National Adult Literacy Database

June 7, 1999

Gary Smith is 47 years old and has never had the chance to go to school because of the school system. However, he learned to survive without schooling. He figured things out by getting people to do his reading and writing for him. In the past five months, Gary has learned to stand on his own two feet, since he has learned to read and write.

 

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Becoming a Learner

by Gary Smith

This is my story about learning. It has taken me over half of my life not knowing how to read and write. So one day I decided to do something about it. One day I heard about Project Literacy. It has taken me many tries to go there. Then one day I walked through the door. Boy was I surprised because I found out that I was not the only one with this problem. I asked for help so the lady at the front desk, said "have a seat", and I did. Within a few minutes I got the help I was looking for. It was nice to hear the word, "Welcome". Soon after I was put in touch with a tutor to help me. It was the best thing that had happened, because I discovered she is an extraordinary person. Then I found out that I could go to school full time. Now I like it a lot. The best thing is that I find it's rewarding even though there are days I find it hard. I find reading is very relaxing because now I can understand what I am reading. Now I feel at the ripe age of forty-something life for me is just beginning.