National Adult Literacy Database

June 6, 2005

The following story was written by Veronika Koschewski, from Calgary, Alberta. When she isn't in art class, speech lessons, or volunteering at Aspen Family Network, Veronika comes to Bow Valley College to work with her tutor, Amy Montgomery, on the SARAW program. She is a vibrant individual who has set her sights on improving her reading and writing skills - already with impressive progress. Words from Veronika's 'pen' flow more readily every week, matched by an increase in reading stamina and new vocabulary. And she is more than just a good SARAW student!

Veronika is active in her community and church and enjoys art, good food, and humour - the finer things in life! She approaches her goals with honesty and hard work, and these are some of the keys to her success. Eternally positive, Veronika and her mother Hannah are always searching for new opportunities for development; they are currently looking into programs geared towards mathematics and accounting. Her tutor knows that whatever Veronika undertakes in the future will be given the same thoughtfulness and dedication she demonstrates here.

Play an audio version of this story

Veronika's Story

by Veronika Koschewski

One Saturday morning, I was awakened by hunger. I was a frisky cat and I pay attention to me, only me! So, I saw a frail mouse who was in her last breath, I grabbed her and ate her up, delicious meal! My throat is dry and thirsty so I went to the stream to quench my thirst, I saw a blackbird sipping water too. I started to say to him, "How's it hanging?" The blackbird laughed so loud that he almost lost his control. The bird started to tell his story, a few months ago the creature talked about an interesting experience, "I was flying in the sky, no thought come to my mind then a big hawk was flying to catch me! I was trapped inside his mouth to serve me for supper with his whole family. I thought of something that the hawk would laugh about, I tickle him. He chuckled as I 'kitzel' him more, he laugh so hard that he let me go into freedom. I raced away from him quickly, and the hawk was still laughing until he knew that I escaped in peace."

We all laugh hard about that, now I know that the big creatures are scary enough but I think the giants have a soft spot too.

The blackbird and I said our good-bye for now. I'll be back!