National Adult Literacy Database

February 5, 2007

The following story was written by Michael Shaughnessy, from Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario. Michael is running for the OLC Board this year. In 1989, he enrolled in the Program Read literacy program in Sault Ste. Marie. At that point, he was unable to read a single word. Michael had a lot of bumps along the way, but now, he can basically read anything that is given to him. His self-confidence has increased tenfold. In terms of his interest, he would like to see the day when we read about literacy problems only in history books.

My Education So Far

by Michael Shaughnessy

I spent my grade school years in what was called “Opportunity class”. To me, looking back, it seemed more like a National Daycare Center. I was given a book to work in with the questions on one side of the page and the answers on the other side of the page, not much of a challenge. It was assumed I wasn’t capable of learning, so I was basically ignored by the teacher. No one cared enough to find out if, or how, I could learn. I didn’t learn to read, write, spell or do math. All I learned was how to write my first name.

When I was too old for grade school I was pushed on to high school. There my education didn’t change very much. The one class I enjoyed and learned a lot in was wood working which I still enjoy doing. I graduated from grade 12 still not knowing how to read, write or spell. I could write my full name and do some basic math, but that was all I could do. I felt I'd wasted 12 years off my life, my tests were given to me orally.

Through the years my grandmother read educational books to me and I enjoyed watching documentaries. I was particularly interested in Canadian politics and history. I also took Martial Arts and could remember the techniques, even up to black belt, as well as, or better than, others in my class. I found this encouraging, but my self-esteem was still pretty low.

One day I saw an ad for Program Read on T.V., a program for adult learners. I gave it some thought and decided to give it a try. I really wanted to lean. I was very shy and nervous when I met my tutor for the first time. She asked me what I wanted to work on and I told her reading, writing, spelling and math, but mostly reading as I found not being able to read a real problem in my life. At this time I could count on one hand the number of words I could read. After my previous school experience I wasn’t convinced I could learn. After three years of hard work with my tutor, I had my own library cord, for the first time ever I’d read a book by myself cover to cover. I’d written short stories and my math had improved.

I’d spent my life trying to hide the fact that I couldn’t read. I avoided places where I might have to read and fill out forms. I made excuses not to visit friend’s homes because I couldn’t read street signs. Now it was like a whole new world was opening up for me. I was thrilled with my success and it boosted my self-confidence as well.

My next step was to buy a computer and learn to use it. In my wildest dreams I never thought I’d learn to read, spell and write well enough to use a computer. I found, however, that before very long I was sending and receiving e-mails and looking up things on the Internet for homework assignments.

I began to wonder if perhaps I could go to college. I didn’t know, but decided to find out. I made an appointment with a counselor at the college to be tested. Just a few years ago I’d never have been able to do this. I was very nervous, but willing to try. I spent most of two days writing tests and then waited to hear the results. The counselor said that my general knowledge and comprehension were above average, but some of my other skills were still a little weak. She said I wasn’t quite ready to start the course I was interested in, but I could take an upgrading course at the college to bring all my skills up to the required level. That’s where I am now, at college working on improving my math, writing and computer skills.

My biggest regret is that I didn’t learn much earlier in my life. I’d love to have been able to study at university. I might not have been successful there, but I didn’t even get the chance to try.