Vince and Sarah have been working together in the adult basic education program for 8 months. Vince came to LSW to further his education and “brush up on reading and spelling.” He came to the Center some time ago but didn’t stick with it. Now he says he has to come – he wants to learn so he can get a better job. Vince attended high school until 10th grade. “They kept moving me up,” he said, “but they shouldn’t have.” Vince is 29 and has three children with his girlfriend: two boys and a girl. His family is the most important thing in his life and he wants to further his education and get a G.E.D. He works for a catering company making $10 an hour, “but, no benefits or vacation time.” Vince sees his education as a way to advance his job skills, compensation and add security for his family. He has set his sights high and is achieving great progress.
 
Vince’s tutor, Sarah has volunteered with LSW for nine years. She loves to read and loves to tutor. Sarah took some time to consider becoming a tutor and one year, made a New Year’s resolution, reporting, “It’s the only one I ever kept.” Sarah notes that “Some people’s lives are so much more difficult than mine – they can’t read a phone bill, a job application or things I take for granted.” Ironically, when Sarah was in the first grade, she was in the “slow reader’s group” at school. She improved as a child, traveling by herself on the bus regularly to the library.
 
About Vince Sarah says, “I have learned from him and admire him so much to have the courage to come get his education.” About Sarah, Vince reports, “She’s a good tutor – she breaks it down and makes it simple and easy.” Vince wants to take on more responsibility for his family so he can take care of all their needs. “I want to pay the bills, but I never knew how.”
 
When asked why people should learn to read, he was quick to say, “Because people don’t want to be judged. Everyone needs help with something – like reading and spelling. You can do something with your life here.” We congratulate Vince on his advancement and Sarah on her excellent skills – they are two of the shining examples of LSW.