TCC freshman named to IDA-GA Teen Board

Published 10:26 am Tuesday, February 21, 2023

THOMASVILLE- Thomas County Central High School freshman Payton West has been named to the IDA-GA Teen Board for 2023. 

The IDA-GA Teen Board was designed to connect students who have dyslexia and provide support and assistance to those individuals during their schools years. West was notified in January she had been selected to the board, after applying in December 2022 for a position. 

West was diagnosed with dyslexia in 1st grade. 

West explained prior to her diagnosis, teachers would get frustrated and she believed it was something she must be doing wrong. 

“It’s more common than people think, but it’s more expensive to get tested for, so not a lot people go and find out,” West said. “You could have it; you just wouldn’t know.” 

The board has allowed West to connect students who believe they may be suffering from dyslexia to doctors for further testing, along with teachers who have an understanding of the disease. 

She said some of the suggestions she has for students who have dyslexia is to read aloud more, and encourage teachers to let them read aloud.

“You have to read by yourself more and break down the words,” she said. “You can’t have everyone just read it to you; you have to help yourself.” 

West recommends students who are struggling read the Percy Jackson series, which are fantasy novels, focusing on a hero with dyslexia. 

West said, although a favorite by many, the Harry Potter series can be incredibly difficult for students with dyslexia to read due to the make-believe words and worlds. 

West has had the opportunity to talk with 2nd and 3rd graders who are struggling with dyslexia and often reminds them that this diagnosis is not the end of the world. 

“It may take you longer to do stuff, but you’re still smart,” she tells them. 

West said the opportunity to talk to these young kids, along with other school-age students is cool and has allowed her to provide help that the students may not otherwise seek. 

“I would say this is one of my biggest accomplishments, helping these kids,” she said. 

West said her appointment to the Board has not only allowed her to help other kids, but also has given her the chance to provide insight on this little known disease. 

“A lot of people think it’s just getting your B’s and D’s backward, but it’s a lot more about spelling. You don’t really comprehend spelling and I don’t think people understand that,” she said. 

West said that she has a better grasp of the disease than she did during her original diagnosis, but it is still difficult. However, she is determined not to give up. 

West explained many colleges have dyslexia centers, and the students’ IP can transfer over. West said her goal is to one day attend University of Florida or Iowa State. 

West should have no trouble with her application, as she is one of only 17 students across the state of Georgia selected to the board. In addition, she is the only student not from the immediate Atlanta and surrounding suburb area to represent students with dyslexia.