Vikki Pike has made a habit of overcoming the odds.

The first-year Durham College (DC) student has experienced learning difficulties from a young age. At 16, she was functionally illiterate and was told by her teachers that she would never graduate from high school.

Fast forward six years and she’s not only a high school graduate; she’s a college student.

The remarkable turnaround was fuelled by her unshakeable belief in herself, a tireless work ethic and the support of her family.

“Over the years, I’ve been diagnosed with mild intellectual disability and communication comprehension disability. But those labels don’t define me. They’re just stepping stones on my journey,” said the 22-year-old.

Due to her learning difficulties as a young student, Vikki had often been denied the opportunity to do the same work as her classmates. Her teachers explained they didn’t want to set her up for failure, but that reasoning didn’t satisfy Vikki.

“To me, not trying was the biggest failure of all,” she said. “I was ready to embrace the challenge.”

Working closely with her aunt Joy Prophet, she embarked on a life-changing learning journey. Studying every day and late into the night, she developed essential skills like counting, reading and writing.

She attended the Trillium Demonstration School in Milton and excelled in the Empower Reading Program. Not content to help only herself, she began to advocate for other kids with learning difficulties. She spoke to Ontario’s former Minister of Education Stephen Lecce, successfully lobbying for a second year of access to the Demonstration School program for her fellow students. She also volunteered with the Ontario Human Rights Commission on its Right to Read inquiry report and was influential in getting the English curriculum in Ontario schools updated with science-based teaching and proper testing for all students with learning differences.

Her accomplishments also include being nominated as an International Dyslexia Association Student of the Year.

Once she decided that college was the place for her, she pursued that goal with her trademark tenacity. She started her journey by achieving excellent grades in DC’s Academic Upgrading program. Then, she enrolled in the General Arts and Science program. The demands of a college program have been challenging, but with the help of her professors and DC’s Access and Support Centre, she’s making it work. She even has plans to extend her studies in the future with the Accounting – Business Administration program.

“My professors at DC are understanding and recognize my potential, and they’re providing the support I need to thrive,” she said. “The Access and Support Centre has been instrumental in my success. They offer resources that have made a significant difference.”

Since taking charge of her educational journey, she hasn’t looked back. She continues to challenge herself each day, both in and out of the classroom.

“Learning is a gift I cherish. I approach every class with eagerness to absorb as much knowledge as possible,” she said. “College is demanding, but I appreciate every learning opportunity and I am loving it.”

She also plans to continue advocating for her fellow ‘Slippsters’ – those who have slipped through the cracks of the education system.

“I want to ensure that no one else has to endure what I did,” she said.

“To other students with learning difficulties: You can achieve your dreams with hard work, perseverance, and self-belief. Use the support around you, ask questions, and don’t rush the learning process. Remember, it’s not how quickly you learn, but how much you learn that truly matters.”