National Adult Literacy Database

I started with ACALA in October 1998. I wanted to get my grade twelve. I want to be able to get a better job with a higher education. I’ll be able to do that now. I also come to school because I have two kids who are in the younger grades right now. When they reach high school I would like to be able to help them with their homework.

By coming back to school I find it much easier to read, and to do math and science. It was hard at first to be going to school with a family to look after and a home to run. I made up my mind to go back to school, and I went for it.

After I get my GED I want to take a computer course. Someday I would like to be an accountant and have a small business in my own home.

am glad I went back to school because I am no longer struggling with my reading, math, or science. If I can do it, I think anyone can do it.

I owe it all to ACALA.

[This story was taken with permission, from Special Writings by Special People, a collection of writings by adult learners from upgrading programs in Nova Scotia, published by the Antigonish County Adult Learning Association (ACALA).]

December 4, 2000

This story was written by Mary Anderson, from Purl Brook, Antigonish County, NS. Mary has two children and a cat. She decided to take adult upgrading in February 1998 after being out of school for 17 years. Mary's main reason for taking upgrading is to be able to help her children with their homework, but she also hopes to take a computer course after she writes the GED tests to get her high school equivalency certificate.

Going Back to School