book about dyslexia and ministry!

Strengths

I see things in a completely different way and think outside the box to the point that sometimes my boss says that they didn't even think it could be interpreted like that! I also have good intuition and empathy for others who are neurodivergent or struggle in different ways.

Challenges

I have challenges with sequencing and memory processing. I experience anxiety and I still don’t believe in myself when it comes to several parts of my job that require competency when it comes to reading and stuff.

What would you say to inspire others?

Seeing the world differently doesn't make you any less.