Faces of Long Island celebrates the uniqueness of everyday Long Islanders. In their own words, they tell us about their life experiences, challenges and triumphs. Newsday launched this social media journey into the human experience to shine a light on the diverse people of this wonderful place we call home.

“My disability doesn’t stop me. I’ve grown because of it, and I accept me for being me.”

Grace Curry, East Norwich

“When I was young, I went to a school for the gifted. I was struggling, and they couldn’t figure out why when I had a high IQ. I found out I was dyslexic and I have ADHD. I have tracking issues in my eyes. When I transferred to Oyster Bay-East Norwich School District in third grade, I got a lot of help. I created goals for myself. At first you think that having a learning disability is going to make you struggle, and there’s nothing you can do, but my accommodations really helped. I used them so I was on the same level as everyone else. I learned to keep trying until I understood.

Every opportunity I’ve had has helped another experience later.

“[I graduated in June] and I’m going into music education at Grove City College. In high school, I had opportunities to try new things. The broadcasting teacher found me one day and said, ‘How would you feel about doing the news?’ I thought it was going to be morning announcements on the loudspeaker; I had no idea it would be filmed!

“Because I’m dyslexic, I’ve always been afraid of reading in front of people. I don’t know why I was chosen to be a reporter for “Bay News Now,” but I fell in love with it, and I feel more comfortable talking in front of people I don’t know. It helped my speaking and my love for music and theater. I just played Matron Mama Morton in “Chicago.” I was also on the varsity cheer team for five years. I love the feeling of community it brings. OBEN is the only school on Long Island with a sailing team, and I was excited to be a bowman.

“What I’ve learned through the many opportunities at Oyster Bay-East Norwich School District and my own struggles is that you may not be the best right now, but you can learn through trying new things. Being given the opportunity to fail is great! I know I have a lot of time to decide on a career because of [former TV news anchor] Carol Silva. She came for the ribbon-cutting of Oyster Bay-East Norwich School District’s new broadcast studio, and said she began as an education major and fell into News 12. It lifted a weight off my shoulders. Kids who have learning disabilities should take the opportunities given to them and ask for help. They’ll find their way. Every opportunity I’ve had has helped another experience later. My disability doesn’t stop me. I’ve grown because of it, and I accept me for being me.”

Interviewed by Iris Wiener

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Faces of Long Island is produced by Newsday Consumer Marketing. This content does not involve the reporting and editing staff of Newsday’s Editorial Department.