“Nothing will stop me from getting my GED!”
Literacy opens new doors for 59-year-old student
A couple of months back, Pat Keaton logged out of her Permian Basin Adult Literacy Center Zoom account for the last time with bittersweet emotions.
"I am glad to be a part of Permian Basin Adult Literacy Center.”
Almost 22 years earlier, the former 8th grade English teacher had just retired. A flyer that arrived with her water bill caught her attention. “Volunteer tutors needed!” it read. Pat knew this was something she could do to change lives.
And change lives she did. In over two decades of tutoring and teaching classes – both in person and on Zoom – the 90-year-old touched the lives of well over 100 adult students seeking to better their English language and literacy skills.
Many, like Azucena, realized dreams of new jobs and better lives. Others, like Beth, earned their degrees. Some even began their own businesses! And literacy unlocked new opportunities for their families, too: many have beamed with pride as they saw their kids head to college years later.
"Nothing will stop me from getting my GED!”
At 59, Anthony Delgado is not your traditional student. The native Texan ditched school as a youngster to work instead. “I just loved to work as a kid. But now I realize that wasn’t the best choice.”
He struggled with basic things his whole life – things most of us take for granted – like using ATM machines or filling out simple forms. His wife helped, but it was after losing a job he knew enough was enough. “When my new supervisor realized I didn’t have my GED, I was let go.”
Anthony eventually found new work, but also discovered a passion for learning through the Permian Basin Adult Literacy Center. Every Saturday for the last three years he’s driven to Odessa to meet with his tutor, Marlon, for a couple hours. Anthony began with a kindergarten-level education. Today, through diligent work and focus, he’s attained a 6th grade proficiency.
“I can’t change the past, but I can change the future. I won’t give up. I’ll keep moving. Nothing will stop me from getting my GED!” he beams.
Anthony dreams of a new, better job in the future where he can work on the computer, help with inventory, and drive heavy equipment. Without stronger literacy skills, he can’t yet do any of this. “But someday I will,” he exclaims with a proud smile.
“I can’t change the past, but I can change the future.”
Pat knows how hard pursuing education can be as an adult. She went to college after being out of school for 20 years herself. “I knew my experience both as a teacher and an adult learner could help support others.”
And help it does. "Ms. Keaton has the wisdom to share experiences and is very sensitive to our limitations and our strengths,” says Azucena Hernandez. “She’s an excellent teacher.”
Pat recalls one student in particular. “As a high school student, Michelle didn’t pass her GED. When she was about 30, I began teaching her. She had two kids and a lot of determination.” She did it, Pat reports. They remain in touch and now in her 40’s, she’s moving up quickly where she works. “It meant the world to her to finally get her high school diploma. She appreciates the new opportunities the Adult Literacy Center gave her.”
“And that’s what this organization is about”, says Pat. “And that’s why I am glad to be a part of it.”
Want to know something amazing? In addition to changing Michelle’s life and work prospects, her two kids are now in college! A new generation and cycle of literacy and learning has started! And it’s all because of volunteer tutors like Pat – and donors like YOU!
Donate to change lives – lives like Anthony’s, Azucena’s, Beth’s, and Michelle’s!