I am returning to school for many reasons. I want to get my Grade 12 certificate for self-satisfaction, therefore I have enrolled in adult education classes. I want to encourage and help my three youngest children with their education and finally I want to be able to help in supporting my family.

I came from an alcoholic and abusive home so I was placed in foster homes. In the first one I got my head split open twice and was very traumatized. I was then placed in a French community with an elderly couple who were French Acadians just learning the English language. They had a very strong French Acadian accent making it hard for me to learn.

I ran away in Grade 10. I then tried a new school. It had 1200 students and since I was used to 175 students I just couldn’t cope. I attended a JET (Job Education Training) course. Then I attended Notre Dame until I left for Ontario.

When I returned to the Island I attended a Work Adjustment Training program and then Holland College for Grade 11. I now need my Grade 12 for the course I would like to take.

I chose this time in my life to return to school because I am tired of living below the poverty line. I do not like my children saying they do not have to finish school because I did not. I will not let them quit.

My husband was the breadwinner until his heart attack nine and a half years ago. He is a bad diabetic with high blood pressure. Renal failure caused him to be on dialysis for six years and he was the recipient of a new kidney in January of this year. We’ve incurred quite a few expenses since his heart attack, between travelling, autos, babysitters etc.

If I am fortunate to receive your bursary it would come in handy and be put to good use. I travel back and forth to Summerside for classes each day from Borden.

I am sure when I have completed my Grade 12 and finished my course in either Business Administration or Bookkeeping and Accounting, many more doors will be accessible to me.

Rosemarie Wood

Note: Rosemarie is one of five winners of a PEI Literacy Alliance Adult Learner Bursary awarded in December 2001.