National Adult Literacy Database

June 29, 2009

This week, we have two stories from Prince George, BC. Diane Paquet and Benjamin Stepski are enrolled in Literacy classes at the Prince George Native Friendship Centre.

Benjamin Stepski grew up in Prince George. He was not very fond of reading and writing and struggled at school for most of his life. Now he is enrolled in the Learning Circle Literacy Program with the Prince George Native Friendship Centre.

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Story

by Benjamin Stepski

I grew up in Prince George, B.C. I wasn't very fond of reading, writing, and especially spelling. I was put into all kinds of programs, at school, intended to improve my skills in these areas, but to no effect. I struggled on for most of my life.

Then I was given a referral to the Literacy circle program at the Native Friendship Center. I find that I get one on one tutor attention, positive encouragement, and a comfortable environment in which to build my skills. Furthermore, the skills that have stressed and concerned me, to the point of preventing me from pursuing my future goals of entering the social work program, have become nothing more than stepping stones. My path is clear, now I need only to walk it.

There are four basic steps that I try to keep in mind while learning anything, whether it is reading, writing, spelling, math, philosophy, psychology, Neuropsychology, or life in general.

1. Awareness - Being aware of what I need to work on to improve or learn.
2. Breaking down the obstacles - Breaking my tasks down in to smaller and more manageable parts.
3. Imagination - Using my imagination to find a solution to overcoming these obstacles or to deal with the task.
4. Consistency - Continuous practice and regular routine.

"It doesn't matter how slowly you go so long as you do not stop." - Confucius

"Our greatest glory is not in never failing, but in getting up every time we do." - Confucius