Patrick Flanagan won a PEI Literacy Alliance bursary this December. His employer and tutor references were all enthusiastic about Patrick’s determination to reach his goals. Here is his story….

Patrick receives his bursary cheque from Bruce Stewart, committee chair of the PGI Golf Tournament for Literacy, founded by Peter Gzowski. The annual tournament raises the money for the bursaries.

I knew there must be some type of barrier that was stopping me, so I looked into Skills Development. Then I decided that I needed to upgrade my academic skills. I figured if I returned to adult education at Holland College I would acquire the knowledge I needed to get a better job. I know this will give me a higher standard of living and improve my self esteem.

In December I enrolled full-time in a GED class. After I pass my GED I will need my grade twelve Math and English credits. Then I hope to enrol in a Business Information Technology course. Adult education is also helping with my personal life. It helps get me out of the house to meet new people and to make new friends.

It has been a challenge for me to go back to school because I have had only negative feedback from my family and friends. Being a separated parent with two young sons, I want to set a good example to them both about the importance of education. I have created a plan for myself. It includes getting the necessary knowledge to get into a career in the computer field and excel in that area. Then I can get a better job and do something I enjoy.

Patrick is continuing his studies at the Institute of Adult and Community Education in Summerside.