Meet Our Newest US Citizen
Children and Jobs Are Big Motivators
When Gloria Aranda came to Craven Literacy Council in 2007 with a high school certificate from her native Colombia, her oral English abilities were sufficient only to satisfy basic survival needs and very routine social demands. She appealed to Craven Literacy Council for help communicating effectively so that she could be involved at her daughter’s school, participate in her church, find employment, and ultimately become a U.S. citizen. Three years later Gloria’s oral skills have increased so much that she can function independently and competently in social and work situations. More to the point, she now is actively involved with her daughter’s schooling and is comfortable interacting with her daughter’s counselor. Gloria understands the English sermons at her church and sings the hymns in English. Not only did she get a job - she started her own small business! Her enhanced English skills permit her to communicate with her customers by telephone and email, not just face-to-face. Gloria celebrates other achievements such as knowing how to write checks and deposit slips and using the internet to check her bank account online. Gloria is planning her next big accomplishment when she takes her U.S. Citizenship exam and becomes a full-fledged American. In a recent communication with Craven Literacy Council she wrote, “My experience has been wonderful because now I can communicate better in whatever place I go. God bless you always.”
Our Ambassador for Literacy
Edward “Earl” Mills and his wife Marie have raised five children, and
Earl has enjoyed 30 years of successful employment with Hatteras Yachts.
Despite his many accomplishments, Earl lived most of his life hiding a
secret – he could barely read. He finally turned to the Craven
Literacy Council for help.
When Earl tells his story, he vividly conveys the fear that came with
hiding this secret throughout his adult life. He also shares the
sheer determination it took for him to become a reader. In
addition to improving his literacy skills, Earl has developed an
unmatched ability to capture the frustrations and triumphs of a new
reader through his poetry.
Earl was a student at CLC for several years. He is now a mentor
and book club leader and has served as a member of the
Craven Literacy Council’s Board of Directors.
Twenty Six Letters
(A Poem by Earl Mills, a former CLC student)
Befuddled by the alphabet, fifty years old and can’t read yet.
Twenty –six letters have brought me such shame;
someone asked me to spell
my name.
Another bulletin at work today, who can I ask – what does it say?
Grandpa, will you read this book to me?
I tell her the letters are too
small to see.
I don’t have my glasses; I’m running late; I am victim to this lie I
hate.
Cannot read – won’t tell a soul;
secret of my youth- now I am old.
Letter after letter I can’t figure out; frustration inside, a silent
shout.
Twenty-six letters can raise so much hell;
their riddles to me they will
not tell.
This secret stay locked within, but I will not let these letters win.
