• Tom became frustrated as he moved into higher grades because he knew the facts for the tests - "why did it matter if his spelling and writing wasn't perfect especially if it wasn't an English class."
• He hated doing written reports and essays and often would just copy material from a book.
• Tom preferred to do multiple choice tests or oral reports.
• Tom didn't miss any grades during elementary school, but he found Grade 9 really difficult - he thought the teachers were too picky and he couldn't keep up with his written assignments. Tom also said there was a lot of reading and it was hard to remember all the information.
• Tom left school once he was 16 years of age, with 7 credits (2 Mathematics, 1 Art, 2 Physical Education, 1 History and 2 Technology) in which he indicated he received a low 70 average. He reported that he liked the math class but didn't like the word problems.

Health:

Tom reported no medical problems and isn't taking any medication. He has been wearing glasses since age 14 and gets regular checkups.

Family background:

Tom is an only child and his father worked at the same beer company, which is how he got the job. Tom stated his father didn't get his Grade 12 diploma, but that never affected his ability to get a job. His father took an early retirement package with the beer company when it closed. His mother stayed at home. Tom knows she got her Grade 12 diploma and worked as a secretary prior to having him.

Work history:

Tom worked at the beer company during the summer, prior to landing the job full time. He held various service jobs such as fast food worker and gas attendant, prior to his full time job at the factory. While Tom worked at the beer factory, he was on the line in different areas including shipping. While he was unemployed, Tom tried a telemarketing job because said he was told he could make good bucks. Tom wasn't afraid of talking on the phone, but he didn't stay because his employers said that he made too many mistakes recording the information from the potential buyer.