"The GED opened my eyes to a lot of things," he says. It helped him approach work and life with more confidence. With his GED in hand, he applied for and got a temporary foreman's job. As an instructor in the driver training program, he helped develop a new training manual. He enrolled in computer courses and continued learning and using these tools. Robert earned the CAMA Learner Achievement Award in 2006 and was invited to join the Learners' Council in 2007. "Nothing scares me now," he says. "I'm really looking forward to my future."

"I can tell my story."

As a member of the Learners' Council, Robert hopes to use some of his retirement time to "talk to people about where I started and where I am now." In his job with the City, he promoted workplace education and attended conferences as a learner representative. No"v, he would like to talk to more people "about how I felt and why I couldn't learn." Robert says he used to have a hard time remembering what he read until his teacher explained that reading word-for-word blocked him from getting the full meaning. "Now when I read, I just assume I know what I'm reading and I understand everything."

Robert admits he was nervous about attending a national meeting with other members of the Learners' Council. "I didn't know what to expect. But I found out what CAMA wanted and felt more relaxed. The whole meeting put me at ease." The other Council members had their stories to tell and, as Robert says, "It's a lot easier when you talk to somebody who's been in your shoes."

Work after retirement

What's next, now that he has retired? ''Anything and everything. I'd jump into absolutely anything." In fact, Robert is starting a new full-time career. He has set up his own construction and renovation business, Sunco Inc., and has already built five homes and fixed others. Robert did all the paperwork for incorporation and designed the logo and business cards. "I wouldn't have spoken to anyone before- lawyers and bank managers."

Robert feels more than ready to take on one exciting challenge after another. "I'm not scared of anything at all. I've never been like this before." Congratulations, Robert, and best wishes in your second career.