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When I was sixteen I left school. I was really fooled up back then and didn't care about school. The things that I did care about were smoking pot, drinking beer, popping pills and pipping off (I was out of school more than I was in). I was hanging out with the wrong people, but I don't blame my friends for what I did. They didn't twist my arm, it was my choice. I was in grade nine when I finally quit school. I thought school sucked, and I thought the teachers were stupid.

Now I regret leaving school. Look at me now, I'm nineteen years old and I don't have a job or an education. My uncle wanted me to go back to school but I wouldn't listen to him. Then one day I was at my friend's house and my father took a heart attack at my house. My mother told my uncle there was no sense leaving a note for me, because I could not read the note. My father could have died and I would not have known about it.

After this happened my uncle finally talked me into going back to school. My uncle got a good friend, Edgar, to look into getting me into some kind of program. They got me into the Rabbittown Learner's Program and 'God love Doris' for accepting me in the program. I am now able to read and write some, but I want to go on and get more education. My goal is to get my grade 12 and get a decent job. My advice to anyone is to stay in school and get your education.

This story was written by a learner in St. John's. Aaron realized how important reading is in everyday life. Think about the things Aaron talks about in the story and answer the following questions.