Glen Smith is one of The Reading's Clinic's success stories. This may shock you because most people know the charismatic 34 year old through the island's largest international courier company, International Bonded Couriers of Bermuda Ltd. (IBC) where he is the president.

My first impression of Mr. Smith was one of confidence. He is the type of business person who smiles easily, is friendly and easy to converse with.

However, he told me that he has not always been the confident, happy person he is today. He shared some poignant facts about his childhood.

When Mr. Smith was 11 years old he was diagnosed by Mrs. Elizabeth Kitson as dyslexic.

"I attended Saltus. I did poorly and was unable to keep up. I recall that in the first grade they had a tray of sand for us to learn to write our names and I always did my g and l backwards.

"My problem was reading. I couldn't understand what I was reading. I couldn't put thoughts on paper. The headmaster told my parents I wouldn't amount to much in life.

"My classmates were cruel at times in childish ways. I was always one of the last boys chosen to make up a sports game at recess, if chosen at all. There were usually two or three of us that lingered along the wall and sadly watched the other boys, wishing we could play.'' Mrs. Kitson began tutoring Mr. Smith at her home, `Cave House' on Harbour Road, Warwick but they were not that successful at first. She put his parents in touch with The Rectory School in Pomfrey, Connecticut where they are equipped to handle students with challenges such as learning disabilities.

At age 12 Mr. Smith began a journey which changed him from a low achiever into a high achiever by the end of 7th grade.

"I could barely read, write my name or put a sentence together when I started the The Rectory School. They gave me one on one tutoring six days a week and by the end of the school year I was at the normal level for my age.'' That summer when Mr. Smith returned to Bermuda, he also attended The Reading Clinic. He recalled that Mrs. Kitson had a teacher from the US or Canada and they helped him tremendously. That year was a major turning point.

Mr. Smith said, "Suddenly my self-esteem went from zero to way up there.'' At the new school everyone participated in sports and I discovered I had an athletic side. I managed the lacrosse team which taught me team work and how to motivate and manage people.'' After four years abroad, Mr. Smith returned home with good marks and a solid educational background. He had the opportunity to attend college but decided to become a vital business person and is today very accomplished.

Dyslexia never leaves the person in Mr. Smith's opinion. There is the need to stay focused and you have to work harder than the ordinary person.

"You never overcome it. You train yourself to read and listen well.'' Mr. Smith is happily married with two sons, Somers and Carter. He is a responsible family man who enjoys being a father.

His company, IBC, is a tremendous success which began with 5 staff and now has 76 staff. He thrives on the challenges of his company and takes pride providing excellent international and local courier and cargo services.

He delights in hobbies of cycling, running and horseback riding.

As we ended the interview Mr. Smith spoke in a soft, sombre tone: "If it wasn't for Mrs. Betty Kitson and her diagnosis and help, I would not be a successful business person, nor would my life be a success today.

"Bermuda should be proud to have a person of her stature in our community.'' Mr. Glenn Smith, capable, confident and happy because The Reading Clinic made a significant difference in his life at the age of 11.