Turning Struggle Into Strength
Released: Thursday, October 01, 2026
Growing up, Dr. Shawn Robinson knew he learned differently, and without tools or support, he lost confidence and hope. Everything changed when he was diagnosed with dyslexia and given access to high-quality instruction. In this inspiring story, he shares how perseverance, opportunity, and the power of effective teaching helped shape his path from struggling student to successful lifelong learner.
When I was a child, I knew inside that I was different in terms of my ability to learn. I just was not grasping the information that was provided to me. And I just gave up on myself.
I gave up because I lacked the confidence and the tools to really become a good speller and reader. And I lost hope within myself. And that hope turned into fear, emotion, anger, hostility. I did everything I could to avoid learning. And that traveled through with me all the way through high school until I was diagnosed with dyslexia and given the tools to become a consumer of knowledge and a consumer of education, which then allowed me to earn three degrees after graduating high school, reading at an elementary level.
And so, it was that one professor, one opportunity that provided me access to high-level instruction that paved the way to who I am today. Even though I faced mountains of adversity and failures, I just kept plugging away.