This came from my coworker, Vernetta, this morning.  This is why I do what I do.

"Tonight, I took a little time away from compiling stats for a report to work with one of our beginning readers, B.  (I was working with him when you came downstairs with Marilyn this evening.)  I normally would stop to introduce you to students and tell you what they are working on, but I was afraid this might make B uncomfortable.  After you left, I wanted him to see his progress.  I got a Dr. Seuss favorite, Hop on Pop.  B has a three-year old daughter named Z, and I know he wants to read to his little girl.  He was delighted that he could now read the story from beginning to end.  He chuckled and laughed the whole time he was reading.  He was simply beside himself and kept saying over and over my daughter will love this; she will love this.  

B is taking the book to read to his little girl.  He practiced how he was going to take it out of his pocket and show it to her.  He even voiced, in a little tiny voice, how he knew she would say, “Daddy read to me!” Beaming proudly he said, “Now I can read to her when I tuck her in”. 

Even though it will be a bus ride with a transfer before B makes it home tonight, he was walking on air when he left Literacy Mid-South.

Part of his progress will be easy to measure, the larger part may be a bit more difficult….we are giving him voice and more confidence.  He is giving his family and the community a new role model.  And for him, tonight, one of his dreams came true. 

Kevin, through your efforts and leadership, B and hundreds of others continue to have this opportunity to move forward.

See you tomorrow."

Please consider donating through this page to Literacy Mid-South for our Inaugural Event, Tutor-A-Thon.  Your help will create hundreds of new opportunities at Literacy Mid-South for those who cannot read.