Literacy Impacts Everyone!

I cannot imagine a life without reading. I have been an avid reader, primarily of fiction, since I was a very small child. I was one of those kids who would read under the covers at night with my flashlight until my parents came to scold me to turn it off! As a child I found new worlds through the genius of C.S. Lewis (Chronicles of Narnia), and then a panoply of science-fiction authors of the day (Isaac Asimov, Robert Heinlein, Arthur C. Clarke, etc.). I could lose myself for hours on end exploring worlds so different from my own. Every single person should have the basic reading skills needed to open these doorways to different experiences and different perspectives.

After I retired from IBM three years ago, I wanted to find ways that I could help others achieve their personal goals. While I explored opportunities to support the people in my community, I came across Washtenaw Literacy and attended one of their orientation events. As a long-term Ann Arbor resident I was somewhat aware of the organization, but as I learned more I knew it was a good fit for both my interests and skills.

I started tutoring in two different areas: ESL (English as a second language) and Basic Literacy through a WCC affiliated program that was designed to prepare adults whose goal was to eventually take the GED. Both experiences were deeply rewarding and remarkably different.

In the ESL sessions I worked with relatively large groups (5-8) of people who were often academically proficient but needed help in learning this rather difficult language of ours! In the pre-GED program I worked with much smaller groups, even individuals, who brought a history of academic struggle and often learning disabilities. As I expanded my tutoring vocabulary and skills (both from experience and through excellent tutor training provided by WL) I learned to apply very different techniques and approaches to support the goals of these quite different constituencies.

I’ve had several very rewarding outcomes during my few years as a tutor, but one stands out. I worked with a middle-aged man who wanted to attend WCC’s GED class but whose reading and math skills were several years shy of qualifying him to attend the class. In a relatively short time I found approaches that fit his learning style and he made quick progress. I was thrilled to learn that he took the qualifying exam for the class, passed and enrolled.

I cannot wait for the resumption of in-person tutoring. While I’ve continued (on and off) to tutor virtually during the pandemic, nothing can replace the joy of being physically with your students as they begin their journey towards literacy.