From Held Back To Masters Degree With Guest Philip Long

Have you ever felt like the words on a page are running away from you? Or that you’re working twice as hard as everyone else just to keep up? In this episode, we hear from Philip Long, who knows what that feels like first-hand. His story is full of childhood challenges, family pressures, and the twists and turns of dyslexia. Even if you’ve heard many dyslexia stories before, Philip’s journey offers a fresh look at how perseverance and support can change everything.

Philip dives into his early years, where dyslexia held him back and caused social hurdles. He talks about the impact of being held back a grade, the bullying he experienced, and how he ultimately built strategies to thrive at college. If you’re curious about technology tools, self-advocacy, or language learning when reading feels like wading through mud, his story will resonate with you. Below is a quick look at some of the big ideas covered in Philip’s journey.

Starting Out in a Confusing Classroom

Dyslexia lurked in Philip’s life long before anyone gave it a name. He recalls how, in second grade, things just didn’t click when it came to reading and writing. Other kids seemed to breeze through assignments, but he found himself struggling with basic tasks. Worse, he wasn’t sure if he was “cheating” or using his own creative way to learn.

He eventually learned that teachers often don’t spot signs of dyslexia if they haven’t studied them. This meant that instead of getting guidance, he got labelled. Support wasn’t immediate, so he repeated second grade. It was a tough blow to his confidence at a time in life when fitting in felt like everything.

Luckily, he had a grandmother who was patient and kind. She gave him the extra time he needed to make sense of words. An English teacher also inspired him to keep writing, even if the grammar and spelling felt jumbled. Small, positive voices can mean the world to a dyslexic kid. They’re reminders that you’re not lazy or stupid; you just learn differently.

Facing Bullying and Leaning on Family

Social struggles came along with academic struggles. When your reading level is different, children can be cruel. Bullying highlighted Philip’s sense of isolation, especially when he wanted to hide his difficulties. It’s not fun to feel different in school hallways or the lunch queue.

His parents were both educators, which you might think would make life easier. Surprisingly, it added pressure. They cared deeply but didn’t always know how to help. They tried to support him, yet the system didn’t have a neat solution for dyslexia. It was a blessing because they valued education, but it could be a challenge too, because they sometimes expected him to keep pace with traditional standards.

In the interview, Philip says one of the biggest game-changers was having a few caring people who showed him coping strategies. He explains how those tips expanded his world: reading ‘with your ears’ and visualising what you hear. It’s not standard practice in most classrooms, but it made words come alive for him instead of floating away.

Tech Tools and College Survival

College was still full of hurdles. Reading huge chapters and writing papers tested every part of his dyslexic mind. That’s where technology swooped in. With text-to-speech programs, Philip could finally ‘listen’ to textbooks while on the go. This was a serious relief.

“I realised I had to find my way, not the school’s way, to read and write more confidently,” he says in this interview. Listening to resources, recording lectures, and using speech-to-text all kept him from drowning in assignments.

“Never give up. Focus on your strengths, and trust that you can find ways to learn that work for you.” — Philip Long

He also emphasises that lecturers often look for specific points in essays. Figuring out the professor’s core question meant he could channel his energy more efficiently. This approach can help anyone, but it’s especially useful for dyslexic minds. It reduces overwhelm and keeps you aiming at real learning instead of just ticking boxes.

Learning Languages and Building Self-Advocacy

In a surprising twist, Philip didn’t stick to his native language. He tackled Spanish and Chinese, discovering that dyslexia doesn’t have to hold you back from exploring new tongues. Listening and visualising words in those languages let him navigate them in fresh ways.

He also learned the power of self-advocacy. Telling teachers what you need, or letting them know you have dyslexia, can go a long way. Nobody is a mind reader, so open conversations about what helps you can prevent misunderstandings.

Those who are older and have dyslexia often think the chance to speak up passed them by. Philip insists it’s never too late. Whether returning to education or jumping into a new career, you deserve to let people know how to help you thrive.

Connecting with Others and Finding Hope

Feeling alone is common for dyslexics, even after school. If you don’t ask for help or share your story, those negative voices can get louder. Philip’s journey reminds us to keep looking for a community who understands, even in adulthood.

For him, discovering new learning methods felt like lighting a spark. He realised there’s more than one road to academic success. With the internet, you can also find groups filled with adults who’ve been exactly where you are. Tools like text-to-speech, speech-to-text, and support forums reduce isolation. They let you see that you’re not the only one tweaking how you learn.

Finding hope is about focusing on what you do brilliantly instead of obsessing over your reading speed or spelling. Leaning into your strengths is a big theme throughout Philip’s story. He’s found what works for him, and he encourages others to do the same, whether it’s using technology, seeking out supportive teachers, or advocating for yourself at work.

• Supportive teachers and mentors can make all the difference.
• Bullying might happen, but finding allies can counter it.
• If family members are educators, you might feel extra pressure. Communication helps.
• Using technology like text-to-speech transforms how you study and work.
• Dyslexia doesn’t mean “less smart.” Your brilliance can shine through other channels.

Curious to learn more about Philip’s dyslexia journey, especially how he tackles language learning and college struggles? The podcast player is right at the top of this page. Feel free to check out his work by visiting Skool, or chat with him on X @DyslexiaSK. You can also catch his insights on YouTube and explore his latest resources on his website.

If you want to connect with other amazing individuals who are navigating dyslexia in adulthood, head over to truthaboutdyslexia.com or join our friendly Facebook group. Our community would love to hear your experiences, your wins, and your questions.

Ready to dunk into more insight and heartfelt stories? Press play on the podcast above and immerse yourself in Philip’s unfiltered look at life with dyslexia. It might just spark your next breakthrough.