Governor Gavin Newsom, during a recent appearance in Atlanta, unexpectedly revealed a vulnerability to connect with the audience. He spoke not of policy or politics, but of personal struggles, aiming to dismantle any perceived distance between himself and the people he serves.
He confessed to a past standardized test score of 960 on the SAT, a number he presented not as a badge of honor, but as a point of relatable imperfection. “I’m a 960 SAT guy,” he stated, immediately attempting to level the playing field, suggesting that even those scoring slightly lower shouldn’t feel inadequate.
The admission took a surprising turn when Newsom declared, with a self-deprecating laugh, that he’s simply incapable of reading a prepared speech. “Literally a 960 guy, I can’t – you’ve never seen me read a speech, because I cannot read a speech,” he admitted, questioning his suitability for a profession often reliant on precisely that skill.
Behind this candid confession lay a lifelong battle with dyslexia, a learning difference that profoundly shaped his childhood. Newsom clarified he hasn’t “overcome” dyslexia, but continues to live with it, a constant companion throughout his life.
He vividly recalled the isolating experience of being a student who struggled in silence, head down, desperately hoping to avoid being called upon in class. The shame and anxiety were palpable even in his retelling, painting a picture of a young boy navigating a world not designed for his way of learning.
Newsom described a hidden chapter of his youth: three days a week spent in after-school programs, the purpose of which remained a mystery to him for a long time. It wasn’t until later that he discovered these sessions were dedicated to addressing his dyslexia.
His mother, he explained, reacted with fierce determination upon learning of his diagnosis. She refused to allow dyslexia to define him or become a self-fulfilling prophecy, fiercely guarding against it becoming an excuse for limitations.
This revelation wasn’t about seeking sympathy, but about offering a glimpse behind the public persona. It was a story of resilience, a testament to the power of a mother’s unwavering belief, and a surprisingly intimate moment of connection forged through shared human vulnerability.
