National Adult Literacy Database

October 1, 2012

This week, we have a story written by Margaret Taber, from Sussex, New Brunswick. Margaret is one of the winners of the Writing Contest 2012 – How is Continuous Learning Making a Difference in Your Life?, hosted by the Literacy Coalition of New Brunswick (LCNB). She is enrolled in literacy classes with the Sussex Adult Learning Program.

Story

by Margaret Taber

My name is Margaret Taber. I have been out of school 42 years. I have two boys. They are adults now. They both told me to stay with my schooling. They said “I know Mom, you can do it.” Also my husband says the same. When you get encouragement like that from your family, it says a lot. I have been coming to the Sussex Adult Learning Program for about a year.

Being back in school is a good thing. You get to learn new technology. When I was in school there weren’t any computers, just typewriters. Internet is new technology. It is positive being back in school because it keeps your mind sharp and you stay on top things. I have learned a fair amount, but there is still a lot to learn yet before I write my GED.

I like going to computer class every Monday. I can send e-mails on my own, and that is a lot of fun. I am also learning how to type. I was on Facebook yesterday, and I saw forty pictures of my grandchildren. Also, I listened to a video tape of my grandchildren and their dog Wonka. I really enjoyed that.

I am doing well in math. The marks I make in math make me feel proud of myself. I have a good teacher and that means a lot. She really knows how to put the point across so that you can do your work.

In English I think I am doing okay. It takes a while for things to click in. All on can do is keep working at it and it will come. I read books more now than I did before I decided to come back to school, which I think is great.

For me, being back in school is a challenging experience. You were never too old to learn. You can learn something new everyday.

[This story was taken with permission, from the Literacy Coalition of New Brunswick (LCNB) website, under Learners’ Stories.]