Through adversity comes abundance: education professor advocates for disadvantaged children.

• Position: Extraordinary EDUCATION - Interview

Growing up in a challenging environment with a learning disability did not stop Dr. Kelly Grillo, assistant professor in the School of Education, from becoming successful. In fact, it gave her purpose. Transforming her weaknesses into strength, she now offers the next generation of teachers the skills they need to help children others have given up on. Below, she explains her inspirational journey.

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What was your childhood like growing up?

I grew up in poverty to an illiterate mother. I lived in Philly on a little street called Hope Street, where I like to say, "There was little hope on that street." I was born to parents who were married very young. Our parents stayed together for 22 years, and three children later, when I was 12, my mother abandoned us.

Early on, I was given the classification of perceptual impairment, which makes symbol recognition very difficult. I could not read at all in the early years of my education; at times teachers were frustrated because I could not recognize letters in my own name. Eventually I overcame many of those challenges and learned to read.

In poverty and a lack of education grows a deep, deep illness. The social ills that plague the community I grew up in pains me. But by the grace of God I was able to succeed in that community. I have a strong advocate in my sister, who spent countless hours teaching me basic reading, and my father, who pushed me and believed in me. He told me every step of the way that I am powerful and perfectly flawed, enough to change education for children in poverty with disabilities who might also have family challenges.

How have you been able to adapt and overcome--to illustrate that through adversity comes success?

I believe that because I process materials differently by using my auditory processor and then consuming digital text with annotation, I process more deeply. Also, I know that as an individual, I am only as productive as my weaknesses will allow. Along those lines to survive in higher education, I need to be a strong collaborator.

My success has come from working hard, living with purpose and being mentored. I have always focused on being intentional, living a life of purpose, and championing a mission of excellence alongside exceptional individuals who have talents and skills that complement my strengths while silencing my weaknesses.

How has your journey impacted your beliefs?

Once, I was told, "You are not college material," when trying to...