Dear Literacy KC Community,
When I first came to Literacy KC, I was carrying more self-doubt than confidence. I had dropped out of high school during my sophomore year, and I had spent most of my adult life building a career in the bar and restaurant industry. I worked hard, grew into leadership roles, and learned how to handle long nights, packed crowds, and the constant pressure of keeping everything running. But even with all that experience, something inside me still felt inferior. I wanted stability for myself and a future my son could look up to. I wanted to grow in ways that went beyond the walls of a bar. Still, the idea of going back to school after so long felt intimidating. I wasn’t sure if I could do it—or if I even deserved the chance to try.
Walking into Literacy KC changed everything. From day one, I was met with encouragement instead of judgment, and understanding instead of pressure. My instructor, Mrs. Heather, believed in me during moments when I was still learning how to believe in myself. She didn’t just help me prepare for my GED; she helped me rediscover my confidence and the part of me that had been quietly hoping for something more. Every class, every success, and every small milestone reminded me that I was capable of rewriting my story, no matter how far behind I felt when I started.
Passing all five state exams in seven months became more than a goal—it became a turning point in my life. It was proof that I could rise, rebuild, and aim higher than I ever had before. And then, just three weeks later, I earned my substitute teaching certificate—something I never could have imagined accomplishing a year ago. It marked the beginning of a brand-new chapter, one built on purpose, pride, and possibility. I went from late nights behind a bar to becoming someone who can walk into a classroom and make a difference. That transformation is something Literacy KC made possible. I now look forward to continuing my education at MCC in pursuit of a career in pharmaceutical sales.
Supporting Literacy KC means supporting moments like this—moments when a student realizes their life can expand beyond what they’ve always known. Your generosity doesn’t just fund classes; it gives people hope, dignity, and the courage to step into a future they once thought was out of reach. I am forever grateful for the way this program opened the door to my next chapter and for everyone who believes in students like me.
