National Adult Literacy Database

January 28, 2013

This week, we have a story written by April Cameron, from Sussex, New Brunswick. April is one of the winners of the first annual Lifelong Learning: The Future of New Brunswick writing/video contest, hosted by the Literacy Coalition of New Brunswick (LCNB). She has recently been enrolled in literacy classes at the Sussex Adult Learning Program. 

Story

by April Cameron

As an adult learner, I think lifelong learning is a journey of challenges, self- accomplishment, and unforgettable chapters of positive connections and relationships.

It all started in 2007, when I took the GED preparation course, and I passed. I felt empowered and confident which I had not felt in a very long time. I was ecstatic that I was going back to school. Unexpectedly, my sister required a liver transplant. In turn, myself and my mother moved to Ontario for a year to care for her while she recovered.  Unfortunately, due to this family crisis, my education was again put on hold.

In November 2008, after some initial testing and assessment, I was given a start date and another opportunity to continue towards my diploma. Unfortunately, I did not begin the program because I found out I was pregnant. "How can I do this?" I thought. I wanted to have my education before having children. I remember thinking, "How can I raise a child to have a passion for learning when his mother hasn't completed her high school?"

My son Liam was 15 months old when I decided to give education one last attempt. I started at the learning centre on January 10, 2011. I had many mixed feelings upon my return to school. I was uncertain if I would like the atmosphere and the other students, and I was uncertain of myself. Could I really do this and get my high school equivalency? I felt fear: fear that I would fail, fear of success, and fear that if I did not succeed, I would simply give up.

It is now March 21, 2011, and I have been in the program 3 months. I find it hard to believe that I have grown so much as a student in such a short period of time. All my fear has changed to motivation, and all the uncertainties have transformed into positive thinking. My grades are above average, and I am constantly given positive feedback from my teacher as well as my fellow classmates. I feel I have made connections with the other adult learners in my classroom because we are aiming towards the same goal!

When I receive my high school diploma, I have decided to continue my education by attending post-secondary school to pursue a career in the medical field. I would like to work in a lab. I would even like to be a nurse. All I really know is I want to continue to learn, for myself to better our life and where we live, and to show my child how important learning is and how important it is that he continue his education.

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