Lorca Danziger ’24 is a student spotlight in recognition of Learning Differences and Dyslexia Awareness Month, which takes place in October.

Lorca has dyslexia and joined Forman School last year as a sophomore. He says he likes the level of responsibility he is given as a Forman student, such as having expectations to complete homework and get to commitments on time.  

“At other schools, I feel like they would oversee you,” he says. “But [at Forman], they take every kid into consideration. The amount they help is not excessive. They don’t do everything for us. It’s more of a guide.”

He adds, “I like having my own responsibility because [it makes me feel like an adult], and it gets me ready for the real world and college.”

Lorca says he is lucky in that he has never felt inferior for having dyslexia and is grateful for his family’s support.  

“I am so thankful for my parents, who are always there for me,” he says. “They have always believed in me and thought I was going to do amazing things.”

Since joining the Forman community, Lorca has become more involved. 

“At my old school, I was a little quiet. People knew me, but here it’s a lot different,” he says. “Here, I’m a prefect, ambassador, and part of the student council … I like how I see myself here, and I’m excited to see how I grow when I leave.” 

Lorca is also currently on the football team and is looking forward to pursuing his interest in acting by joining the theater program this year. 

“I love sharing my emotions on stage,” he says. “During quarantine, I had an acting coach. I’m a big film and movie guy.” 

He adds that English is his favorite subject at Forman, particularly writing. 

“I like being given a prompt and getting all my ideas on a page,” says Lorca. “Once I have my fingers on the keyboard, I can just take my time and really realize what I’m saying.” 

In his recent prefect speech, Lorca shared a metaphor of a box and the significance of standing out of that box. 

"Some schools put you in a box, and they say if you don't fit in this box, then you won't be successful,” he says. “But I feel like it’s okay not to be in that box, and I think I’m pretty lucky not to be in that box. I hope kids all around the world who have dyslexia and learning differences realize it’s okay not to be in that box. I think it’s really cool to be able to stand out.” 

Lorca advises others who may think they cannot be successful with a learning difference to look at their surroundings and have a positive mindset. 

“If you’re surrounded by people who trust you and believe in you, that will make such a big difference,” he says. “If you’re living this life thinking you can’t do something because you have dyslexia, then you’re not going to do anything. But if you genuinely do try in your own way — because dyslexia is thinking outside the box — then even if you don't get it right, just attempting makes a big difference than just not trying at all.