The Hamilton School at Wheeler is hosting a variety of events to celebrate our annual, all-school Learning Differences Awareness Weeks. Last night, we heard from a panel of alumni who shared fond memories of Hamilton, the advantages of having a neurodivergent brain, and advice for other students experiencing challenges related to their learning differences. The panelists included:

Whitman Littlefield ’07, who is now a managing editor at the Providence Journal. “The way my brain works around story structure and how it resonates with an audience is why I have my job,” he said. “The story is what informs people. I’ve always loved stories.” He noted that when a child is diagnosed with a learning difference, the child and their parents are often nervous about whether they will be able to read and write, and more broadly, “whether they will be able to function in the world. I certainly never would have learned to read or write without Hamilton, so I am eternally grateful.”

Madison McDougall ’21 is a senior at Northeastern who is studying international affairs and environmental studies. She was inducted into the university’s Huntington 100 Society, which recognizes 100 of the most influential graduating students each year. “I can say very confidently that none of these opportunities would have happened without Hamilton,” she shared. “It was the confidence that Hamilton, and later Wheeler, gave me that was life changing.”

Alyssa Roop ’23 is working in the Aerie Enrichment Program at Wheeler. She said she is excited to be working with children, where her learning differences help her to navigate their energy and understand their diversity.

Brendan Sweet ’07 is a global product director for Generative AI at the Boston Consulting Group. “[My learning differences] gave me the advantage of looking at the world from a different angle,” he said. “As a strategy consultant, it became apparent early on that I approached problems differently from my peers and that has served me well.”

Thank you, Brendan, Alyssa, Madison, and Whit, for sharing your experiences and inspiring today’s Hamilton students and our whole Wheeler community!