12-year-old’s #LikeADyslexic video inspires Richard Branson

Isley Hermansen is becoming an advocate for people with dyslexia early. She’s just 12 years old. But she recently managed to grab the attention of a lot of people — including a celebrity who has been a role model for her.

Isley has severe dyslexia. She struggles with taking tests, writing essays, and reading. But she created a video and posted it on YouTube. In it, she proclaims that she’s going to “succeed like a dyslexic.”

What does she mean by that bold statement? In her #LikeADyslexic video, Isley spotlights the many great things people with dyslexia have accomplished.

One day she’s going to fly like entrepreneur Richard Branson. She’s going to make films like Steven Spielberg. She’s going to write like Maya Angelou. And much more.

Watch the video to see what else Isley will do:

Branson saw the video and shared it on his blog. He also posted a handwritten note he got from Isley.

Branson applauds Isley for spreading the word that dyslexia can be a motivating force. And he asks his fans and the dyslexia community to share their stories. The hashtag to use? #LikeADyslexic.

So the next time your child feels down, help your child take a cue from Isley. Point to examples of successful people with learning and thinking differences. Just like these role models, your child can be successful — and a future inspiration.