Problem-solving, making connections, and three-dimensional thinking are all critical skills for engineers. As Matthew Jenkins has found, they are also core strengths of dyslexic thinkers.

Matthew joined Fraser Academy in Grade 3 and spent the entirety of his Middle and Senior School years learning alongside those with similar educational difficulties. While overcoming those challenges, he discovered a passion and aptitude for math.

He is now in his final year at Dalhousie University, where he is pursuing a degree in Electrical Engineering. Matthew recently competed in the Atlantic Engineering Competition, where he won first place in the ‘ReEngineering’ category, allowing him to represent Eastern Canada at the nationwide Canadian Engineering Competition.

Now nearing the end of his university degree, Matthew still understands the tremendous impact FA had on his education. “Without FA, university would have been out of the question. And even if I did get there, I would have drowned not knowing how to stand up for myself. At FA, I got the individual support I needed, as well as the invaluable lesson of self-advocacy.”