National Adult Literacy Database

May 14, 2012

This week, we have a story written by Holly Saunders, from Fall River, Nova Scotia.  Holly is enrolled in literacy classes at the Bedford Sackville Learning Network.

Another Dream Come True

by Holly Saunders

My name is Holly Saunders. I am 65 years old, married with four children and eighteen grandchildren. I am not happy that I only went to grade eight. When my children were growing up, I would not help them with their homework. As my grandchildren were growing up I decided to do something about it. One of my daughters asked me if I was interested in going back to school. I said yes of course. She called the school and I entered. It was the best move I ever made in my life. I met the teachers; they interviewed me and asked me what I would like to do. I said write a book one day. I went and did my upgrading. I am planning to do my GED; however, I still have more math to complete. I am focused on writing at this point. My family were surprised when I went back to school. So far, all my grandchildren have graduated. One is going to be a doctor. I am so proud of them and I would like to be able to understand what they are talking about. They are all doing very well. I talk to people every day about our school. Some think you are too old to learn. I am so proud of myself and with the help of the wonderful teachers, I am able to write my book and hope to have it finished sometime in June of this year. It's never too late to learn. When my book is finished, I will finish my math and go for my GED. People say, "When will you be finished school?" I said: "Probably when I am one hundred, there is always so much to learn." I cannot thank my school enough. It's just another dream come true.

[This story was taken with permission, from The Learning Beacon, Issue 7, September 2011, under  Student Writing.]