My Story
My name is Marvette Raland and I would like to tell you about my experiences
with reading. I was born in Jamaica and that is where I went to school.
I started at the age of four years in a preschool class and left school
at the age of fifteen after completing the eighth grade. I had planned
to go on to high school but I was not allowed to because I had never learned
how to read or write. My childhood had been sad in a way. I had struggled
year after year doing the best I could in school. No matter how hard I
had tried to read I was not able to do it. I remember other kids talking
about me because I couldn't read and how much that hurt me. Also, I have
ten siblings and they all went on to graduate high school. I couldn't understand
what was wrong with me. It left me feeling resentful and less important
than others. Not being able to read was affecting my whole life.
I got married at a young age and had children. After they were old enough to go to school I went through a training program that was available so I could work in a hotel. This was a good job for me and gave me the added income we needed. But it did not solve my problem. I was still not able to read and write. I was embarrassed about not being able to read. It seemed like I was always having to pretend I could read so no one would know I couldn't. It made me feel like I was living a lie and I hated that. I also wanted to be able to sit and read for enjoyment like other people did. I could feel my self-esteem getting lower and lower. Then one day I heard about a program called JAMA. It was a program I could go to as an adult and learn to read. I decided to give it a try but did not have good results. I tried every place I could find but it was always the same in the end. I could not learn.
About eighteen years ago I moved to the United States. After living here a while I realized that to succeed I needed to have an education. I had always wanted to be a nurse but I realized I would need a high school diploma before I could even think about such a thing. One day I heard about GEDs and thought I might be able to get one. I went and signed up for the course and got started. The instructor I had realized how hard I was working and trying to do my best. She also realized that I was struggling. I was set up to do some testing and that was when I found out I had been born with a learning disability. This explained my problem. I was told that I would have to learn to read before I could go on any further with the GED Program.
I heard about the Literacy Volunteers of America and decided I would
see what they could do to help me.
This was a little over two years ago. I am very happy to say that they
have changed my whole life. I have learned a lot since they started working
with me. I am able to read much better and I am writing better also.
I was able to get my CNA License and work at a job I enjoy. This is something
I had been told I would not be able to do. I also have my drivers license.
Again, something I was told I would not be able to do.
I can't say enough about the Volunteers. They are all very nice and have the patience it takes to tutor someone like me. When I told my Instructor that I had a big goal she asked what it was. I told her I wanted to become a citizen of the United States. She thought that was great and got very excited. I told her I had a month to learn all I had to know to pass my test and she assured me I would do fine. We went right to work on it. With her help and faith in me I passed with flying colors the very first time. The man who gave me my test said I knew so much he would think I had been born here. I am now able to do things I have never been able to do. I have improved in my job performance at work and I love being able to sit and read for enjoyment. The best thing is, I am not afraid of the unknown any longer and I want to thank the Literacy Volunteers of America for this.
I am writing this for others to know that if they think there is no hope they can definitely trust in the Literacy Volunteers of America and if they decide to work hard they will achieve their goal. I know I am still determined to be a Licensed Nurse and that is my next goal. Thank you.