Exam's, Degrees & More With Martin Bloomfield

Ever wondered how dyslexic students tackle massive essays or dissertations? In this episode, I sat down with Martin Bloomfield, who’s close to finishing his Master’s degree, to hear how he’s been dealing with the sometimes overwhelming challenge of writing long academic papers. We also chatted about daily dyslexic life and strategies that help keep the stress levels down.

Martin has spent years exploring coping methods and tools that work for him. He’s learned that it’s not just about getting good grades. It’s about developing a sense of confidence and self-awareness when dyslexia can make everyday tasks feel like climbing mountains. Whether you’re enrolled in higher education or simply curious about dyslexic minds, there’s a lot we can all take from this episode.

Meeting Martin

I met Martin through shared work with dyslexic support. We realised we had similar experiences and decided to share his lessons on the podcast. Martin has been studying while managing his job and personal life, which is tough for most of us. Yet he’s on the brink of finishing his degree, proving that dyslexia isn’t a barrier if you’ve got the right mind-set and tactics.

His passion is breaking down the walls that tabloids and misunderstandings tend to build up around dyslexia. He also encourages people to look at their unique learning styles. Being different doesn’t have to be a negative thing. After all, there’s no single method for learning or living that suits everyone.

“We need to move beyond labels and find what actually works for us as individuals,” Martin said during our conversation.

Overcoming the Essay Monster

A massive essay can fill us with dread. It’s not just about grammar or spelling. It’s about structuring thoughts, building arguments, and following strict guidelines. That can feel like being stuck in a maze without a map.

Martin admitted he’s experienced writer’s block more times than he can count. The blank page stares back, and it’s easy to freeze in panic. One technique he loves is starting with mind maps. He jots down concepts in a very loose layout. This keeps him free from the pressure of writing complete paragraphs right away and helps him spot patterns.

When he’s ready, Martin turns the mind map into an outline. He’ll ask friends or tutors to look over it and suggest improvements. That simple step removes some of the self-doubt. Plus, an outside perspective can reveal gaps you never noticed.

Dyslexia and Self-Belief

Dyslexia can wear down your confidence. Even everyday tasks, like reading emails or writing quick notes, sometimes feel tougher than they should. So imagine the added strain of a 10,000-word thesis or dissertation. It’s like climbing a tall mountain.

Martin explained how cultivating self-belief is a slow process. You have to give yourself credit for small victories: finishing a section, formatting footnotes correctly, or even writing a solid paragraph. He says we should celebrate each win before marching on, so we have the energy for the next step.

When self-belief dips, it helps to remind yourself that you’ve come a long way. If you’re in the middle of your course, remember you’ve passed classes before. If a line of text confuses you, maybe record it as a voice note and hear it back. Adding a fresh angle can make all the difference.

Practical Tips for Dyslexic Learners

Dyslexia is often misunderstood as just jumbled letters. In reality, it affects how we process and organise information. Here are some techniques Martin and I discussed:

• Mind Mapping: Allows you to freely brainstorm ideas without the pressure of perfect formatting.
• Voice-To-Text Tools: Get your thoughts out quickly. Worry about refining them later.
• Break Work Into Chunks: Tackle a single point at a time to avoid mental overload.
• Find Accountability Partners: A friend or tutor can give you a healthy nudge when motivation slips.
• Self-Care Routine: Regular breaks, quick walks, or even a short chat with someone you trust helps clear the mental clutter.

We also touched on how different apps and software are available to help dyslexic minds. There's plenty to explore. Don’t be shy about trying out new tools, because everyone’s needs are unique. If something doesn’t work for you, move on without guilt. The key is not to give up exploring.

Final Takeaways

• Dyslexia isn’t just about reading and spelling, it impacts the way we organise and process information.
• Mind maps, voice-to-text apps, and accountability partners can lighten the load when crafting lengthy projects.
• Self-belief boosts grow with each small victory.
• It helps to stay curious about new learning tools and approaches.

Feeling inspired? You can hear Martin break all this down in more detail in the podcast. The player’s right at the top of the page, so give it a click and listen to the full conversation. Whether you’re dyslexic or just looking for new ways to approach tricky tasks, you’ll discover something valuable in his story.