This post is part three of a three part series made possible by the Writers for Readers program, a partnership between UMKC’s Creative Writing Program & Literacy KC. It gives our students the opportunity to express themselves in new, exciting, and more imaginative ways all while improving basic reading and writing skills. Here are some of the interesting things they had to say:
Albert: I’ve been a janitor. I liked working around older people. Basically I’ve always been around older people, even when I was younger. I didn’t hang around with people my own age. They couldn’t teach me nothing. I’ve learned good work habits, like learning how to do light fixtures, plumbing, and machinery. My goals are to get my GED and read. I’m playing with the idea that I might take college courses. I’d study business. I would like to get the old houses that they’re tearing down and fix them up.
Nicole: My biggest challenge has been learning how to read and put sentences together to write a story. I’ve had this challenge all my life. My teachers just passed me from grade to grade. It’s hard for me to read my bills, read a grocery list. If somebody writes something down for me to read, that’s hard. I want to learn to read and do the things in life I need to do. I’m looking forward to learning how to read better and be able to go to college. I want to do something with animals. I love animals. I have four cats. If I could have more I would, but my husband said four was all I could have.
Want to get involved and help make a difference in the lives of our students? Email info@literacykc.org or call 816-333-9332. To read part one of the “Students of Literacy KC” series, click here.
