When I was in kindergarten, I jumped onto my mom's bed, handed her a book and said: 'Teach me to read.' I watched my friends learning new things in school and realized that I did not understand. I spoke to teachers and friends and knew they did not understand me. And then I went to the Speech School.” – Rami Menkowitz

The Atlanta Speech School is a school for people with language-based learning differences. The School helps students with dyslexia and those who are deaf or hard of hearing. I went to the Atlanta Speech School from first grade to third grade. I have dyslexia and the Speech School helped me overcome it. The School helped me feel like I had a gift and taught me how to use it. I also made friends who were patient and supportive and we made amazing memories together. 

Ms. Rhoades, my first grade teacher, was my favorite. She pushed me harder than anyone else ever had before and ever has since. She gave me the confidence that has helped me tackle all sorts of challenges. Ms. Rhoades sadly passed away about two years ago. She wasn't just my teacher, she was also my friend. She taught us all to be friends with one another, what a friend meant and... how to spell it!