National Adult Literacy Database

February 11, 2008

This week, we have a story written by Jean-Guy Racine, from Gatineau, Quebec. Jean-Guy is enrolled in literacy classes at Hull Adult Education Centre in Gatineau.

My coming back to school

by Jean-Guy Racine

My coming back to school was a great thought. I had gone to a Modeling school and to a Hair Dressing school. I had graduated from both of them. I have always had problems with my writing and spelling, that is why I decided to go back to school. Presently, I’m at the Hull Adult Education Centre in Gatineau.

As a graduate from these professional Academic schools, I always had my equivalence. Though I graduated from these professional schools, I still don’t know how to write and read properly. I decided to go back to school. My inability to write, read and spell properly has been going on since I was young. I had a lot of problems with letter writing or even trying to write little notes, I have always had spelling mistakes.

But now that I have enrolled my self in school I know that I’m learning to spell, write and read. Writing this assay is one of the greatest advantages that I’m getting. There has been an impovement since my enrollment at this adult school.

Going back to school boosted my self-esteem, and it made me happier. The joy that I have now gives me courage despite the mental sickness I have. It really proves to me that I’m getting to be like all the others. It’s the greatest thing that has happened to me. One of them is really to get my writing and reading done properly. I no longer use my sickness as an excuse.

But I will depand on my teacher to help me make it through. I want to eventually go back to work in order to live a fullfilling adult life.

Now I do really believe in my self. I also want to succeed as a good student. I will graduate, get my diploma with all of my faith, strength, courage and all of my patience. Making this decision has made me a winner. Being a winner means that I will be out of the Welfare system and the Regie des Rente. I hope this little story about why I came back to school will influence the person who has been struggling in his or her life.

[This story was taken with permission, from 2007 Recognition Awards for Adult Literacy - Submissions, published by the Centre for Literacy of Quebec.]