National Adult Literacy Database

November 4, 2002

This story was written by Cheryl Bennett, from Victoria, BC. Cheryl has been a learner at Project Literacy Victoria, in Victoria, B.C. for two years, and she would like to share her story with other learners around the world. In 2001, Cheryl won the Learner Achievement Award at the PGI Golf Tournament for Literacy. Becoming literate has changed her life in ways she never thought possible. She has included her story below.

My Autobiography

by Cheryl Bennett

I was born in Victoria 10 minutes after my twin sister. We attended Burnside School where my sister passed each grade, but I fell behind. I was too old for Grade 6, so the school pushed me into Grade 8 at S.J. Willis School, where I didn't know anyone. I was very scared. I was about 15 years old when they put me into an occupational program for three years. We didn't study many subjects, but we did a lot of work experience. I worked as a farm hand, a stockroom clerk, a ceramic worker, and at the SPCA. I graduated from Grade 10 when I was 18, but when it came time to find employment, I couldn't read the application forms. A friend had to go with me to help fill out the forms. For the next 20 years, I worked as a chambermaid or a janitor until my health declined.

Social Services told me about the program at Project Literacy Victoria. A close friend encouraged me to join because it took a lot of courage for me to go. I had low self-esteem and anxiety attacks. Just talking to people or taking the bus was hard for me.

When I first started working with my tutor, I had a hard time reading street signs or the bus schedule. I felt very anxious taking the bus. Today, I can read the ads on the bus and I feel less anxiety. Since I have been in this program my whole outlook on life has changed.

For 22 years, I wanted to read Anne Frank's Diary of a Young Girl. I read it in grade 8, but I didn't understand it. Reading and understanding the words, was like finishing a beautiful painting. I felt wonderful! Now that I can read, write, and use the computer, I feel confident and braver. I am more outgoing, and I am more assertive. Finding new books, and large print books is easy on the Internet. I have enjoyed reading about Emily Carr because my favourite hobby is painting.

Since I have been at Project Literacy Victoria, I have returned to a part-time job. My boss says that I have improved so much. My tutor and I volunteer interviewing new tutors for the program. I like being part of the team to help find new tutors. I am also on the Board of Directors for P.L.V. acting as a learner representative. I help plan events with other learners and I give speeches at fundraisers or other events.

My life is new and exciting: having the courage and the desire to go into a bookstore and browse through the bookshelves, getting lost in a world of books, and the excitement of putting a picture to the words, has opened up my life in ways I never imagined possible.