Alejandra and Clemente
By Sandy Reed, Vision Literacy tutor Literacy success is all about teamwork and I'm proud to be part of a team that includes two all-stars, Alejandra and Clemente Limon. For nearly two years, I have been teamed with Alejandra and my husband, Bob Ingle, has been teamed with Alejandra's husband, Clemente. Initially, we all worked with traditional tools such as workbooks and flashcards. But we soon discovered different methods that worked for us. Alejandra began to tutor me in Spanish and discovered that her English improved along with my Spanish. Then we began cooking together and ended up enrolling in cake-decorating classes. We started with an adult education class. Then Alejandra learned that an arts and crafts store in her neighborhood offered more advanced classes. On July 7, we graduated from our third course. Alejandra is such a good student that she has begun to sell cakes to friends and co-workers and our instructor suggested she consider becoming an instructor herself. "Sandy makes me feel secure about myself and gives me the confidence to keep going with my cake-decorating classes," Alejandra says. "When I don't understand something, she helps me by showing me pictures or giving me different definitions of words. I am so grateful for her support." Clemente is a professional painter with plans to run his own paint-contracting company. After he and Bob worked together a few months, Clemente decided to take the California contractor's exams. Recently, he successfully completed one of the two exams and barely missed passing the second. He plans to take the second exam again soon and is confident he will pass. Clemente is helping Bob understand not only how to paint professionally but together they have learned much about setting up a small business, dealing with bureaucracies, the bidding process, calculating complex bids, and contracts in general. Says Clemente: "With my previous tutors, I was having trouble with my reading, and they got me pointed in the right direction. But with Bob, I've gotten more professional advice - not only with reading and writing, but also with several aspects of business. He's gotten me more involved with writing than I've ever been in my life." Alejandra and Clemente both attended the Henry Huffman Leadership Institute last year. Alejandra and I participated in Project CLEAR and recently attended the "Inner Games of Personal Success" playshop led by Marlene Martin.- Daisy
Daisy is a 2005 Learner Leader in the Henry Huffman Leadership Institute. "I have been working with my tutor, Debbie, for four years. Before I met her, my English was limited.After I met my tutor, I started to feel more comfortable speaking and understanding. I took the Milpitas School District tests and then I got a job as a cashier in the school cafeteria. Two months later, I got a satellite kitchen operator job. "My tutor and I continued working together on my reading and writing skills, and I passed the writing test that the district requires. I am now more comfortable talking with and writing notes to the principal, teachers, parents and students. This month I got a promotion to a more challenging full-time job at Rancho Middle School. I am continuing to meet with my tutor to improve my writing, reading and speaking skills."
- Habiba
by Peggy Cunningham, Vision Literacy Tutor Egyptian-born Habiba Wheeler has accomplished much since immigrating to the United States. She came to this country with very little materially but with much passion and determination. She is currently a learner in the Gilroy Vision Literacy Reading Program. She says she is thirsty for language and her thirst is unquenchable. Through Vision Literacy, she has gained confidence by improving the reading and writing skills necessary to survive a difficult life. Habiba has an infectious smile and an indomitable spirit. Through her work in Vision Literacy, her vocabulary has broadened so that she speaks with more assuredness and ease. She has been a vital asset to Vision Literacy, helping to promote the program and educate the community about the many services we provide. Aided by Vision Literacy, she has become a U.S. Citizen. She has worked for the Gilroy Library for nine years and owns her own home in Salinas. Her daughter Ashley attends Hartnell College. I have had the privilege to work with Habiba as her tutor. Her commitment to Vision Literacy is remarkable and I admire her immensely. She has the tenacity of a lioness. She never gives up. Working with Habiba has been so rewarding. Our time together is very productive. We have a wonderful collaboration and she has taught me the value of persistence. I am so grateful for the opportunity to work with her.
- Ruben
What I've Learned So Far From the Henry Huffman Institute by Ruben Dozal, Jr. -excerpt taken from a collection of his poetry I learned how to set goals in life so that I can improve on my working to achieve them. I learned that communication is a big stepping-stone to the opening of the mind. I also learned that through communication the power of information is so overwhelming to the good of the mind itself. I learned that time does not sit still and the wonders of the mind do not rest either. I learned that the preparation of a presentation is essential if you want to be heard. I also learned that brainstorming among ourselves is very useful for all. I learned that a presentation of any subject without proper preparation would not be as good as one that you have prepared for. I also learned that as I keep reading and talking to people the words are easier to read and speak, without being embarrassed yes it is. I learned that the votes of a few can determine the life of all tomorrow. I have learned to talk about anything or any subject that comes into mind if I know something about it. My hunger is knowledge and my thirst is not to thirst for the words of choice. And be able to say them well so all may understand them. I see the Learners' Council is the right step in improving the Reading Program. But I also feel a need to invite some learners to sit in meetings or to have meetings at their place of learning and who knows, we might learn something from each other, but only by trying it will we know. I would let them choose a person in their group, but by the learners themselves, and a second just in case something happens to the chosen one that will also attend the meetings. I think that the council should be together for at least one year and at that time the whole council be chosen to carry on. We should also set up an advisory board from the old council members so that we can still work hand in hand with the new council for the good of the learners. We should hold on to what we learned fresh in our minds and keep adding the fuel of knowledge with the fuel of the heart so that tomorrow learners will not be afraid to try. Ruben is a published poet and author. His book, My Dad's Thoughts, is available from Rosedog Books at http://www.rosedogbookstore.com.
