Amy Temple
Articles by Amy Temple
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How I moved on after being discriminated against because of my learning disabilities
Monday, January 20, 2020A few weeks ago, I applied for a job as a freelance proofreader for a proofreading company. Before I go on, let me say that I am experienced in this field. I recently proofread "My Heart Speaks," a book of poetry written by Ernest Roberson Sr. I participated in the Business Professionals of America's district contest in high school, where I placed in the top 10 of the administrative assisting and proofreading/editing competitions. So, I didn't go into this opportunity totally blind. I was sent a sample essay to proofread — obviously to show my skills — and I honestly thought I did pretty well.
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Life lessons I’ve learned this year as a learning-disabled individual
Monday, December 09, 2019As we reach the end of another year, a lot of time is being spent in reflection over the events that have occurred in our lives. For me, I have learned a lot of crucial lessons about myself and life in general. This spring, I finally worked up the courage to quit a job working for a longtime client in my dog-sitting business because of a toxic work environment. I joined LinkedIn and met wonderful people who have provided me with numerous opportunities to grow in my writing career. I would not have been able to do any of this if I still had a bubble up and didn't take chances.
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More advice from a learning-disabled individual
Monday, November 04, 2019For the past year, you have read about my experiences living with learning disabilities. I have shared moments of being bullied and harassed in school, and being discriminated against and rejected by family members, prospective employers and society as a whole because of my condition. I have described my feelings of anger and bitterness over the mistreatment, but I honestly felt so much worse than that. I didn't trust anyone. I'm sure I missed out on great opportunities and relationships because I was so afraid of getting hurt.
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How being mistreated because of learning disabilities made me push back
Monday, September 30, 2019In 2006, shortly after moving to Florida, I was hired as a dog sitter for a couple who were living in the same residential community as me. They had the cutest Boston terrier with the calmest disposition I had ever seen in a dog. It was the perfect job. I could set my own hours and the pay was pretty good. However, the couple's true colors began to show shortly after. I think my learning disabilities were the reasoning behind the couple's behavior. They often talked down to me.
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Why I’m fed up with being discriminated against because of my learning disabilities
Monday, August 26, 2019I am so tired of being discriminated against because I have learning disabilities. I can't help it! This is how I was made! What’s the big deal about learning disabilities anyway? It's a pretty common condition for someone to have. A lot of celebrities have come out saying that they struggle with LDs: Henry Winkler, Patrick Dempsey, and Tom Cruise... to name a few. Look at how well they are doing! I am not seeking fame and fortune, but I am simply looking for some respect!
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Bullying vs. learning disabilities
Monday, July 29, 2019I'm sitting here writing this to you to proclaim that I am a survivor of bullying and harassment. I can very easily say junior high school were the worst two years of my life. Every day, I endured horrible name-calling, taunting, pushing and physical threats. I remember being so scared walking down the halls in between classes that I would huddle up against the wall, clutching my bookbag. I would often go home sick.
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I am not stupid, so stop treating me like I am
Friday, June 28, 2019Not that long ago, a relative talked down to me, and I was livid! Let me rephrase that…I was beyond livid! I came this close to telling this individual to stick it up their you-know-where! This person thought that they would just decide something for me without even consulting. Then, they had the gall to say, "Is that all right, Amy?" Well, no! It's not! I have dealt with this numerous times with certain members of my family. I don't know what it is. They must equate my condition with a lack of intelligence. Who knows?
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Advice from a learning-disabled individual: Part 2
Friday, April 26, 2019I have learning disabilities. There...I said it. Was it hard? No, not at all. You wouldn’t know by looking at me. I don’t carry a neon sign above my head with an arrow pointing down and the words learning-disabled flashing continuously. I didn’t have cards made up with the words, "My name is Amy Temple. I have learning disabilities," so I could pass them around to whoever would care. I also have fine motor skills issues, which is pretty common for people with learning disabilities.
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Advice from a learning-disabled individual: Part 1
Tuesday, March 19, 2019For the past few months, I have been sharing my story about what it is like living with learning disabilities and the difficulties I have had to face. I have most definitely had my fair share of rejections over something that I have no control over, and that left me bitter and hurt for years. I wasted a lot of time being upset because society decided that I wasn't worth it. This month, I wish to pass on some wisdom that I have learned over the past 35 years. To begin with, I am going to share with you a piece of advice that my parents shared with me years ago.
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How I learned trying so hard to be accepted is a complete waste
Monday, February 04, 2019I have been living with learning disabilities for most of my life. It's who I am. My parents have never tried to protect me from the harshness of life. I learned at a pretty young age that there are going to be some people who are going to take one look at you and just instantly reject you, especially if you are learning-disabled. As accepting as I am about my learning disabilities, I went through a very long period where I sought other people's approval.
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Learning disabilities don’t mean I’m stupid
Monday, December 10, 2018I have lived with learning disabilities for over 30 years now and not once have I wished to be anything other than who I am. I have dealt with "medical professionals" who told my parents that I wouldn't amount to much because of my learning disabilities. In a nutshell, I wasn't going to be worth anything! I have dealt with potential employers who have not been too sure of how to treat me when discovering my condition. I remember one in particular who was very hesitant in taking my resume.
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My life vs. the workforce
Monday, October 22, 2018"What is it like living with learning disabilities?" some of you might be asking. Do I wish I were any different? Do I complain about why I have these difficulties learning? In all honesty, no... I don't. I fully accept my learning disabilities. I always have. Besides... what could I do about it anyway? The thing that I have personally experienced and seen is the — dare I say — ignorance from others about learning disabilities.
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My life with learning disabilities
Monday, September 24, 2018Hi, everyone. Now before I begin, I am going to give you all a head's up and let you know this is not going to be the typical article that you are probably used to reading here, but bear with me... I have quite the story to tell. My name is Amy Temple and I have learning disabilities. I was diagnosed when I was 5 years old, but before that, a few members of the medical community sure did try to figure out what was wrong with me. I mean...there had to be something!