During the time that I was out of work, I had time to think of what I would like to do. One thing was to go to school. Well, I am sixty and back in school - learning to read, write, and spell. I grew up in the South and lived in the country. Going to school wasn’t at the top of the list of things to do, so I was never taught how to read when I was young.

I brought up ten children on my own. My husband died many years ago. It was quite difficult. Not knowing how to read made it more difficult. My kids are grown now and have kids of their own, so I decided to go back to school. My doctor got me into the Worcester Adult Learning Center. I had a stroke four years ago, and my doctor said I might have more problems. I am now in the Adult Basic Education class and Kathy McKee is my teacher. I am learning how to read and do things I couldn’t do before. I don’t have to guess about what I am eating in a restaurant now!

I’ve also learned how to write. I love to write. I never wrote a word before coming to school. My spelling needs help, but I’ve learned to use my imagination and enjoy the writing.

I like everybody at school. Everybody is very helpful. Even though some of us are different – we’re all here to learn. Kathy says I’m doing very well… learning a lot everyday.

Sometimes I am not in school. I have two of my grandchildren with me. My grandson is having a lot of problems. He doesn’t want to be in school. I get calls in the morning to come and get him. So I miss my school. It is very difficult worrying about him, and it’s difficult getting help for him. He is seeing a counselor and may be seeing a psychiatrist. He’s not a troublemaker, he is not harmful to anyone except himself. He has very self-destructive behaviors. There are so many children out there and too few counselors.

I go to school as much as I can and concentrate as much as I can. I wish I could concentrate more on myself and my biggest goal, which is to learn to read and write. I’ve learned quite a bit, but I have a long way to go.

I would like to go as far as I can, maybe to have a restaurant business of my own someday. Well, I guess the Lord will provide. Right now I’m happy to be in the ABE class learning everyday.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Mary Climes was born in Alabama.  She has lived in Worcester for 25 years.  She has 10 grown children and many grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She is an ABE student at the Worcester Adult Learning Center.