Hear our stories

“I started having problems with my reading in 7th or 8th grade. I felt as if no one saw the problem. I started to struggle in school. I left school in the 9th grade. The problems I had with reading was one of the reasons why I left school.

I learned about Literacy Volunteers after seeing a commercial on TV and it caught my attention. I liked the fact that it provided one on one tutoring.

What people do not realize is how difficult daily life can be when you have trouble reading. Before receiving tutoring, I could not pick out a card for my mom without help. I could not help my 13 year old son with his homework. I could not read road signs or menus. I had difficulty reading newspapers, instructions and strategy cards for PS2 games. I have been working with Jennifer for about 18 months. As a result, now, I can read all of these things and more. The other day, with the help of Jennifer, I read my first NY Times article about one of my favorite sports - wrestling. I am also now able to use computers as well as the internet.

My family has also supported my efforts to improve my reading. My son and I read together. If I get stuck on a word, he helps me. If he gets stuck on his homework, I help him. My girlfriend, Gina, also helps me. We do word finds and crossword puzzles together.

The program has given me a lot. I try to give back to the program by speaking to the new tutors during their training. I learned that I enjoy speaking to people about my tutoring. I was honored to be ask to speak to all of you tonight.

The tutoring is also helping me work towards my goal of getting my driver’s license. I know that with the tutoring, I will get my driver’s license.

I am thankful to the program because it provided me with a tutor to help with my reading. The tutoring has changed my life.”