Their Stories

A Student’s Secret Success Story

“I’m learning to read at Literacy Volunteers of Greater Hartford but please – don’t tell anyone or take my picture.”

Illiteracy creates overwhelming stress.  Imagine the personal shame associated with not knowing how to read and the fear of family, friends and employers finding out your secret.  Read about how one of our students overcame his illiteracy through perseverance, obtained gainful employment and developed self respect along the way.

“I came from Jamaica as a grown man.  I had to learn to live in country where reading is a part of everyday life.  I couldn’t even get a driver’s license.  A friend brought me to reading classes [LVGH] back in February of 2007.   I couldn’t start in a classroom right away because the term had begun a month ago.  I was told that I could work on my own in the computer lab.  Oh boy!  I’d never even used a computer!  How was I going to work on my own?  I was lucky.  They had someone to help me learn to type and use a computer.  I spent many, many hours working by myself but there was always someone to help.  That April I started in a Level 2 class.  During that year I got married and my tutors came to my wedding.  It was a beautiful day.

Eventually I found a part-time job doing cleaning in an office.  I took two buses to get to work and it took me 45 minutes to get there.  My biggest fear was if my boss found out I couldn’t read good enough – would I get fired? 

My reading is getting better and I can take part in my church services.  I also took a class [Financial Literacy -at LVGH] to help me manage my money.  I found a full time job and just this year I got my driver’s license and bought a car.  Now it takes me 10 minutes to get to work instead of 45, and I can fill in if someone calls in sick.  I am still going to reading classes and am in a Level 5 now.  I also take a math class that helps me with my work.  My big goal for the future is to become a citizen and buy a house.  I hope to begin citizenship classes [at LVGH] soon.”

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