National Adult Literacy Database

January 5, 2009

This week, we have a story written by Eric Savage, from Cowansville, Quebec. Eric is enrolled in literacy classes at Yamaska Literacy Council. After dropping out of school as a teen, Eric mixed with the wrong crowd and got into trouble with the law. He was drifting, but that changed when he began his literacy learning. His new skills gave him a sense of direction, and now he plans to finish school and take a welding course. He hopes his story will inspire others who want to turn their lives around.  Eric is a 2008 winner of the Recognition Award for Adult Literacy in Quebec.  He also won the 2008 Canada Post Community Literacy Award for Individual Achievement.

Experiences I've had (Part II of II)

by Eric Savage

My first real lesson we spoke about getting my learner’s permit. I didn’t think the book would get me anywhere so I went online. Vicky, who works for the Yamaska Literacy Council, told me about her kids and how they practiced the test over the net. My tutor had me go over the entire book to make sure I could read the words right. When the time came for the test I passed two out of the three sections with only three questions missing from passing the third. The second time I passed and got my learner’s permit. I had accomplished one of the many goals I had. Eight months later I went for my license and passed on the first try.

Meanwhile, I was working on literacy books and finished one and got a certificate. I got more self- confidence by getting it and knowing I could do well.

So in September I got into Adult Ed and completed three math books. I was doing really well in French; so they had me do the final test for Secondary three. I passed and am now into Secondary four. I have a long way to go but I can do it and won’t give up.

I am going to school every day and doing well. Working with Martha has changed my life for the better. I’m continuing my tutoring with her and going to school as well.

In school, I met this girl who I am becoming very close to. We have been friends since the beginning of the school year. Before I go farther, I have made some changes. Those changes got me into school and off drugs. I also quit smoking cigarettes. I started smoking at a young age.

From the time I started working with my literacy tutor I have achieved several of my goals that were set when we first met. I got my learner’s permit, driver’s license and financial help before going to Adult Ed. My tutoring helped writing, reading and spelling skills faster than I had thought. It gave me self-confidence and made me realize that I could do well. I am confident that I am going to finish school and get into a welding course but it’s going to take a while before that will happen.

I hope that my story will help those who are in need of some direction in their life to look for help the right way.

Part 1

[This story was taken with permission, from 2008 Recognition Awards for Adult Literacy - Submissions, published by the Centre for Literacy of Quebec.]