I had a surprising request this week...

A young adult contacted me about tutoring services. He had reached out to several online tutors for help with his spelling, and I was the only one who responded.

I asked if he had time for a virtual call, and he quickly joined.

During our conversation, I discovered he is a very intelligent young man. He simply felt he might have dyslexia because he has struggled with spelling for so long.

He didn't have a conventional upbringing, and his cultural background meant he learned a different language and attended a nontraditional school. None of these experiences are negative—they've simply influenced the development of his written communication skills. He feels this is holding him back, and he wants to make rapid improvements so he can at least choose the correct word when using autocorrect while typing.

I don't blame him! I'm so proud of him for reaching out and asking for help.

You might be thinking that I'm not qualified to help an adult. I wondered the same thing at first. However, after reviewing a writing sample and speaking with him, I truly believe I'll be able to meet his needs.

Here's the thing: I don't work with everyone who reaches out to me. If someone's needs aren't something I can effectively support, I won't accept them as a client.

We had an open and honest conversation about what he wants to accomplish, and his goal is clear. I'm creating a plan to help him move forward, and we'll adjust our approach along the way if needed.

I believe he's going to do great. He's motivated to learn and eager to get started. In fact, he reached out to me last night, and we begin today. I'm grateful I had room in my schedule to offer him the support he was looking for.

I guess I'll have to change the age range I support from ages 6–14 to ages 6 through adulthood.

Off I go—my first adult student awaits!

For more information about Tutoring with Sheryl, visit: https://tutoringwithsheryl.tutorbird.com​