Q+A with Jacquelyn Taylor

I competed with Jacquelyn In the 2022 Miss Teen Maine competition. She represented Brunswick; she was also named Miss congeniality. Jacquelyn advocates for people who have learning disabilities on a TikTok account called @Jacquelyn_Elyse. She has even appeared in a segment on “A World of Difference” which is a PBS show about neurodiversity.

A quick definition of dyslexia and dyscalculia:

“Dyslexia is a learning disorder that involves difficulty reading due to problems identifying speech sounds and learning how they relate to letters and words (decoding).” From The Mayo Clinic

“Dyscalculia is a math learning disability that impairs an individual’s ability to learn number-related concepts, perform accurate math calculations, reason and problem solve, and perform other basic math skills.” From Additudemag.com

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What made you want to compete in pageants?

I didn’t even know that Maine had pageants until I saw a TikTok account talking about their experiences in pageantry. Then I quickly searched to see if there was any nearby to compete in. When I saw that the Clemente Organization had one available in 2022, I knew I had to compete! I thought that pageants would be a great way to get out of my comfort zone, advocate for learning disabilities, and meet new people. It was a positive first experience!

How do you advocate for learning disabilities?

I am currently an advocate for people who have learning disabilities (more so dyslexia and dyscalculia) on TikTok: @Jacquelyn_Elyse. I have had other opportunities to advocate for people who have learning disabilities outside of TikTok. Some of these include writing an article for Dystinct magazine, being in a PBS show about neurodiversity, and collaborating with EdwardTeachApparel for a dyscalculia awareness clothing collection.

Why did you choose to advocate for learning disabilities?

I was diagnosed with dyslexia when I was nine and dyscalculia when I was fourteen. After my second diagnosis, I really wanted to better understand my disabilities. I decided to look on social media to see if there were other individuals speaking about them but hardly came across anyone. I realized that I had the ability to advocate for individuals who were struggling just like I was. I created my own TikTok account in the fall of 2020 to spread awareness on dyslexia and dyscalculia. My goal was to showcase what dyslexia and dyscalculia were, ways to help oneself, and have people feel heard/understood.

How does your learning disability impact your life?

Something that many people may not know is that signs of learning disabilities may vary from day to day or month to month. The biggest impact of my learning disabilities in my life, as of now, is with learning how to drive. Let’s talk about the speedometer. The speedometer in my mother’s car looks almost identical to an analog clock which I already can not read. So, I solved this problem by downloading a digital speedometer app on my iPhone. Then there are the directional issues of turning left and turning right. My parents have been using hand signals while they say directions to me which has been so beneficial. My difficulties at school usually stem from reading comprehension issues.

What is something you would tell someone struggling with a learning disability?

Please know that your feelings towards your disability(s) are valid. I know it can be extremely confusing and frustrating sometimes, but I won’t discredit that. However, I do hope you know you don’t have to be ashamed of your disability. Finding my learning disability community online really made me feel seen and less alone. I bet if you also followed people who share similarities with you then you’ll also feel acknowledged. Lastly, you are so smart even if you don’t always believe it!!!

What has been the biggest challenge in your life?

The biggest challenge I’ve faced was having people at my school not being able to accommodate me. me and think that my disabilities were fake. My parents are my biggest advocate and when these situations have arisen they’ve taken care of it. However, I have also learned how to self-advocate which has become so important. I am less afraid to ask adults to give me my accommodations if they have forgotten as well as explain the reason why I need them.

What is some advice you would give to someone thinking about competing in pageants?

I would say GO FOR IT! It is an awesome experience that can lead to so many paths. My path ended up being self-confidence, yours may be completely different. I know this is something that many people touch on but please remember to BE YOU. You don’t have to wear 5 in high heels or wear fake nails if that is something that you don’t prefer. Stay true to yourself and have loads of fun!

Follow Jacquelyn's Journey

Instagram: Jacquelyn_Taylor

TikTok: Jacquelyn_ Elyse

Link to watch her segment on PBS

https://youtu.be/e3rR8INCwuI

TimeStamp of where I appear: 10:20-11:46 and 17:00-17:34