Shirley Mason (pseudonym)

A learning disorder prevented Shirley Mason from taking a math test in a classroom with other students for 25 years. “She had tremendous anxieties about math,” explained Math Instructor Evan Humbert.

When it was time to take the first test in professor Humbert’s class, Shirley showed him the form that stated that she must take all tests outside of the classroom. Humbert reminded Shirley that she had raised her hand during class to answer many questions and that she had received excellent grades on the in-class quizzes. “I told her, ‘I want you to try to take this test in class. If you do not do well on the test, I will let you retake it in the library.’”

Shirley took the test in the classroom — and earned an A. Her confidence rose, and she never took a test outside of class again. She is currently pursuing her associate degree at LFCC.

- Written Nov. 3, 2006