National Adult Literacy Database

January 21, 2013

This week, we have a story written by Maureen (Mo) Biccum, from Kamloops, British Columbia.  According to Maureen, “I go by anything with Mo – Mojo, Mosey, Moses…” Mo tells her story of attending Street School in Kamloops in her own words.  Street School is one example of the hundreds of adult literacy programs across BC.  Mo obtained her Adult Graduation Dogwood diploma in June 2012.

Story

by Maureen (Mo) Biccum

I just love this school. It opens your mind, and opens doors to opportunities that you didn’t even know about. It is awesome. I tried to go back to school twice at [a college] but then I’d get a job and quit. I remember being in a class of about 15 students and getting kind of stumped. I looked out the window and my teacher said, “You aren’t going to learn anything by looking out that window.” I didn’t think I was smart enough to learn again but once you find the faith in yourself, then you can carry on.

When I told a friend I really wanted to get my grade 12 because I wanted to get a better job, she said I should go to Street School. I didn’t want to ask for funding again but she said it was free, open to the public, and had volunteers who helped students, and teachers who gave lots of support. I am now in my third year at Street school. I had to take a bit of time off to deal with family issues, but you can do that at Street School and then, just come back and start where you left off. I have five more units of Math to do and then I will be done. This place just lifts my spirits and gives me inspiration. I tell lots of people about it.

At Street School you just tell them your story and what you want to accomplish – and they say OK, let’s get started. I didn’t think there was a possibility to get my grade 12 but Street School gives that to you. They show you how to make it work. They are there for you. It was a challenge, but completing your grade 12 fills you up with inspiration. You feel, I can do it and start believing in yourself again.

[This story was taken with permission from the Decoda Literacy Solutions’  Annual Report 2011-2012, p.18.]