Richard was a school custodian when the adult education program director invited him to enroll in the literacy program. Beginning as a basic reader, he attained his diploma and then started teaching others:

It was like a whole new world opened up to me more or less. For a long time, I had a lot of fun with that. I used to read signs on trucks going down the road because before I could never do that. I was reading a lot better in church and I felt better about myself, and I starting volunteering for different things… After I learned to read better and got going, it really boosted me and I could do anything I wanted to do.

While involvement in adult education programs appears to enhance skills and increase motivation and self-esteem, it still remains for the individual to chart his own future. Life does not change for everyone. Frank passed his GED and then stopped studying. He explains:

I guess what happened, after I graduated from the program... I really didn’t pursue the education part of it anymore. That’s where I’m at right now. There really hasn’t been any promotions. I really haven’t pursued the education part to get a promotion. I would say I’m just in limbo.

Most participants who achieved their GED did pursue further education and training. Carolyn expresses their sentiments that the GED was the all important first step along the way:

The GED is a beginning not an end. I wish they [other adult students] would pursue their career and not give up and keep going. Once they get their GED, they can go to college because nowadays it takes more education than a GED. You have to have a degree for everything now.

Anna who earned a master’s degree recalls: I went to Temple and got my Master’s Degree right there at the Apollo Theater on Broad Street, but I didn’t feel in my heart any happier than I did when I first received my GED... That was one of the first goals that I had going. When I received that GED, I was just on top of the world.

Learning as a Way of Life

The third learner outcome observed as a result of program participation was a personal delight in learning, a lifelong pursuit of knowledge and an understanding of the value of education that goes far beyond immediate satisfaction, job security or prestige. Irene, who obtained an associate’s degree in Liberal Arts and helped establish a national organization for adult learners, puts forth her view of education:

Education is ongoing all the time; you learn a lot more than just your basic academics with every education program. I value being graced with the opportunities to keep going… continuing with my education... putting myself in the position where the options are available to me to do something that I feel is meaningful and productive to my life and my family, my community. I think that’s all a part of becoming a fulfilled person, how you function within your own family and work place and with friends.

Vu-Lin’s writing ability in her new language is exceeded only by her insight, as she comments on what education means to her:

Education is very important to me because it helped me with a lot of things. When you can’t read, you feel blind and you feel like you live on the other side of the world. Everywhere you go, you would have to depend on somebody. Now since I know how to read and write, wherever I go, I feel more brighter and I can see where I’m going, what I’m doing and I understand better.