National Adult Literacy Database

November 7, 2011

This week, we have a story written by Kelly Worden, from Woodstock, New Brunswick. Kelly is being tutored through Laubach Literacy Woodstock. She is a Grand Prize winner of the first annual Lifelong Learning: The Future of New Brunswick writing/video contest, hosted by the Literacy Coalition of New Brunswick (LCNB).   Kelly’s contest submission was the first time in her life that she expressed herself in writing with the help of her tutor, Christine Roberts. Kelly feels a huge sense of accomplishment for being the grand prize winner and hopes her story will encourage other people who are struggling to seek help.

Story

by Kelly Worden

From left: Executive Director of LCNB, Natasha Bozek and Kelly Worden of Laubach Literacy Woodstock

When I was two weeks old My Mother found out I was Epilepsy and she took it very hard. And when it was time for me to go to school the school-board told her I had to go in to the special class. When I was 5 or 6 years old I went to Kindergarten and went to regular class. But when I was in Princess Elizabeth School I was put into special class. I learned to do crafts and knitting and when I was in high school I was in Regular class. I was in and out of the Hospital a lot.

I work for a living and I work for Kindred home care, and I learn a lot with the Elderly.

Education is important to me. I have a hard time reading and writing and spelling, but when I see the words I know them, I just can not write them down on paper, but since I started the literacy classes it helps me. It makes me feel great about my self.

But back when I was working I got fired from my job because of my reading. My older child did not respect me. It hurts. But I kept my head up. But when I think about my brother Allan he would be pleased about me his big sister learning to read better. My mother and father would be happy about what I have learned over the years.

But I don't look back. I have a great job working with the seniors, you learn more from them. It was hard for me to call for help to learn to read the big words and I took the first step. I have a great tutor. We meet once a week, she helps me so much, it feels like she is a great friend but the best part about my tutor she believes in me, and I believe in myself.

But there is people like me out there, you have to take the first step to believe in your self. It comes from my heart. I know it’s very hard but there is help. But you have to take the first step.

When I took the home care course I had a very hard time, with the Reading but I am hoping down the road I could take the course again and be able to read the words and take the test. But if you have dreams like me, if you want you need to take the first step. Do not let anyone stop you.

[This story was taken with permission, from the Literacy Coalition of New Brunswick (LCNB) website, under Learners’ Stories.]