A Story of Perseverance, Triumph & Admiration

Is dyslexia, a genetic trait, intertwined with grit? My husband, Richard Terry-Lloyd, discovered his dyslexia when our eldest daughter was diagnosed. He had always struggled to read but never understood why and growing up in South Africa in the late 70’s and early 80’s there were limited resources to help him. Even as a young child, he seemed to understand that he would not let dyslexia dictate his life.

Stories from Richard Terry-Lloyd’s upbringing in South Africa describe a vivid picture of difficulties wrought by dyslexia and the misconceptions surrounding it. Misunderstood by adults, he was unfairly labeled lazy or incompetent. In a heartending incident in second grade, his earnest efforts in Afrikaans class were met with punishment instead of support. At the tender age of seven, he endured humiliation, forced to wear a "dunce" cap for struggling with the language. Despite such treatment, which would surely foster shame and anger in many, Richard persevered with courage, enthusiasm and, amazingly, optimism.

Immigrating to America at 12, Richard faced new hurdles, balancing academic struggles with adapting to a foreign culture and limited means. Somehow he continued to refuse to succumb to adversity. He navigated the complexities of home life, friends, and schooling, finding solace in his athleticism and unwavering determination. His quest for academic success in high school was arduous, characterized by sleepless nights and relentless courage. And yet, clinching the title of 3rd in the state in wrestling in North Carolina eventually helped him to discover purpose, and confidence. Finding this success outside of school was the glimmer of hope he needed to keep fighting despite the obstacles in his way.

His college years at UC Davis continued to showcase his resilience. Majoring in Civil Engineering, Richard strategically chose his major to accommodate his learning style, saying he ‘chose Civil Engineering because it was the major that required the least reading’. Despite the setback of thyroid disease derailing his wrestling career, he pivoted to rugby, the sport of his youth, leaving an indelible mark at UC Davis, even earning a coveted spot on the Collegiate All-American Men's Rugby Team. Anyone who knows Richard readily witnesses his relentless enthusiasm for life and all the possibilities ahead.

Despite never having completed a full book well into adulthood, Richard's thirst for knowledge remained unquenchable. As a child, he absorbed a wealth of knowledge by listening attentively to his mother, who engaged him in conversations as though he were an adult from a young age, sharing information about world news, politics, business, and more. When introduced to audiobooks at 35, it unlocked a world of learning Richard had never accessed before. He was voracious in his appetite and has maintained an average of about 1 book per week for the last 15 years. His innate ability to absorb information through auditory means underscores the importance of accommodating diverse learning styles and the transformative potential of adaptive learning tools. His journey from never having read a full book to devouring one weekly speaks volumes about the resilience of the human spirit.

Richard Terry-Lloyd embodies hard work , integrity, and compassion, all gained, at least in part, through adversity. His constant zeal for life and optimism are an inspiration. In his career as a sales leader his most important goal is to build up the people around him who seek to learn and grow. He loves working with passionate people and will always guide, motivate, and protect those who he sees as honorable and hard working. Richard's resilience defines his journey, and his dedication to uplifting others epitomizes true leadership.

I believe grit is learned, and Richard acquired this as a result of coping with dyslexia. Ultimately, this has significantly contributed to his excellence, both as a human being and as a professional. My children are incredibly blessed to have him as their example—the unwavering "man in the arena" leading with the highest consideration and integrity. His commitment to excellence and endless optimism serve as guiding lights for those fortunate enough to cross his path. As my children have inherited Richard's dyslexia, my deepest wish is for them to also emulate his work ethic, enthusiasm, optimism, and yes… grit.