Dunson Did It

As I have mentioned before, a lot of my late nights are spent researching obscure APD stories. I have to use some distinct parameters in an advanced search to find "the good stuff". Because most people haven't heard of the disability, it's hard to find much more than a definition here and there. But tonight, I found out about a college basketball player named Dodie Dunson. He had a number of articles written about him lately because he was a finalist for the Lowe's senior CLASS award (he didn't end up winning it). The award, for Celebrating Loyalty and Achievement for Staying in School®, focuses on the total student-athlete and encourages students to use their platform in athletics to make a positive impact as leaders in their communities. Here are some things I found in various articles. (I'm too tired to do a bibliography and I'm hoping no one cares that I'm not citing sources.)

Aside from his reputation as a Bradley basketball co-captain, Dunson is probably best known for a smile that never leaves his face and an optimistic spirit that never seems to waver. However, he has APD. The crazy thing is, he wasn't diagnosed until he started college. The 2005 Pantagraph Player of the Year had to leave Iowa State after one year because he was floundering academically (this is when he was diagnosed with severe dyslexia/APD). He finally ended up at Bradley.

The disability impacted Dunson’s ability to comprehend written and orally communicated words. Bradley’s academic support staff steered him to a learning specialist, whom he works with on word recognition and reading comprehension, skills many take for granted. Dunson’s routine also includes reviewing note cards, taking homemade practice exams, writing and re-writing essays. There is no glamour in that … just gradual progress and, ultimately, a diploma.

His grade-point average has climbed to 3.67. He has made the Athletic Director’s Honor Roll the past five semesters, twice with a perfect 4.0.

"For me it's a real challenge. I had to challenge myself to get it done," said Dunson. "My parents always told me, 'if you believe, you can achieve."

Yep, I like finding stories like his!

For I can do everything through Christ,who gives me strength. Philipians 4:13 (NLV)