My Success Story by Barb Lowder

I would like to share my story. My friend started going to the Learning Centre for Georgina. I was driving her there. When she went in for her meeting she asked Susan, the Program Manager, about their program. She told Susan that she had a friend that needs that kind of help in her reading and spelling. Susan said get her to fill this form out with you. So I filled out the form. Then we arranged a meeting.

I started going for help on Feb.25, 2000. My first day, I was feeling scared and nervous. I was uncomfortable talking to new people about my problem. I have had this problem all my life and it makes me mad and ashamed. When I had my children I couldn't pick up a book and read it right. I made up the story in the book by the picture. As they became older I couldn't help them with their homework. I can't work but I would like to be able to.

When I went in the second day I was scared when the computer asked me to spell a word that I had no idea how to spell. I'm still having this problem when the computer asks me to spell. At first I had a hard time with some words and had to spell them over and over again until I got them correct. Often I would forget a letter or two. I'm getting better at it.

Now I will ask for help on my words. I will pick up a newspaper and try to read it. I keep working on the words that I learn at the Learning Centre. My family and friends notice a change in me since I have been going to the Learning Centre.

Now when I go in there I forget my problem. I feel great getting this help. I work hard and ask for help when I need it. Everyone there explains things to me and they are helpful. Things don't look so hard after all. When I walk out of there I feel good about myself.

I now have a tutor that works with me on my sounds and words. We have just started working together.

I have learned a lot already from it. One day I will be able to read anything, recipes or cross-stitching. I will be able to bake and cook different dishes for my family. I believe one day I will read to my grandchildren.

Thanks to my friend, my tutor, my Instructional Assistant and to the Learning Centre for Georgina, I will be able to read.

Thanks for all the help on the computer and for understanding people like me who have this problem.

Thanks to my family who helped me out a lot. It is great to have this support. This keeps me going.

B.L.

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