National Adult Literacy Database

August 8, 2005

The story below comes to us from Simcoe, Ontario. The author, Linda Jenkins, is 50 years old. She quit school at 14 years old to get married. She only had part of grade 8 at the time. Her first child was born when she was 17 years old. After a rough marriage, Linda left the relationship. She worked in factories and as a maid in various hotels. Several months ago, Linda discovered that one of her shoulders was in bad shape, and she wouldn't be able to work at her previous jobs. "Why not go back to school?" she thought. A few months later, Linda joined the Dunnville Small Group Classes at the Haldimand-Norfolk Literacy Council. She has very good attendance and works very hard. She hopes to get her GED within the next year.

Good Choice

by Linda Jenkins

I started attending Literacy Council classes in June 2004. When I first came here I was scared to death. With only part of a grade eight education, I felt I really didn't know a lot and I wouldn't remember what I had been taught. I thought people would think I was dumb. Could I really face my fears? I had learned about this school through Ontario Works. I had been to school before and had done well. Since health problems stopped me from working again, this was my option. I have never regretted my choice, and I've come farther than I thought I would.

[This story was taken with permission, from The Connection, Spring-Summer 2005, Haldimand-Norfolk Literacy Council.]