Carl's vision was clear. He wanted to become "a great reader and a great speller" so he could get a better job. For the last 10 years, he felt that his lack of reading ability had been like "a giant on my chest." He knew by improving these skills that he would broaden his horizons and find new opportunities.
At the recommendation of his brother, Carl came to Literacy Services of Wisconsin (LSW) and enrolled in the Adult Basic Education reading program. By his own admission, Carl believed he would never make it to the end. Instead, Carl became engaged from the very beginning—he came to school dependably twice a week and was the fastest progressing student LSW has ever had in the reading program.
This determination came from not only Carl's own motivation, but also the support and understanding he received from his tutors. Carl knew he was welcomed as an equal, and that made all the difference to him. He admitted he didn't know spelling techniques before, but "once you figure it out, it's not that hard."
In June, 2010, Carl was given an award for his excellent and lightning speed progress. Carl's mother took LSW's Executive Director India McCanse aside and began to cry. India told her, "We're so proud of him." Carl's mom replied, "You don't understand. We saw him walk across the stage at his high school graduation and we knew he couldn't read."
In December, 2010, Carl graduated with honors from LSW's 12-step reading program. A crowd of 30 friends, family, staff, and tutors gathered to celebrate this high honor. Carl's mother, father, and grandfather all provided tributes.
These days, Carl tutors his young cousins, nieces, and nephews, and spends two hours a day doing what he now loves most—reading.
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