Francine was trying to motivate her two children in their studies when she enrolled herself in an adult literacy class (Alpha Sans Frontières) in Saint- Antoine. She gained confidence. A little while ago, she was invited to speak to school dropouts on the subject of motivation.

At age 16, I was not interested in school and discouraged at not passing. The motivation wasn’t there anymore. I took my things in the middle of the tenth grade and I quit. My choices in jobs were limited and, for many years, I worked as a waitress in a restaurant and as an employee in a fish plant.

My husband had a hairdressing salon and I helped him with the administration duties.

My two children were growing up, and I was trying to motivate them in their studies. I would always tell them that it takes a grade 12 education. However, I didn’t have it and to show them the proper example, and practice what I was preaching, I enrolled myself in an adult literacy class in Saint- Antoine.

After four years in that class, I gained confidence. The desire to do something for myself took hold of my being. The more I would advance, the more I felt able.

Due to a job I got in Moncton as a cleaning person in a hotel, I had to end my studies and move.

A job at the Château Moncton opened doors for me. After a few months as a cleaning person, I became assistant supervisor. Then, the manager asked me to take on the full responsibility of supervising the service. I have my own office.

I am responsible for 15 employees. I do the inventory, take care of the laundry service, and oversee the management of the orders. When time permits, or a cleaning person is absent, I give a hand. I still enjoy working on the floors with the others.

A little while ago, I was invited to speak to school dropouts on the subject of motivation. I was just like them at 16 and I’ve made my way to where I am today.

I would like to conclude by praising the adult literacy service and my teacher for the encouragement and motivation I received in class. Something was telling me, “Francine, you can do it!”

Written by Francine LeBlanc, Moncton NB