National Adult Literacy Database

July 18, 2005

Grace is in the Basic Education program of the Academic Foundations department at Bow Valley College. This program allows students to improve their reading and writing skills to prepare themselves for high school classes, skills training programs, or direct employment.

 

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My Story

by Grace

Since I have been in this country, I have worked in the same place for six years. I got sick of doing the same thing every day. So I decided to do something different, which is taking care of handicapped people.

For me to do that, I have to have Grade 12 or 11. In this case, I have to return to school. After so many years, returning to school was something new and very interesting for me. I finished elementary school in 1980, which was a long time ago. Now I need to go to school for at least 4 years. However, I just finished ESL school for one year. It was fun, and the teachers were great and wonderful. Now I have three years to finish upgrading. I am supposed to start full-time school, but I can't now. It happened that my mother has been very sick in Africa, so I have to work and help her to pay her hospital bills. If God wills it, I will start full-time next year. I am not learning English just because I need a good job, but also so I can express myself to people how I love them.