Why It Matters

Thoughts By Karen Eriksson-Lee

9/7/26

During the latter days of August, I read the book I'm Just a Kid With an IEP, written by Author, Speaker, Financial Advisor, Real Estate Investor, and Entrepreneur, Jordan Toma.

The book chronicles his academic life as a student with an IEP due to ADHD, dyslexia, and a reading comprehension disability. As a teen and young adult, he desperately tried to find his place in the world. Because of low expectations often set by those who were supposed to educate him, he felt he wore a label on his shirt every day until he was 18 years old that said, "Disability." He shared that he felt he was not as smart as everyone else, and it caused anxiety and doubt in him about his abilities.

This book matters because it not only serves as a testament to overcoming obstacles that disabilities often present, despite what those around you believe you are or aren't capable of achieving, but it also serves as a reminder to everyone working with children, especially teachers, to believe in every child in their care. Parents, teachers, coaches, and anyone working with children need to believe in each child's abilities and individual gifts. They all have them, and we need to make sure we are noticing them!

Jordan Toma's mom was a tireless advocate for her son. When Jordan didn't believe in himself, his mom always did. When he was surly and angry due to anxiety and low self-esteem, his mom still believed in him, loved him fiercely, and pushed him to reach for the stars.

May we all be like Jordan's mom and others who never stopped believing in his gifts and abilities - those who pushed him to take the label off and defy all the odds. Let's encourage our children, grandchildren, students, and those in our midst to be like Jordan and push past the fear to reach the goals they set for themselves. Let's encourage, equip, and then celebrate every child as they pass the finish line of every race they run!

I've just received Jordan's second book, Invisible, in the mail, and I look forward to reading it next. You can find more information about Jordan Toma's motivational speaking engagements and his books at: Jordan Toma | motivational speaker for schools