Strictly Winner Reveals Emotional Tears and School Struggles in Candid Admission
Hamza Yassin, the acclaimed winner of the 2022 series of BBC’s Strictly Come Dancing, recently opened up about his school challenges and personal growth. During his appearance on Emegypt’s The One Show, he shared powerful insights into his experience with dyslexia.
Hamza Yassin’s Journey to Stardom
Yassin rose to fame as a wildlife photographer and television presenter. He earned a degree in zoology from Bangor University and a master’s in biological photography from the University of Nottingham. His work includes the popular CBeebies series Let’s Go For a Walk and various nature documentaries, showcasing his passion for the natural world.
Overcoming School Struggles
Reflecting on his early educational struggles, Yassin described a pivotal moment when a teacher, Mrs. Strange, identified his dyslexia. He initially reacted with tears, overwhelmed by the revelation. “I classified myself as the king of the dyslexics,” he remarked, acknowledging the difficulties he faced in reading and writing.
- Identified dyslexia with help from a teacher
- Felt immediate emotional relief and confusion
- Experienced significant struggles throughout school
Dyslexia as a Strength
Despite his challenges, Yassin emphasized the positive aspects of dyslexia. He highlighted his photographic memory and pattern recognition as strengths that have contributed to his success. By sharing examples of successful dyslexics like Octavia Spencer and Richard Branson, Yassin encouraged others to view dyslexia as a potential asset rather than a limitation.
Inspiring Others Through Writing
Yassin never expected to become an author, stating, “If you told me 15 years ago that I’d be writing books, I’d have laughed.” With the assistance of writers, he now successfully communicates his thoughts and experiences. His books, including Let’s Go For a Walk and Homeward Bound: The Joy of Nature, reflect his journey and passion for nature.
Understanding Dyslexia
Dyslexia is a common learning difficulty affecting reading, writing, and spelling. It does not impact intelligence and is estimated to affect 1 in 10 people in the UK. With awareness and support, individuals like Hamza Yassin continue to thrive in their endeavors.
Yassin’s candid admission of his struggles and triumphs serves as an inspiration for many. By embracing his dyslexia, he has transformed what once seemed like a hurdle into a launching pad for success.
