He Taught Himself To Read As An Adult And He’s Been Documenting His Inspiring Journey On TikTok

Dmitry - stock.adobe.com - illustrative purposes only
Dmitry - stock.adobe.com - illustrative purposes only

“What’s up? I can’t read, but that’s alright,” says TikTok user Oliver James (@oliverspeaks1) at the start of one of his videos. 

Aren’t you intrigued as to how this man got here? Stick around to find out!

Oliver James is a TikTok creator and motivational speaker who is documenting his journey of teaching himself to read better as an adult. 

Tons of TikTok users have followed him to support his journey as he builds his reading comprehension skills. This past October, he made a series of videos to explain exactly why he never properly learned how to read. 

In one of his videos, Oliver explains that he was in a special education program when he went to elementary school as a kid. It took Oliver years to realize that the education he received caused a lot more harm than good. 

“I started to think deep, and I realized that when I was younger, I was abused,” says Oliver.

Oliver recalls that the instructors at his school used to lay their hands on the kids. He explains that whenever he went to school, he wasn’t thinking about learning but instead thought about ways to get kicked out, so he could avoid the abuse.

Tons of people flocked to his comment section on TikTok, sharing words of support. Many of them are teachers who are determined never to let their students feel the way Oliver did as a kid. 

“I’m sorry adults hurt and abused you,” commented one user. “It was wrong. You deserved better. Thank you for speaking on it. Congratulations on being a reader.”

Dmitry – stock.adobe.com – illustrative purposes only

Today, Oliver is still working on his reading skills and sharing updates on his progress with his followers. 

“I did not expect to get this much attention from something that I was scared of,” says Oliver. “I struggle with reading. Now, I’ve gotten better…I’m a reader now.”

Oliver is currently reading all different kinds of books, from the Percy Jackson series with his family to motivational self-help books.

Oliver’s progress has been absolutely wonderful, and we can’t wait to see where this reading journey takes him!

@oliverspeaks1

Reading workout I’m Going to the library for 4 books help me get better. #books#reading

? original sound – Oliver James

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