Today we’d like to introduce you to Carrington Manous.
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
I am Carrington Manous, Miss Cobb County’s Teen, a sophomore Honors Student at Woodward Academy, and a Dyslexic Advocate. Ironically, referring to myself as an Honor Student and Dyslexic Advocate seems strange because I never pictured myself being either. At seven years old, I was diagnosed with Dyslexia, bringing confusion and, honestly, a little shame. Confusion because I was also considered intellectually gifted and was always told how smart I was. However, performing specific academic tasks took a lot of work, effort, and time to complete. I was also ashamed to share my diagnosis because I feared being judged or people thinking I wasn’t smart. I now understand Dyslexia has no correlation to intelligence, as one can be dyslexic and intellectually gifted. The proper term is referred to as “Twice Exceptional or 2E.” Reflecting back, my 7-year-old self could have never imagined excelling in school and advocating for the very part of my life I once tried to hide. Now, I proudly share my story with everyone and through my children’s book “Dyslexia Doesn’t Define Me” in hopes I inspire others to share their stories and to be a reminder that your difference doesn’t define you.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
We have all struggled at some point, and like everyone, the road has not always been smooth. However, I am committed to putting in work daily to succeed. My struggles presented themselves with difficulty processing letters and symbols. I realized I had to reshape how I felt about myself and redefine how I would choose to lead my life as a person with a “learning difference.” With the help of my family, teachers, and village of supporters, I discovered I could process language and be an excellent student; it would just be in a different way and on my own terms. I attended a local school in the Atlanta area, The Schenck School, which helped me tremendously. Looking back, I am now so thankful for my struggle because it taught me the invaluable life lesson of resiliency. Additionally, I am grateful because I now advocate for individuals like myself. My goal is to create spaces for people that foster inclusion, confidence, and tools to manage and master the challenges of learning and achieving with Dyslexia. Additionally, I now know my purpose is to raise awareness of Dyslexia and ensure all students have access to free dyslexia testing and the resources I had, which have helped me academically thrive.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I am Carrington Manous, Miss Cobb County’s Teen, a candidate vying for the title of Miss Georgia’s Teen in June 2024, a Published Author, and an honors student with career aspirations of becoming an attorney. I hope to continue my dyslexia advocacy work as an attorney. I am most proud of establishing my non-profit organization, Carrington Cares, in October 2022, which has raised over $30,000 in support of Dyslexic students in 9 different countries. I am also very proud of my work on Senate Bill 48. I am so thankful and humbled I was able to work with Senator Gloria Butler on Senate Bill 48, a bill passed for $3.5 million that ensures Kindergarten to 3rd-grade Georgia students have access to free dyslexia testing. I am so proud to have been a part of such a critical piece of legislation for dyslexic students because I personally know how important it is to be tested and diagnosed early to thrive academically.
We’re always looking for the lessons that can be learned in any situation, including tragic ones like the Covid-19 crisis. Are there any lessons you’ve learned that you can share?
Since the Covid COVID-19 crisis, I learned patience is a virtue and never to take anything or anyone for granted. I was in 6th grade when COVID-19 occurred, and I had to reshape once again the way I processed and learned. I had to seek additional support from my teacher, extend myself grace for things I didn’t quite understand, and understand you must be adaptable to succeed.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.decodedyslexia.com
- Instagram: iAmCarringtonElan
- Facebook: Carrington Manous
- Other: Instagram- MissCobbCountysTeen
