Maddie Smok ’23 is a student spotlight in recognition of Learning Differences and Dyslexia Awareness Month, which takes place in October.

Maddie, who has dyslexia and ADHD, started Forman for her junior year after attending the Summer Program. She says she had a difficult experience at her former high school and liked Forman right away. 

“I did not get any of the accommodations I needed [at my former high school]. I didn't get extra time on tests, I didn’t get help after classes, I didn’t get anything,” she says. “When I came to Forman, they taught to how I learn. It’s so nice because sometimes I forget I have a learning difference. I’m doing very well in my classes, I’m getting all the support I need, and it’s everything I want.” 

She adds how much she appreciates the support she receives from her teachers. 

“I love how the teachers are very understanding. When I don’t understand something, they will do anything to help me understand it,” she says. “It’s really nice to have them as a support system. They’re part of my family in a way, my family away from my home.”

Maddie is also a chapter leader of Eye to Eye and a student ambassador. She says the biggest lesson she has learned at Forman is to be an advocate for herself. 

“I advocate for myself to get more help when I don’t understand something. In class, sometimes I don’t understand something, and teachers are more than willing to help,” she adds. “I know college is so much bigger, teachers are going to be so hard on you, so I am going to take my skills from Forman to stand up for myself and ask for help. I think that is really important because that is how you get what you need.” 

Maddie works hard in her classes, enjoys being involved, and challenges herself to try new things. 

“I am very proud of what I have accomplished,” she says. “I joined clubs, I have put myself out there for speaking at assemblies, I have branched out so much, and have accomplished so much that I couldn’t picture myself doing my freshman or sophomore year. It’s so nice to see the growth that I have had.” 

Maddie hopes to attend the College of the Holy Cross next year, where she plans to study biology to help her pursue medical school and become a doctor one day. She advises others who may be struggling with learning differences to recognize that they can be successful. 

“I really want people to focus on what their strengths are rather than their weaknesses because if they focus on their weaknesses, they’re just going to get discouraged,” she says. “I found my strength in English, and I have been in honors classes since my sophomore year. I’ve learned how to write great essays and help people with theirs. It’s really nice to find your strength because it makes you more confident. Once your confidence is boosted by one thing — it could be a small thing — the things that you’re not as strong in disappear.”