National Adult Literacy Database

April 6, 2009

This week, we have 7 stories written by learners from Toronto, Ontario.   The students – Barb, Donna, Christopher, Justin, Gilson, Lindon and Estera - are all presently enrolled in the Literacy and Basic Skills (LBS) program at the Centre for Community Learning and Development in Toronto.

Investing In Myself for My Future

by Gilson Rodrigues

My name is Gilson Rodrigues. I was born in Angola and I speak Portuguese. I have been investing in my future since I got here 7 years ago. I attended high school at Central Commerce Collegiate. After a few months I was invited to play a part in a drama play, but I didn’t want to participate. My classmates were begging me to do it because I am really friendly and popular. I finally decided to do it and I did really well, way better than I thought I could. After that play, I convinced myself that acting is interesting, so I started taking drama classes to learn more about it.

A few months after, I made a strong decision to be an actor. I choose to be an actor because I realized that is something I see myself doing in the future. So after finishing high school in 2006, I started searching for colleges that offer the best drama courses. While searching, I was invited to volunteer with a small drama group. It was really good for me because I improved my acting skills with a couple plays we have done.

Now in 2008 I am attending CCL&D to keep on upgrading my marks so I can feel ready for a full drama course at George Brown. By the time I get to George Brown, I am going to feel strong and prepared to start my course, because I really see myself working as a professional actor in the next 6 years.