National Adult Literacy Database

March 31, 1997

This week, we are featuring a poem by Stella Pitruzzela, from the Toronto, Ontario area. Stella has been involved with Frontier College for about ten years as a learner. She is a hard worker, determined, friendly and outgoing. Since the beginning of her literacy classes, she has grown a great deal as a person. With the enhancement of her reading and writing skills, her self-esteem and confidence have greatly improved. Stella always has a smile on her face, despite all the ups and downs she has had in her life.

I Will Survive

by Stella Pitruzzella

Just because I can't read and write, it does not mean I'm stupid. I can get help and support from anyone who is willing to help.

Do you?

I need to let you know that I can help and support you too. Maybe not in the way you help me but I can help.

Do you?

Don't think that because you have more education than I do you can do and say what you please to me. You can't.

Do you?

Many times you have hurt me. I don't know why.

Do you?

I force myself to think before I do or say anything.

Do you?

I don't want to hurt anyone the way I've been hurt. I know what it's like to be hurt.

Do you?

I know I will survive and continue to do well.

Do you?

[This poem was taken from Reflections From The Inside with permission by Frontier College in Toronto, Ontario].