Miss Emma

Miss Emma came to us in July of 2003 She was fifty-eight years old and Pre-Lit on her entrance test. She was very nervous and shaking and promptly told me, with tears in her eyes, that she could only read ‘kiddy garden stuff.’

We reassured her and put her on a phonics program called ‘Lexia.’ Six weeks later we tested her again, but not without many tears of protest. Fortunately, one of our gifted teachers was able to calm her down and assure her that no matter how she did, we would not send her away. Her TABE score grade equivalent was 5.0. She loved it!

Emma continued to study and moved into New Century. In June of 2004 she came in very excited. She was finally able to read enough to pass the written portion of the driving test and get her drivers license. The following month she got her Food Handlers Permit--all because she could read.

Sophia

Sophia came in as an ELA student in August of 2004. She was a determined student and soon tested out of the BEST and into ABE at Level II. Over the next year, she felt forced to go to work because of her parent’s health and her family’s needs. Nevertheless, her language skills and reading skills continued to improve.

She did not tell us what was happening at work until July of 2005. One day while we were sharing experiences, with excitement in her eyes, she told the following story.

In December of 2004 there was an opportunity for training and advancement at work. She went to her supervisor and told her she wanted the training. The supervisor hemmed and hawed and attempted to discourage her because of her English. Sophia stood her ground and said, “I’m try!” Again, the supervisor attempted to discourage her. Again, she said, “I’m try!” Three months later a surprised supervisor came to her and said, “Ok Sophia, you got the job. You are the top scoring student in the class.”

Sophia went along doing that new job until November of 2005, without the title or the pay increase. After being stalled by her supervisor, she went over her head to the manager and confronted him. She got her title and pay increase. Since then she has had to stand up for herself and confront negative attitudes and accusations. She has done it with grace and empowering dignity. It has been an honor to be part of her continuing desire to learn and improve.

Submitted by Sue Inman –LVMC-West Lab