Quotable Quotes: choose happiness

In the year of "audacious joy" I am reminded by a man known for comedy - being happy is a choice, not a product of circumstances.

"I, not events, have the power to make me happy or unhappy today. I can choose which it shall be. Yesterday is dead, tomorrow hasn't arrived yet. I have just one day, today, and I'm going to be happy in it." ~ Grouchy Marx

just Sheri,  choosing joy

found: my first student

I recently received a list of potential students from the Literacy Volunteers of America. Some were born and raised in the U.S., a few had even graduated from high school. Some were from other parts of the globe. I had mentioned before that my personal preference was a woman from another place.

I read the list and responded to the coordinator that there were two I was interested in tutoring. One was a young woman from Southeast Asia, Vietnam specifically. She works at a nail salon in town. The second was a mother from West Africa, Sierra Leone. Her goal was to improve her English skills so she could help her children with their homework.

The coordinator suggested I work with the young woman from Vietnam. I am excited about the opportunity. When I read her bio it made me realize how often I interact with people in similar circumstances, but don't think about their plight. Those at the grocery store stocking shelves or collecting carts. Those at restaurants cleaning tables and dishes. Those at nail salons who have given me a pedicure. I haven't met my student, yet, but she has already taught me something - to open my eyes to the struggles of those I interact with every day.

just Sheri, looking at the world with new perspective

Americas struggle with literacy

Did you know that in the United States there are individuals graduating high school who are functionally illiterate? That doesn't seem like it should be true. But, it is. The reasons for it are too numerous to mention here.

I was talking with my friend Allison about this recently and she told me about a study in Detroit that found 47% of adults in that city were functionally illiterate. Wow!

What is functionally illiterate? It means the individual has trouble with reading, writing, speaking and computation skills. I don't have to tell you the difficulty one would have in the job market, or simply functioning in the world, if they struggle with these skills.

Click here to read the article on Detroit. Detroit isn't the only city with this issue. It is happening across the United States. It is happening in the city I live. Whether you are aware of it, or not, it is happening in the city you live. It shouldn't be, but it is.

For the betterment of our society, we shouldn't just accept this. We should do something about it.

just Sheri, hoping to improve the literacy level of at least one adult

functionally illiterate

When moving overseas I was afforded the opportunity to learn what it is like to go through life functionally illiterate. Though, I have a masters degree and reading (in English) is my most consistent hobby - I could not read street signs, simple sentences, instructions, applications, documents and forms. I was often asked to sign things that I could not read. It was an eye opening experience as I learned to adapt and cope with this challenge.

I became fascinated with the challenges of adult learners, especially those attempting to learn to read, write and do basic math. The agency I worked for created an adult literacy program, which gave me an opportunity to research the topic of teaching adults these skills. I started volunteering with a group of young people who wanted to improve their English language skills. I have not forgotten the struggles I experienced as an illiterate adult.

As a woman, this issue became even closer to my heart. In so many parts of the world women are not even offered the opportunity to learn such things. I don't know why I was born where I was born and afforded the opportunities I have been afforded, but I am certain it is not just to benefit myself. I need to do something with these gifts. Since international travel is not an option currently, I started to look for local volunteer opportunities. That is when I found the Literacy Volunteers of America. I signed up for their literacy tutor training and willingly spent a few beautiful Saturday's in a classroom to earn my certificate.

I am officially certified as a literacy tutor and have told the organization that my preference for student is a women from outside of the US. I can't wait to put my education to work!

just Sheri, a certified literacy tutor

Livin' the good life

Today's post is simply an acknowledgement of my blessings. I am so grateful that in the midst of a bad economy and high unemployment - Kenyon and I have both secured good jobs. Last week Kenyon started a nursing related job at a local hospital (a different system than the one I work for). At orientation HR told the new hires that there were thousands of individuals who applied for the positions they now held. What a blessing!

We have a roof over our heads...and it provides us with more than just the necessity of shelter. It includes luxuries like air conditioning that cools every room, a washer AND dryer for clothes, a mechanical dishwasher and an extra bedroom. In addition to all of that, the apartment complex has a swimming pool and tennis courts. These all may be common items in America, but it has been a while since I lived here and as a result of my experiences in other parts of the globe I no longer take these gifts for granted. What a blessing!

My life is full of lot of other luxuries too...a nice car to drive, a smart phone, and an abundance of options or opportunities. This is the good life and I don't want to get to a place (again) where I take these blessings for granted.

just Sheri, grateful to God for my blessings