When I was a child I wanted to be an artist. I used to come home from school and watch cartoons like Scooby Doo, and think that when I got older I would work for Walt Disney. I drew every single day. I learned different drawing techniques on my own. At one time in my life that is all I wanted to do.

When I got into high school I realized that my dreams may never come true because of the fact that I couldn’t read. That led me to a life of alcohol and drugs. I realized my life would be doomed.

Everything looked hopeless until I had my son. It made me realize I had to do better. For years I tried to do the best I could by myself.

Years passed by and I met the woman who is now my wife. She is very smart and intelligent. I never thought I would have a life with a woman like her.

One day I was watching her read. I stated the fact that it must be fun to read. She told me, “Yes, you can read. You can do anything you want to do.” And she said, “I will help you.”

The next day she called the library and set up an appointment for me. I met a representative of Literacy Unlimited who got me a wonderful teacher. She helped me realize that I can read!

My dreams are so much closer now.

Tony Gibbs is a student at the LVA Literacy Unlimited program in Framingham.