National Adult Literacy Database

March 31, 2003

The following story was written by Michelle Fish, from Simcoe, Ontario. Michelle is the mother of three young children. After she decided to do upgrading, she needed a place to study, so she enrolled in literacy classes at the Haldimand-Norfolk Literacy Council in Simcoe.

Story

by Michelle Fish

I am writing you today because I wanted to let the council know how beneficial a program this is. I have been involved in the day to day goings on in the class. I have noticed the warm atmosphere and easy friendships forming with different individuals in the class and I believe this is a very important aspect of learning that you wouldn't have gotten in highschool. There are no cliques and everyone gets along. Each of us has a different reason to be here but we all treat each other like equals. I myself needed to get my highschool diploma and if it hadn't been for the literacy council I would never have finished. I have 3 kids at home and needed a place to study so that was the reason that Debbie van Grieken suggested that I come to the class. I not only found that I could do the work I also had an awesome support system that I would never have expected. And I know for a fact that I wouldn't be where I am right now if it weren't for the Literacy Council. I am now almost finished my goal and also have a job lined up to start in January as a Pharmacy Technician and I owe it all to the Literacy Council.

Thank you for listening.

[This story was taken with permission, from the Haldimand-Norfolk Literacy Council website, Learner Testimonials section.]