For 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. I can't recall exactly the nature of the incident but I was upset because someone rejected me because of my disability.

Mom and Dad told me afterwards, "There will always be someone who thinks you can't do anything because of your learning disabilities."

And unfortunately, Mom and Dad are right.

There will always be someone who will look down at you and, I'm sorry, but I can't tell you why.

And yes, I know, it really does stink! To know that certain people are going to look down at you because you don't fit their own regulations on how someone should be.

I have been rejected by potential employers all because I didn't fit their standards on how an employee ought to be. I say this humbly, but I fit the qualifications of each job I applied for. But because of my learning disabilities, I wasn't hired. All I got were temporary jobs with the possibility of permanent placement but nothing ever came to fruition.

After several years, I gave up the fight and went the self-employed route. I just simply had enough. Now, I am not saying that you should do this, far from it.

I could have fought harder, but with some fights, you have to know when to stop and walk away.

Speaking of walking away, you will have to do that with some of the people in your life, and this may have to include members of your own family.

This, for me, was one of the hardest things. I wanted to believe that each time I saw these individuals that they would be different, but unfortunately it wasn't.

I don't know what it is, but for some reason, they just don't know how to talk to me. They look at me and hesitate. When they do figure it out, it's like a struggle for them. I start the conversation to make it easier but, no, it doesn't help.

I have had no choice but to limit my time with them.

I am not saying that you should stop contacting family who are just plain annoying — though it's tempting. What I mean is if you find yourself having difficulties with family members who seem to have trouble accepting you because of your learning difficulties, then it's best to just limit your time with them.

There is no point in getting upset. It's just not worth it.

Hang out with those who make you feel good, who accept you and just walk away from the ones who don't. You don't need them.

As for me, I had four wonderful grandparents who always made me feel special and I couldn't have asked for a better set of parents.

They have always been quick to come to my defense and have let me be me. I also have some trouble with my fine motor skills — brought on by my learning disabilities — but Mom and Dad don't hover. They give me space. Most of the time I can do what needs to be done. But every once in a while for time’s sake they do help.

They have never made me feel like I was anything other than your normal child. They have never been overly protective. They have made me feel confident in my own abilities. And I am very grateful for that.

I want you, my fellow learning disabled, to know that you are like everyone else. Be confident in your own abilities. You can do whatever anyone else is doing. It may take you longer but you can do it!

And finally — to quote my Dad — remember, you are not second class.

The ones who treat you like you are...they are the ones who are second class!