Story of the Week
June 4, 2001
On this week, we launched eleven stories written by students from The Victoria READ Society. You can read their stories as well as hear them.
Rebecca Smith was born in 1970 in Thunder Bay, Ontario, delivered by a team of doctors that performed a Caesarean section on her mother. She was the fourth and youngest child to join the Smith family. Her father and mother devastated the family by announcing their separation when Rebecca was at the tender age of six. Having lived with her father following the break up, she spent much of her time enjoying the outdoors on weekends at their cabin on Lake Superior. It was a retreat from the city and a way to spend quality time with her father. Rebecca's father held down a busy practise as a cardiologist, otherwise known as the heart specialist. It became important for her to have as much attention from him as possible because of inconsistent parenting.
When Rebecca completed Grade 12 in 1988, she took a chance by moving out to British Columbia at the age of eighteen to get to know her mother. Fourteen years later she has built up a solid and nurturing relationship with her mother as well as her new husband. Rebecca has been in Victoria for eight years and living on her own for one year. She hopes to improve her self confidence and self esteem by completing Basic Adult Skills at Victoria READ Society.
Play an audio version of this story
Lessons in Life
by Rebecca Smith
I am totally immature and more often than not I feel awkward inside about how I am perceived by others. It is the biggest challenge for me in attending the Victoria READ Society on a daily basis, and being punctual without reacting from a place of anxiety. There are particular subjects I know comfortably, yet, I lack the insight to other areas, such as, not to take something that does not belong to me. It has another one's ownership on it, violating the personal space of another. Taking personal property without permission is an equally valuable lesson when being held accountable for the consequences. This child-like behavior can be modified as well as rectified through intervention of a teacher or by someone who is looking out for my best interest.
The word "discomfort" is grammatically used as an adjective when describing the word "learning". A person's behavior is developed by imitating another individual's identity. Inner growth involves the human spirit. The search for individualism is a life long journey. Active listening skills are useful, such as hearing the thoughts verbalized and watching the facial expressions and reactions of another. This helps to reaffirm the perception of one's reality.
Powered by Drupal
Office of Literacy and Essential Skills.
