Young Student Overcomes Dyslexia to Win Podcast Competition
In the scenic neighborhood of Rockville Centre on Long Island, Cora Walsh, a seventh-grader, embarks on her daily walk home from school. This routine not only helps her unwind but also reflects her deep interest in the workings of the human mind, an interest that is uncommon among her peers. “I want to be a doctor,” she expresses, with aspirations of studying neuroscience at Princeton.
The roots of Cora’s fascination with the brain trace back to her own challenges. She recalls, “It’s kind of confusing what it is like in my brain,” as she struggled with reading. Despite spending more time on it than her friends, she couldn’t match their pace. After a lengthy five-year journey, Cora was diagnosed with dyslexia, a condition shared by millions of Americans.
Cora’s narrative of self-discovery and learning formed the basis of her podcast, “Dyslexia and MEE,” which won the grand prize for middle school entrants in this year’s NPR Student Podcast Challenge. Her submission stood out among nearly 1,500 from across 42 states and the District of Columbia.
“I feel really excited,” Cora remarks about her win, a sentiment echoed by her supportive parents. Her mother, Emily Johnson, beams with pride, stating, “This is a kid that works so hard and has such a good attitude.”
Finding the Right Learning Style
Through two years of dedicated tutoring, Cora has made significant progress in managing her dyslexia. Her podcast provides a glimpse into these tutoring sessions, where she diligently practices sounding out words with guidance from her tutor via Zoom. The process is deliberate, ensuring thorough understanding before advancing.
“I think I’m a better reader now, and I enjoy it a lot more,” Cora shares, noting an increased comfort with reading larger books. This was evident when her mother observed her daughter engrossed in the first book of the Hunger Games series over the summer.
Her mother recounts moments of pride, “She would pick it up for fun, and she would go read to [her pet] rabbit. Or we were traveling this summer, and she read on the train. It’s the first time that’s ever happened.”
The journey has been challenging, yet rewarding, as Cora and her family look forward to what lies ahead. Winning NPR’s national contest adds a significant highlight to her accomplishments.
“I’m kind of just proud of myself that I overcame this hard, annoying thing,” Cora reflects. She hopes her podcast will demystify dyslexia for others and inspire younger students grappling with their own learning paths.
Her message to others is clear: “Always try your hardest, and don’t sell yourself short. I think trying is… the best thing you can do.”
Continuing her journey, Cora recently borrowed the second Hunger Games book from the library.
Listen to Cora Walsh’s “Dyslexia and MEE.”
Edited by Steve Drummond.
