Student stories

"To learn to read was a dream of mine, and Literacy Volunteers helped me achieve that dream…There is nothing to be ashamed or embarrassed about not being able to read. Help is available. It will change your whole life." - Ed T.

"My Literacy Volunteers' tutors were very friendly and encouraging. They told me I could do it. Last year, I graduated with a certificate from the community college and became a U.S. citizen. Literacy Volunteers helped me do that. My life has changed night to day." -Maria C.

"With Literacy Volunteers, the one-to-one tutoring was very helpful. It was not a class, and we went at my own pace…I recently received a big promotion and raise at work, so I could leave my second job. Now I have more time to spend with my family. This is the best life for me now." -Jorge G.

"I remember when I arrived in America. I was frightened, because my English was so poor, and I didn't have confidence to speak. A friend helped me get a tutor. She is a very nice person. She knew what I should work on, and she prepared lessons for me. I was bad at pronunciation, so she helped me every time with met, and also I did some writing. Now, I can write and hear better then before, and I try my best to speak in English. My tutor helped me a lot, and I learned many things from her." -Tracy Y.

"I am a sixty one year old male. My parents came from the Cape Verdi Islands. My education was very limited. I was put in ungraded classes and moved along until I was 15. Then I worked on a farm in Newport RI until I was 18. I never learned to read or write while I was in school. My tutor challenged me to learn to read and write. I didn't want to disappoint her, so I accepted the challenge. I began with her help and then help from other tutors, and ended with greater self confidence. It has taken me more than fifty years to get enough confidence to learn to read and write. But, if I can do it, I know others can." -Harry R.