By the time Linda was almost 50, she was weary of asking others to spell words or do things for her. She had quit school in Grade 5, tired of being called names in a slow learners’ class. Though able to write her name, she could never read stories to anyone. Working with a tutor from READ Saint John (a Laubach Literacy council) for almost three years, she owns a library card and two dictionaries which she uses often.

I was getting by with my reading but I couldn’t read my mail or storybooks to my children. I was too embarrassed to ask other people for help.

I was a volunteer for the Salvation Army, and helped out in the kitchen. Darren, the Program Director, came into the kitchen one day and asked us if we wanted to learn to read or write. He approached each of us and I told him I would think about it. It didn’t take me long to think about it. Three days later I went back on chapel service and told him I would do it. I went to READ Saint John and they evaluated me and found what level of reading I was at and where to start me.

I was then matched with a tutor and have worked with her for the last three years. I started in (Laubach Way to Reading) Skill Book 3 and she has worked with me until I am now in Challenger 6.

Now I can read. I don’t have to depend on anyone else. I can look things up and do things on my own now. My daughter says, “Mum, you should be proud of yourself, because you have come a long way.” I learned more with my tutor than I learned when I went to school. I missed a lot of school when I was growing up because I needed a lot of medical care.

I also sit on the Board of Directors of READ Saint John as a Student Representative. I have much more confidence in myself and know I can accomplish anything I want. I feel good and I am proud of what I have accomplished.

Written by Linda Hebert, Saint John NB