Jarrett speaking to children of Dyslexia Buddy Network

CHICAGO- On Sunday afternoon, senior gymnast Trent Jarrett spoke to the members of the Dyslexia Buddy Network in the UIC Gymnastics Room, where he also performed a few of his skills for the crowd on the still rings and floor exercise.

The Dyslexia Buddy Network is a part of the organization, Decoding Dyslexia, which is dedicated to helping Illinois families by providing resources and support. One of the ways they accomplish this is by holding "Champion Chats," where they invite individuals who have achieved success granted their disability.

Founder Kristin Paxton first discovered Jarrett after seeing him compete on season seven's American Ninja Warrior. Learning of Jarrett's accomplishments, Paxton contacted Jarrett via Twitter and asked him if he would be interested in hosting a Champion Chat for the members of DBN where he could shed light on how he has and continues to overcome his disability.

Jarrett was three years old when he was diagnosed with dyslexia and a hearing impairment in his right ear. Growing up in Buford, Ga. Jarrett's parents did everything in their power to help their son move forward academically and live as normal a life as possible.

Jarrett began doing gymnastics around the age of five, but began competitive gymnastics when he was seven. His parents, and his coaches, soon took notice of the natural talent their son possessed along with his obvious love for the sport. Entering high school, Jarrett knew he wanted to go to college on a gymnastics scholarship, but he also knew it wouldn't be easy.

"If I keep making this [dyslexia] a bad thing, I'm never going to get anywhere. On the first day of high school, I was straight with all my teachers and told them, `I have dyslexia I'm going to need a lot of help, I'm going to ask a lot of questions and I'm going to be really confused, but I want to get this done.'"

In high school, Jarrett sat down with a tutor once a week and worked hard to try and achieve the grades he needed to get into college. During his first year at UIC, Jarrett realized that he was fortunate to attend a university that provides disability services, resources, and an excellent support system to which he could turn to.

"Without gymnastics, I wouldn't have the discipline and the repetition or the motivation. It gave me a schedule, and it gave me structure," he said.

When addressing the families, Jarrett encouraged the children to find a passion, anything in life that gives you that extra boost and makes you feel good. Their passion doesn't have to be a sport necessarily; it could be anything including music, art, etc. By having a passion Jarrett believes that not only does it allow you to feel good about yourself, but a passion can also act as an outlet for the many frustrations in life.

Jarrett wrapped up his speech by stressing the importance of using whatever support system and resources the families may have, and concluded by reiterating, "Don't be afraid of this. Embrace it."

Jarrett signing autographs for members of Dyslexia Buddy Network