Learning Disability in Higher Education and the Professor Student Relationship

The professorstudent relationship in higher education may be one of mentorship, trust, and academia. In order to strive for this valuable relationship, we must adjust to the diverse population of students in higher education, particularly those with learning disabilities. A certain understanding of capability and confidence from both parties is needed in order to create an inclusive environment for prospering professorstudent relationships. It’s time for students to advocate with a plan and for professors to listen with purpose. Altering how we take action will motivate professorstudent relationships that will in turn stimulate growth within higher education.

A native of the coastal town of Montara, California, Lexie Garrity is a junior at Vanderbilt University. She divides her time between her studies in premed as a Medicine, Health and Society Major; her office as club copresident of the Disabilities Awareness Partnership (DAP); the Vanderbilt Club Soccer Team; her membership in Pi Beta Phi; as well as other work, and internships. Lexie is honored to talk about learning disabilities in the context of improving studentprofessor communication. Additionally, she hopes to motivate others who have been diagnosed with a disability to pursue their educational and professional dreams. Lexie knows she would not have achieved what she has to this day without her diagnosis in her senior year of high school, and the subsequent support of professors, family, and friends.

This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at http://ted.com/tedx