behind my eyes

BEHIND MY EYES
2013 Anthology of Writing by Adult Students
BEHIND MY EYES
An Anthology of Writing by Adult Students
Behind My Eyes is a collaborative project of the Greater Baton
Rouge Literacy Coalition and the instructors and students of adult
education and literacy service providers in our community. This
annual anthology would not be possible without the dedication
of instructors who make a difference every day and the determination of students who have so much to offer.
Please enjoy this fifth issue of Behind My Eyes. Please also see
Behind My Eyes online at www.gbrliteracy.org
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2013 COVER ART
“Home, Peace, Joy, Family”
Tangular Davis, St. Paul Adult Learning Center
OUR VISION
A prosperous community where people can gain skills for selfsufficiency, our economy can grow, and families can thrive.
OUR MISSION
GBRLC promotes life-long learning, work-readiness and career
advancement by creating a continuum of services delivered in
collaboration with our affiliate providers and other strategic partners.
Together, we offer adult students pathways to success, built on a
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foundation of literacy.
SPECIAL THANKS TO:
Barnes & Noble Booksellers
Creative Communications
ExxonMobil
Postlethwaite & Netterville
Lexi De Brock
Hunter Rube
Greater Baton Rouge Literacy Coalition
2012-2013 Board of Directors
Randy Hayden, Chair
Dr. Lisa Vosper, Vice Chair
Liz Cooke, Secretary
Mike Pitts, Treasurer
Brian Stagg, Past Chair
Phyllis Coleman Mouton
Dr. Patricia Exner
Glynn Fontenot
Dr. Suzan Gaston
David Jones
Gary Robertson
John F. Smith
Janice Sommerville
Euhbin Song
Dianne Stephens
Dr. Lisa Vosper
Felix Weill
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CONTENTS
Chapter I
“I’m All That.”
I’m All That, Corey Bailey
A Sensitive Woman, Olga
I Am Me, Keishonna Allen
Josephine, Josephine
I am a Woman, Tanya Sterling
Memories, Susanna
I Am a Mother, Betty
Girl, Tierra Richardson
I Am a Mother, Adorable Wright
I Am Me, Gabriel
I am the One, Student
Earl, Earl
Erin, Erin
Ronald, Ronald
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Chapter II
“love flows deep”
My Love Flows, Angela
Love, Corbin Washington
I Am Love from Above, Tierra
Diving In, Lanaute
Sincere Love, Gerald Jackson
We miss you, Dee, Eddie Pryor
Contagious Love, Francheska Phenix
Random Drive, Sheldon Boullt
Cold Case, Tameshia Hayden
Tooka, Joshua Bailey
My Queen, Joshua Bailey
Best Friend, Kelsey Victoria Landry
I am Kapresha, Kapresha Williams
Staying Strong through It All, Jessica S.
Wishful Thinking, Latoya Franklin
My Old Friend, Icisist Parker
Mama, What Does ‘Daddy” Mean?, Kirkpatrick Wayne Morrison
Questions (I Just Want to Know), Lakebra Paul
Betrayal, Kadesha Armstrong
Cancer, Devonta Bailey
Stand By Me, Cassidy Lee
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Chapter III
“I am an overcomer.”
Overcomer, Tyesha Branaugh
No’s Knows, Devonta Bailey
A.D.H.D., Britney Jefferson
Life, Darius Walker
Hard Worker, Ralph Young
Threatening Tears, Tavondra Norman
Vanishing Pain, Tavondra Norman
Missing Childhood, Regina Johnson
Authentic Made, Tyteana Jones
Storm of Frustration, David Gordon
Temper, Quentin Calhoun
The Three Things That Worry Me the Most, Yamil Ledesma
I’m Fine, Tierra Richardson
The Reaper’s Judgment, Kaiya Washington
Sleeping in Fear, Anthony Haynes
How Can I Fly With One Wing, William Bradley
I am Shy and Wise, Johnnita Smith
Would You Understand?, Denzel Johnson
Dark Child, Casmiere Barthelemy
Child of God, Laura Johnson
A Bad Part of My Life, Gerraneisha Jolla
Outspoken and Headstrong, Erica Anderson
Hurting Inside, Kayvin Thomas
I am Anthony, Anthony Wilson
Dissatisfied, Thaddeus Trey Plummer
Looking for Relief, Lori Darensbourg
I Have a Future, Andre’ Young
Life on Rewind, Latoya Franklin
Always Happy, Khadeja Francis
I am me, Camry
I’m stronger than Racism, Krystle Lanus
Why?, Kayla Hills
Life’s Battle, Jessica Rockett
Odds Against Me, Kirkpatrick Wayne Morrison
My Plea to My Classmates, Chad Banks
What Doesn’t Kill Me Makes Me Stronger, Iesha Smith
Letting Go, Tangular Davis
Seen It All, Krystle Lanus
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Chapter III
“I am an overcomer”
It Makes Me Sad, Marcus Elie
FREE!, Donovan Burrell
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Chapter IV
“Success, sweet success”
Success, Darius Harris
Staying Positive, Khadeja Francis
The Lord is My Shepherd, Matthew Banks
I am a leader, Ronnie Humbles
Thinker and Determined Woman, Regina Johnson
I am a Believer, Dante’ Hardnett
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Chapter V
“…peace and harmony.”
Injustice, Flavia
Two Places I Would Like to Visit in the World, Eduardo L. Vega
My Garden, Cynthia E. Madrigal
The Gym, Baozhu Fu
One Way Out, Mario Williams
Nirvana, Samuel Gibson
My Zone, Kirkpatrick Wayne Morrison
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Chapter V I
“That time was unforgettable…”
I would like to go back to that happiness, Alma Gutierrez
My School Holiday with My Cousins, Nelly Garcia
My Team, Wilson A. Segura
At Grandma’s Little House, Binda
I Remember, Malcolm
My Special Place, Diana Rodriguez
Riding with the Horses, Fabiola Galue-Huffman
My Friend’s Birthday, Xiaotian
An Exciting Day at St. Vincent de Paul, Devonte’ Chambers
My Favorite Mountain, Nohemy Rojas
The Sunny Days at the Beach, Norma Beatriz Perez
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Chapter V I
“That time was unforgettable…”
My Special Place, Parvin Hartunian
Let Me Tell You About My Visit, Joshua Gauthier
The Water I Should Never Have Drunk, Analu Rodriguez
The Empty Lot Next to My House, Sulay
The Day My Hand Was Broken, Aesha
My Special Place at the Beach in Vietnam, Tina Nguyen
The Park in the Mountain, Juan Castillo
My Grandma’s Little Town, Student
The Big Dog Bit Me on My Hand, Candelaria Diaz
The Day I Had to Walk Home, Brenda Chavarria
One Day on the Beach, Isabel Armstrong
A Sad Memory of a Child, Estelle AFOME MBA
My Grandmother’s House, Jessica Poni
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Chapter V II
“I am thankful!”
All About Me, Korsha Bradley
Grateful, Caleb J. Samuel
5 Things I’m Grateful For, Laura Johnson
Christian/Pentecostal, Tierra Richardson
Whatever happens, happens!, Katelyan
Life Iz Never Easy, David Gordon
It’s Called Life, Katelyan
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Art Work
Wild Cat, Ja’Quan McGary
Bird, Thaddeus Trey Plummer
The Executive Order, Clifton Eames, Jr.
Math Challenge, Bentrell Carey
Be an ACE, Gabriel
Home, Peace, Joy, Family, Tangular Davis
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chapter
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“I’m all that.”
- Corey Bailey
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I’m All That
Corey Bailey, ACE Program
My skin is brown as dirt;
My hair is black as the dusky night.
My teeth are as white as clouds;
My eyes are big and brown like bowling balls.
My heart is as pure as gold;
My smile is as warm as a blanket you put on when you’re cold.
My blood is as thin as a stream of water running through my veins;
My legs are as strong as 20 pound dumbbells.
My mind is as bright as a light;
My nose is as long as a pencil.
My face is as round as an apple;
My ears are as hollow as a hole in the ground.
I’m all that.
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A Sensitive Woman
Olga (Poland), Adult Literacy Advocates
I am a sensitive woman.
I wonder how my life will look in five years.
I hear a Polish church song.
I see the meadow next to my parents’ home.
I want to get a good and interesting job.
I am a sensitive woman.
I pretend to be a good cook.
I feel better when I give money to charity.
I touch my smooth, silk scarf.
I worry about the long, distant journey I must take.
I cry watching the last episode of Friends.
I am a sensitive woman.
I understand everything around us is physical.
I say everything will be okay.
I dream rarely.
I try to learn English.
I hope to be fluent in English.
I am a sensitive woman.
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I AM ME
Keishonna Allen, YouthBuild Capital City
My name is not female dog;
My name is not little mixed girl.
My name is not under-achiever.
My name tells you
WHO I AM.
I am a student; I am a daughter. I am a friend; I am a wife;
I AM ME.
So don’t call me what I’m not,
call me
WHO I AM.
I am here for a reason
NOT to prove anything to YOU, YOU, or YOU.
But to prove to myself that I am here for a purpose.
Is it my walk? Is it my talk? Is it my hair? Is it my stare?
Do you find me defensive or do you find me offensive?
Maybe I’m too confident so your words won’t hurt because
I’M HERE for a purpose.
Momma made me to make history not to sit around and make
friends.
I don’t care what you think.
I AM ME.
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Josephine
Josephine, Adult Literacy Advocates
Joyful
Outgoing
Spiritual
Energetic
Popular
Happy
Intelligent
Neat
Easy Going
Josephine
Josephine, Adult Literacy Advocates
Outgoing, satisfied, neat, eager
Daughter of Curley and Lena
Sister of Gladys, Georgia, and Marie
Who feels happy to be here
Who likes helping others
Who needs family, church, and school
Who lives in South Baton Rouge
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I am a Woman
Tanya Sterling, YouthBuild Capital City
I am a woman – a strong, fighting woman!
I have been born into sin.
I have a vivid imagination that’s filled with dreams.
I’ve made a lot of mistakes.
Now I’ve made a great change because I’m striving to win.
I am a woman –- a strong, FIGHTING woman!
I’ve been through many trials and tribulations.
I’ve lost my parents within two years.
I try to maintain and be the woman they left me to be.
I hold on to a lot and show no fear.
I’ve been through it all, but it won’t stop who I’m destined to be.
I am a woman -– a strong, fiFIghting woman!
In my life I set goals and try so hard to achieve them.
Making plans and trying so hard to complete them.
My inner strength will take me far.
My imagination keeps my head in the stars.
Believing and making steps towards the future,
Gives me all the hope in the world.
I am a woman -– a strong, fiFIGhting woman!
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Memories
Susanna, ACE Program
I remember when I was skinny.
I remember when I didn’t have stretch marks.
I remember when I used to fit into smaller sizes,
And when I could fit into a bathing suit;
I remember when I looked nice in one.
I remember when I could try on clothes and they would fit perfectly.
I remember when I didn’t have to wear Spanx.
Even though I’m not as small as I used to be,
I couldn’t imagine life without my son.
I remember when he was in my belly,
And I think my favorite memory is yet to come.
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I Am a Mother
Betty (China), Adult Literacy Advocates
I am a mother and always happy.
I wonder why he isn’t.
I hear someone knock at the door around midnight.
I see a boy ride his bike in the park.
I want to open my own restaurant.
I am a housewife.
I pretend to be a teacher when I am at home.
I feel sorry for her when she tells her story.
I touch a dog.
I worry about my English.
I cry when my children make a mess of the room.
I am very nice.
I understand what he said.
I say we have to treat ourselves well.
I dream about winning a lot of money.
I try to learn better English.
I hope my husband will be successful.
I am a mother and always happy.
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Girl
Tierra Richardson, ACE Program
If every girl was tiny
If every girl was thin
Then there would be no variety
If everyone had only one chin!
We are all individual.
We have laughter upon our face.
Some of us have dimples.
Some of us have natural grace.
Some girls are skinny.
Some girls just love their food.
Some girls are never happy.
Some are permanently in a mood.
So remember if every girl was identical,
If every smile was exact,
Then every man would be miserable.
And that would be a fact.
Because some men go for beauty
Some men go for grace
Some men never take the time
To look at the person behind the face.
We have control over our own fate.
So why waste time
With Mr. Not So Nice?
We want Mr. Great.
Stop criticizing in front of the mirror.
Whether you’re fat or thin
It’s time to love yourself again.
You’re happy life’s about to begin.
Because how can someone love you
If you don’t like yourself?
That’s how so many people
End up on the shelf.
So whatever you like
Whether you have confidence or not
Remember you are a female,
And just be happy with what you’ve got!
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I Am a Mother
Adorable Wright, YouthBuild Capital City
I am a mother;
Something that’s priceless to the one I love the most.
I thought I couldn’t become the mother I am today,
but I fooled myself and others.
Some people said, “You will never be the best”,
but I proved them wrong by showing them.
I am a mother.
I am a mother.
A well organized mother that disciplines just like others.
I bring smiles and giggles to my baby just to see him happy.
I don’t give up on life;
I have a precious soul that’s looking up to me.
I am a mother.
I am a mother.
In all shapes and sizes just by being me.
When I look at my one year old I say,
“I have to make the best for me and him”.
I’ve come too far in life to give up on my loving son
because he is a part of me.
I am a mother.
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I AM ME
Gabriel, ACE Program
I am normal and boring.
I wonder about life.
I hear a parakeet chirping.
I see the world in my dreams.
I want to move to an island of my own.
I am an average me.
I pretend to live in a winter wonder land.
I touch people’s lives.
I worry about little things.
I cry when someone hurts me.
I am average.
I understand how people are important.
I say everyone is important.
I dream about my past.
I hope for a great life ahead of me.
I am Gabriel.
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I am the One
Student, YouthBuild Capital City
I am the one.
I am the only.
I am intelligent.
I am God’s gift.
I am self made.
I am the one.
I am your adrenaline.
I am that feeling.
I am the coldest one.
I am the man who cries wolf.
I am the feeling you get from a hug.
I am the one.
I am a helping hand.
I am a reputation.
I am what I am.
I am the shoulder you can lean on.
I am hard; the outlaw.
I am the one.
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Earl
Earl, Adult Literacy Advocates
Earl
Hardworking, reliable, content, friend
Son of Thessalonia and Elizabeth
Brother of Frank and J.B.
Who feels content about people and himself
Who likes to work and do things for others
Who needs to set boundaries
Who lives in a town that is a good place
Erin
Erin, Adult Literacy Advocates
Pretty, Blue Eyes, Blonde, nice
Daughter of Jack and DeDe
Sister of Dale, Mary, Jack, Kim, Brin
Who feels joyful, happy, and smiles a lot
Who likes to bike, walk, run, dance, and sing
Who needs help, clothes, house cleaning and car washing
Who lives in this house
Ronald
Ronald, Adult Literacy Advocates
Humorous, friendly, laid back and neat
Son of Claudette
Brother of Tasha and Clarvonna
Who feels good all day
Who likes rainy days
Who needs family and friends
Who lives in Atlanta, Georgia
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Wild Cat
Ja’Quan McGary, St. Paul Adult Learning Center
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chapter
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“love f lows deep”
-Angela
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My Love Flows
Angela, Resurrection Life Family Ministries
My love flows deep like the ocean or the sea
No one can feel the pulse inside of me
My love flows all so deep as you lay beside me
Your warm embrace keeps me in my place
Where I really want to be
Your love flows all so deep that it knocks me off my feet
Your love is so sweet only I can really see the person you truly are to me
Is what I see the love we share
No one can compare
The things we do makes my dreams come true
Our love flows so deep that it just makes me weep
Not for me but for our kids who peep on us
We love them so deep they make our lives complete
Bird
Thaddeus Trey P lummer, ACE Program
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Love
Corbin Washington, ACE Program
Love is water that flows
To many streams.
Love is many dreams.
The wrong type of love
Can make your heart scream.
Love can’t be deposited for safe keeping.
Faith without works is dead.
True love can’t be misled.
Love is not racist or show any bad behavior.
Love is not clever or show any bad behavior.
But if the feeling you have isn’t like that
It’s love spelled backwards, ‘evol.’
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I Am Love From Above
Tierra, YouthBuild Capital City
I am love from above.
I’m a loving person.
I care for others.
I have pride.
By saying that, I will always rise.
I enjoy seeing people happy.
I hate to see people depressed or down,
But I also know there is hatred and love all around.
Sometimes I’m sad.
Other times I’m glad.
Moreover I never really get mad.
I am love from above.
I love blue.
I love the smell of food.
I have a precious son
Who motivates me to improve.
He makes me proud.
He makes me loud.
Although at the end of the day that’s okay
Because I know,
I am love from above.
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Diving In
Lanaute, McKinley ALC
Looking at the sea,
I can’t wait to dive in.
I’m swimming; I’m diving,
Thinking this would never end.
Now I’m drowning.
I’m drowning because of your potion,
But I’m not afraid to drown.
That just means I’m deep in your ocean.
You’re hungry for more.
Do you like it mild or sweet?
I guess I’m your food
Because you get full of me.
My boat is sinking.
Someone help me!
You might save me.
I’m only nine feet deep.
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Sincere Love
Gerald Jackson, JAG Program Capital Area Technical College
Sincere love is true affection
with every smile
I melt away
and give a sigh.
Enjoyment and peace of mind
It gets to me when you breathe
Ecstatic magic flows through me
Stars when I catch your eyes
Nothing else matters to me,
I know that you’re by my side.
And with every stroke of this pen
Just written what you describe
Your actions they often get to me
Stunning me what a prize
Inspiration is my temptation
I fall for you then I rise
I’m thinking not pulling out
Reality then arrives
Thinking what if I do it
That could ruin our lives
I’m just waiting for the right time
To tell you when it gets real
The one and only person
I love and I’m sincere.
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We miss you, Dee
Eddie Pryer, YouthBuild Capital City
If I had one call, I would call my brother from another mother. His
name is Darius, and we were boys for years. He died while I was
out of state on vacation with my family. I would tell him that life is
moving and that we are still trying to make it. I would remind him
how hard-headed his little brother is but how we will still keep
him safe. I would also tell him, “I really miss you “homie”; can’t wait
to see you up high. You were the best friend I ever had; you were
like my twin. You will always be in our memories forever, no lie.”
We were like real brothers, and I never thought that he would be
gone so soon. “We miss you, Dee.”
Contagious Love
Francheska P henix, ACE Program
Love is a disease
That comes and leaves.
It’s very easy to fall into
And hard, when you have battles, to get through.
It’s as if you are sick and don’t know what to do.
Love heals you.
Love is a very strong feeling,
And it’s up to you to accept it if you are willing.
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Random Drive
Sheldon Boullt, JAG Program Capital Area Technical College
A young black male growing up in poverty;
Stereotyped by death and jail like that’s how it has to be.
Gifted with basketball but I choose to run the streets;
Get on my knees and pray because people say I have death on me.
Like I’m in a bucket with crabs when I come up, they trying to pull
me down;
So much anger in my body since my parents is not around.
Grandma angry, fussing and cussing at me but I don’t make a
sound;
I just listen; she full of wisdom that’s who keeps me on solid
ground.
Don’t trust many, a warm heart with so much love to give;
Xanex prescribed for the effect so I won’t feel how I feel.
People look at me like nothing is wrong but to me that’s fiction;
Wishing for my downfall, I am a shooting star so keep on wishing.
Missing my loved ones I’m thinking and reminiscing;
If I had one wish it will be to hug them and kiss them.
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Cold Case
Tameshia Hayden, ACE Program
My brother, Ricky, was killed in 2008.
At home sleeping - so we thought.
One stupid phone call,
“Yeah, man, I’ll come through.”
Still in night clothes, a loyal friend he was.
Shots flying everywhere,
He never made it back home.
Lying in the street, not even covered up,
Put on a shelf, Case 246-2008,
Just another cold case, left unanswered.
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Tooka
Joshua Bailey, ACE Program
Daughter, Daughter,
My precious daughter,
Oh so precious to me,
Tell you about a day, a special day,
That’s oh so special to me.
It’s far from a holiday.
We call it your day,
The day you were given to me.
You were blessed with a name,
This beautiful name,
Aleah Janae, you see,
Last name Bailey.
A special baby,
My child who’s special
I’ll make a vow, only for you.
That promise I always will keep
To change my life and do things right,
So you can be all you can be.
Show you the positive,
Never the negative;
Show you how life should be
And leave you with love,
That special love,
A love that’s only from me.
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My Queen
Joshua Bailey, ACE Program
I’ll tell you a story,
A perfect story,
At least it’s perfect for me.
Tell you about a lady,
This beautiful lady,
Who’s oh so gorgeous to me.
One in a million, she’s kinda silly.
She makes me laugh, you see.
My motivation’s this lady, this lady.
She’s my other half, you see.
We met a while back.
In school, way back,
This Queen sat in front of me.
A beautiful smell, the perfect smile,
At least it was perfect for me.
As time passed, the closer we got.
I realized the queen was for me.
After four years passed,
The love’s still there and promises never to leave.
February 4, and you plus me,
This story would end with a ring.
A couple, I do’s and a special kiss,
Would turn this Prince into a King.
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Best Friend
Kelsey Victoria Landry, McKinley ALC
What is a best friend?
A best friend is always there for you.
A best friend is someone who you can count on.
A best friend is someone you can talk to about anything.
A best friend is someone who has your back.
A best friend is someone who helps you through rough times.
A best friend is someone who helps you out of trouble when you
get yourself in it.
A best friend is someone who pushes you to do better and be a
better person.
A best friend keeps it real with you no matter what.
A best friend is someone you can’t stay mad at for a long time.
A best friend is a kind, loving, caring, and sweet person.
A best friend is a good gift from God.
I am so lucky to have a best friend like Jessica.
She is the kind of best friend who I don’t ever want to lose.
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I am Kapresha
Kapresha Williams, YouthBuild Capital City
I am a mother of two.
Kurinee and Tay’lin made my dreams come true.
If no one else loves me, I know they do.
Being a mother makes my day,
I would do anything to strive and provide for them.
I am never alone.
With the blessing of my kids comes their father.
Two years, 5 months, we have built up so much.
I don’t believe in his words, but his actions I do.
One struggle after another,
Yet we made it through.
I am a big sister;
More like a mother figure.
Oldest of four and another on the way,
Whatever they need I try to provide.
If they need me I’m going to run, not hide.
A bond so unbreakable, no knife could cut it.
I am Kapresha Renee...…
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Staying Strong through It All
Jessica S., McKinley ALC
Psalms 90:10
“The years of our life are seventy, or even by reason of strength
eighty; yet their span is but toil and trouble; they are soon gone,
and we fly away.”
June 28, 2012, will be a day I will never forget. My father passed
away at the age of 72. My father was a great dad and role model
to me, my sister, and my 2 brothers. He taught us to never give up
on something that we want or believe in. I’ve been struggling in
school for some time now. Honestly, there have been times when
I wanted to give up. Looking back on all that my dad had to go
through, how could I give up? I remember it like it was yesterday
when the doctors told us that he was not going to make it after
suffering a heart attack, stroke, and kidney failure all at the same
time. Everyone thought he would not make it, but he did. That
was three years ago. Although he had a lot of health issues,
he remained strong and hopeful that he was going to make it
through. Even when he had to learn to walk, talk, and eat solid
foods again he never complained. We were so blessed that the
Lord let us keep him as long as we did. I miss him so much, but I
continue to stay strong and grow each day knowing that he is still
with us in spirit. “I love you, daddy.”
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Wishful Thinking
Latoya Franklin, ACE Program
If I could make one special phone call to anyone, I would call
my grandfather. He has been deceased going on 13 years. He’s
the one who always kept me on a straight path. He would know
exactly what to say to keep me motivated.
I would really want to discuss how he really coped when my
grandmother passed. I know things were hard for me, so I know
they were even harder for him. I also would discuss how he hid
that he was sick so long from me.
We had a close bond. My grandfather always had a smile to brighten
up my day. Just to hear his voice one more time would make up
for all the time he’s been gone out of my life. I can remember my
grandfather saying “Life can only be what you make it out to be.”
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My Old Friend
Icisist Parker, YouthBuild Capital City
My old friend who has been by my side before and after I reached
this world is my Lord and Savior. I know that no matter what I go
through I can always count on Him. He is the only person who
is going to love me through both good and bad times. He is the
only person I know who will never turn His back on me. I can call
Him late at night and early in the morning. That is why I will love
my Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, through anything this life brings.
Mama, What Does “Daddy” Mean?
Kirkpatrick Wayne Morrison, ACE Program
Mama, what does “daddy” mean?
A word I’ve never known.
Needed a father figure but daddy was gone.
No one to teach me how to be a man
So I learned on my own.
It’s not like I’m asking for a hand out
But when I needed you the most you ran out.
I questioned myself, “Did I do something wrong?
Does he not like me?
Is that why Daddy’s gone?”
37
QUESTIONS (I Just Want To Know)
Lakebra Paul, ACE Program
If I had a chance to make one phone call to any person (living
or dead), it would be to my mom and dad. I have so much stuff
that I want to talk to them about and questions I want to ask;
so much I would want to apologize for that I did wrong, even
though it’s not much and major. I wish it could be a three way
call so we could talk to each other for hours.
First, I would start off asking my mom why she suffered with pain
instead of taking her medicine like she should. If she could come
back down here with us, would she? Do you think about us a lot?
I know you’re watching over us. You and dad said y’all wanted to
be together; I smile because I know now for a fact y’all are. I’m so
glad you don’t have to suffer with pain anymore, and you don’t
have any worries and struggles at all.
Dad, when you did what you did, did you think about your kids? I
know you had to do what you had to, but we miss you. You always
said you had to, but we miss you. You always said you wanted
to go with your kids’ mom. You even thought about taking your
kids too, but I’m glad you didn’t. You couldn’t take care of us on
your own but you tried your best. I guess all of this happened for
a reason. So I could step up and take control and take care of my
brothers and sisters. There is a lot more that I could talk about, but
some things are just hard to say.
38
Betrayal
Kadesha Armstrong, JAG Program Capital Area Technical College
I told you to let your soul speak louder than words, but you let them
overpower you.
I said let your eyes tell me what your actions can’t, but you let them
judge your outcome.
You should’ve let the way you embrace show me how much you care,
but you let your ego get in the way of that.
I said let your tears cry for me when I am in pain, but you left me to cry
my own tears of pain instead.
I say be my missing piece, but you were just missing.
I say be my soldier in war, my angle in the sky, but now you are my
enemy, a devil in the dark.
I had standards for you to be everything, but now you are nothing.
How could I not see the real you? See behind that mask that you wore
so proudly.
How could I not see what you truly wanted? How could I not look past
those times you embraced me?
I fell for you so easily, gave you my trust and told you secrets no one
else could know.
Now I’m stuck in my own self-pity. I’m stressing about if it’s really me.
Am I cursed? No, I can’t be.
I shouldn’t be worried. I’m not the one giving up.
I didn’t promise to treat me right when I’m having a bad day. I didn’t
say I would care for myself when I am sick.
I can’t say I’ll give myself a shoulder to cry on, not even hold myself
close when I need to be held.
No, that wasn’t me but I won’t cry for what is lost. I’ll just hide them in
the shadows. I’m locked up forever because I was misled to care.
My trust got betrayed. I was kicked down from above. My heart was
ripped out of my chest. Now I have been broken to be pieced together
again.
39
Cancer
Devonta Bailey, ACE Program
As you take that first puff then the second not knowing deep down
in your lungs smoking is hectic hard smoke works your neck makes
your jaws clinch people avoiding you trying to get rid of that stench
three then four can’t stop cart after cart until 10 o’clock heart pounding
against your chest made with different kinds of things that kill slowly
and slowly your body starts to wear down took your last puff and it puts
you in the ground heart paralyzed but just realized you have died.
Stand By Me
Cassidy Lee, ACE Program Paraprofessional
Would you stand by me when the world
Has turned its back?
Would you hold my hand
When I am under attack?
When you say forever, do you mean it
With your heart?
Do you mean that no one
Could pull us apart?
Will you take me in your arms
When my tears are flowing free?
Even when the reason
Is something you cannot see?
Will you come every day and kiss my cheek?
Sing when I am strong?
Love when I am weak?
I won’t be young forever.
My hair will soon turn gray.
But I’ll still love you then,
As much as I do today.
40
chapter
3
“I am an overcomer.”
-Tyesha Branaugh
41
Overcomer
Tyesha Branaugh, YouthBuild Capital City
I am an overcomer.
Who learned to embrace the struggle
Was taught how to hustle
Kind of thuggish
and a lil’ rougher
Than the girls I grew up under.
I am an overcomer.
Who has no doubts
Remembers what I was taught To find good before fault
Be honest at all costs
And keep my head up even if I lost.
I am an overcomer.
Who was put here for a cause
And even though I have flaws
I will keep reaching for the stars.
‘Cause I know
I can go far.
I am an overcomer.
42
No’s Knows
Devonta Bailey, ACE Program
One word blocks my path
‘No,’ is what they tell me.
No in the morning, no in the afternoon, I would be surprised if
there wasn’t a No in the bathroom.
Every turn I make, ‘No.’
No would be there looking me in the face.
I vanish from this life, this earth the world, but No would be
telling me to stay.
Cornered by a dozen No’s.
No, in the morning, No in the afternoon, I would be surprised if
there wasn’t a No in the bathroom.
All the No’s that surround me.
There are moments where a No is necessary; however now isn’t
the time or place.
I breathe in, as if I cranked my chest
Looked No in the center of its circle
And I politely said, “Yes!”
A.D.H.D.
Britney Jefferson, JAG Program Capital Area Technical College
Sitting in a room drifting off
You teaching me but I don’t hear it
I’m not paying attention
Just hearing bits and pieces
Of what I need to know
In my mind, I want to concentrate
But I can’t because I’m drifting further into my thoughts
I lose my self.
43
Life
Darius Walker, ACE Program
Life-life is crazy like in a major way
Like how rich people spend their money on diamonds and cars
When we have people living under an interstate
Where police use your I.D to recognize the body
Because it does not have a face
L.I.F.E- where your people talk behind your back
And ask you for money when they see u walking their way
L.I.F.E-where women only go for the material thing
And end up with a lot of things that money can’t get rid of
L.I.F.E-sometimes I wish it would end
But I guess staying strong is what makes you a man.
Hard Worker
Ralph Young, YouthBuild Capital City
I am a hard worker.
I strive to be the best,
To learn everything that I can,
To see all that I can, and
To understand everything because
I am a hard worker.
I work hard to have a perfect body,
Mind, spirit, and understanding of things.
I try to be an “alpha” at everything I do.
Coming back to school was tough.
I had forgotten a lot of things,
But they came back to me because
I am a hard worker.
I am a loner, and I work best by myself.
I understand things better by watching and learning.
I feel sometimes people don’t understand me at all,
But I try to make them understand me because
I am a hard worker.
44
Threatening Tears
Tavondra Norman, JAG Program Capital Area Technical College
Tears running down my face
It changes my mood and how I think
They are not tears of joy
They are tears that are threatening
As I cry, the tears aren’t planned
As they come raining down
They are, my tears, tears that are threatening
Negative, harsh, angry and never try to think it out
Tears that hardly can’t be described
The tears of which you never had
What are tears?
These are my tears, threatening tears.
Vanishing Pain
Tavondra Norman, JAG Program Capital Area Technical College
As I lay and think, I wonder to myself the pain I felt before.
I was threatened but somehow it faded.
It used to feel like I had a bad rush to the emergency room
Now it just needs a bandage.
As time goes by my pain suddenly falls.
It has no ending.
It feels as if my pain is vanishing.
45
Missing Childhood
Regina Johnson, YouthBuild Capital City
What happened to my childhood?
Did it disappear?
Kids are running and laughing while I’m just sitting here.
Sometimes I tell myself that life isn’t fair,
But all I can do is just sit and stare.
My strength is strong enough to hold each of my tears,
Yet I’m getting weaker year after year;
Weaker but wiser as I may add.
How can I miss something I never had?
That’s why I ask this question day after day,
Did I lose my childhood?
Or did someone take it away?
Authentic Made
Tyteana Jones, JAG Program Capital Area Technical College
I feel defeated and decomposed
I feel powerless cause this is not the life that I chose
But I try to get over this Vibe of defeat
Because life is a buffet and I’m voraciously tryna eat
Audacious risk I am willing to take
Precocious it may seem but I Gotta make something Shake
But if I sit around and chill and never move forward
It’s like I’m standing in one place acting like I don’t want more
Sometimes in life you’re gonna have to swallow your pride
It’s not always smooth it’s a real bumpy ride
But don’t underestimate yourself that’s something you don’t do
Cause if you work real Hard sometimes you’ll surprise you
People tell you to be normal well that’s alright
When a simple be you would really suffice
The meaning of normal is personally created
And I say that because I can only Be me
Never replicated or Generic played
46
I can only be Tyteana Authentic Made
Storm of Frustration
David Gordon, ACE Program
Storm clouds and heavy rain
Headaches and hunger pains
Misunderstanding and fallouts
Cold shoulders and vulgar name call outs
Ignoring simple signs and stressful sighs
Inside cries and water filled eyes
From butterflies to bitter regrets
From I love you to questioning; I haven’t left yet.
How sweet is joy
and at what cost are you willing to pay?
How long do you endure before “a change”
is something you can strongly and safely say?
Have you found your path? Do you even know who you are?
Do you follow your mind, your body, or your heart?
Do your emotions play tricks on you
or have you been tricked by your emotions?
Are we cruising or just coasting?
This ferris wheel is similar to a rollercoaster.
When is it safe for me to save myself?
Do I wait for you to give me the word?
Or do we remain unhappy never to be happy,
waiting for the worst to occur.
They say the key to make it is plenty of patience,
but I say our shoes are not alike, and I’m emotional
and my emotion is frustration.
47
Temper
Quentin Calhoun, YouthBuild Capital City
QUESTION: What is something you can’t get rid of by losing it?
ANSWER: Your temper!
Temper is the one thing, without a doubt, you can’t get rid of and
losing it isn’t enough. For some people, they have tempers and for
others they can keep it under control. For me, I can say, I never get
angry; I can control my temper.
People get angry all the time, but control is what separates you
from others. For instance, you’re with your friends and this guy
comes along and scuffs your shoes. There are two ways to handle
this. If he apologizes you can forgive and forget, or you can lose
control of your temper and potentially hurt someone. If you’re
smart you would choose the first option because it is the best
answer; however, if you choose the second option, you will have
to live with the consequences.
For another example, say you are back in school and you get
bullied over and over. I know that can make a man furious. You
have 2 choices here: report them to a teacher or staff member (the
best option), or stand your ground and fight which will probably
get you either suspended or expelled.
Temper is one of the hardest things to get rid of, but it’s even
harder to forgive and forget. People say that anger management
doesn’t work well. I believe that’s a personal choice not to let it
help you, but if it doesn’t help you, then you must learn to control
yourself.
A temper is hard to control, but if you learn to control it, your life
will be a whole lot better in the long run.
48
THE THREE THINGS THAT WORRY ME THE MOST
Yamil Ledesma, Cuba, Christa McAuliffe ESL
I think that one of the things that most worries me is my health.
I would not like to be sick; that would be a big problem for my
family and me. So I try to eat healthy and exercise more. Another
thing I am worried about is my daughter‘s education. She is one
of the most important people in my life and everyday it is more
difficult with all the freedoms that the new generation has. It is
difficult to raise them up in a good way, but I will try with all my
strength because this is one of my main goals. Another thing that
worries me is my economic stability because this is my source to
provide all the materials things that my family needs. These three
things worry me the most. There are more things that worry me,
like the future of world with global contamination, the wars, but
these topics are a little more extensive.
49
I’m Fine
Tierra Richardson, ACE Program
I’ve got feelings.
You do, too.
But sometimes I feel like
I can’t trust you.
You can look at me on the outside
And I’ll say that I’m fine
But really I’m dying inside.
I hide my insecurity
Under my mask
To hide the pain on my face,
And the scars from my past.
I feel like I’m not loved
And in the middle of the storm,
In the middle of the rain
I stand there
And let the tears flow down my face.
Sometimes I feel like
I do not belong
And that I can’t make a difference
In this world.
I feel different and awkward
I feel alone and scared
I know I have friends
But they might not be there.
I’m not who you think I am
With that fake smile
Planted on my face.
You can look at my past
And say it’s not that bad
But for me it was
You have no idea how I feel.
I cry myself to sleep
Because when I think of me
I don’t think of beauty
I don’t think of belonging.
I’m suffering more pain
Than you can actually see
Because I’m good
At not being me.
I think of times
That I have cried
And I think
What good does it do?
So I brush my tears away
Cover the pain
And plant that fake smile
Every day on my face.
I don’t know what to do
Anymore with my life
I don’t feel like I can do
What I want in life.
Sometimes I feel like
I’m all alone
But as I cry myself to sleep
I know they’re watching over me
As I hope for sweet dreams.
I’ll never fit in
Like all the rest
But I know that I’m loved
By the ones I miss.
50
The Reaper’s Judgment
Kaiya Washington, JAG Program Capital Area Technical College
I have a confession
My depression is no longer just an expression of my deeper struggles
It’s a pest that sits on my soul and nibbles at the door that keeps my
troubles
I can’t function
It’s a hand that grabs my heart and twists it hard and pops every vein like
a fragile bubble
The hands double
Every organ that seems important gets tighter
My brain gets lighter
And I’m a fighter so I try to fight it but it’s a bomb of fire I can’t excite it
Too much excitement may ignite it
I need enlightenment
How do I fight this bitter war
I can’t stand forever and I can’t ignore how much the pain hurts more and
more
Crying at night to release the sores
But the tear drop releases many
I need help if a body would give me any
Lord, send me a sign
Or better yet an angel of divine divinity
Before I die please don’t let this depression finish me
Don’t let it be the end of me
I need that angel demons are always sent to me
Heart eaters with friend features
Blessings are what they pretend to be
I don’t have the energy
And I have no weapons not even a vision of my enemy
What’s the point of this battle if I’m swinging at everything and I can’t hit
anything?
Finish me
If that’s what lies
This world is cruel and it keeps me sighing
I’m down on my knees, the end of my fighting
My hands are tied no more pain no crying
I’m living in death and I feel like dying
I feel like dying, that’s my confession the Reaper’s judgment death by
depression.
51
Sleeping In Fear
Anthony Haynes, ACE Program
I am asleep but awake,
Short breath with no sight.
Touched, beaten, but no bruises,
My mind threatened by both sides.
I don’t know which one to choose.
I am asleep but awake,
Hearing voices around me,
But no one’s there.
As my days and nights go by,
I pray to the Lord,
That I no longer hide,
So I may lay my head at night.
I am asleep but awake.
52
How Can I Fly With One Wing
William Bradley, JAG Program Capital Area Technical College
The wind blows constantly
My feet stand strong
I’m just a guy with one wing
Who is trying to fly alone
Knowing you can’t fly
Is a hard pill to swallow
I lost my wing to this sword
Goes by the name of “life with a problem”
So I walked and I walked
For one hundred miles
To find 50 people just like me
Standing in one big pile
There was laughter and tears
In all type of weather
But we decided that we’re going to hold hands
And fly together….
53
I am Shy and Wise
Johnnita Smith, YouthBuild Capital City
I am shy and wise.
I have a struggle.
I have black skin.
I have few friends.
I want hatred to end.
I am shy and wise.
I have a smirk, not a smile.
I have no fear in my eyes.
I have a memory of pain;
I want it out of my brain.
I have pride.
I am shy and wise.
I have a story.
I have a past.
I am all for the future.
I have had good days and bad.
I have fled from problems.
I am shy and wise.
54
Would you understand?
Denzel Johnson, St. Paul Adult Learning Center
Would you understand if I said I’m a troubled man who shed many tears?
Would you understand if I said I hide my pain with a smile and laugh so
it wouldn’t appear?
Would you understand if I said I dropped out of the 12th grade?
Would you understand if I said the thought of my father brings rage?
Would you understand if I said never give up on your dreams?
Would you understand if I said life is a blessing no matter how it may
seem?
Would you understand if I said I may not know you but our life is similar
in many ways?
Would you understand if I said never quit and you’ll achieve your goal,
some day?
Would you understand if I said life is how you make it, so make it the
best way?
Dark Child
Casmiere Barthelemy, JAG Program Capital Area Technical College
I have been surrounded in a dark place in my life where I felt nothing but
pain, frustration and hatred over and over again it feels like I’m going in
circles.
I have been forced against my will, but I guess nobody sees that, of
course. This dark child has been trapped for a while and afraid to come
out. I feel like breaking down and crying because I am dying inside.
I want to give up on life because nothing seems right, so I pray to God
and ask him to heal the pain and take me out of this dark place. He
sent a child in my life that gave m light and joy, but this dark child is still
blocked off into this dark place where she sees nothing but pain with
a knife through the heart. I ask you God to relieve my pain before I go
insane. Nobody knows me because they do not know what I’m going
through inside. I’ve been dealing with this for years; it just seems like a
constant pain. I pray to you again, please relieve my pain.
55
Child of God
Laura Johnson, YouthBuild Capital City
I am a Child of God.
I am not perfect.
I have bad flaws.
I say bad words.
But never judge me because…
I am a Child of God.
I cannot walk on water.
I cannot touch people and make them better,
But I can forgive those who came in my life and made it worse Those who hurt me mentally, physically, and emotionally.
I am a Child of God.
I have a forgiving heart.
I can try to change the world to make it a better place
And walk in God’s footsteps, but…
I will always be a sinner.
I asked forgiveness and I have eternal life.
I am a Child of God.
56
A Bad Part of My Life
Gerraneisha Jolla, St. Paul Adult Learning Center
A bad part of my life began on April 18, 2011, which was the day after
Easter. I was feeling bad. I was lying around and barely wanted to talk.
My grandmother called my mom and told her I wasn’t feeling well. My
mom told my grandmother that she was on her way to get me. The next
day, my mom called the doctor office to make an appointment for me
that morning. It was time for me to go to the doctor. Before I went to
the doctor, I went outside looking for my grandmother, but she wasn’t
there. As I was coming back up the stairs, I turned back to the door and
fell backwards. I didn’t know what happened. I started crying because
I was hurting. My mom took me to the doctor. I couldn’t get on the
stretcher so the doctor called the ambulance. When the ambulance
came, it took me to the hospital.
At the hospital, I went into a coma. Then on May 2, 2011, I was diagnosed
with Lupus, a bone joint disease. That day I fell backwards I was told
I had a stroke. So as the days passed by, I was still in the hospital. I
came out of the coma, and they put me in a regular room. I tried to
talk but couldn’t. The stroke had taken my voice out. I wanted to get
up and walk, but I could not because my left leg was weak. On May 28,
2011, I had to have surgery on my stomach to get my G-tube, which is
a feeding tube. On May 31, 2011, I was getting ready to go to rehab
in New Orleans for physical therapy, occupational therapy and speech
therapy. The days went by and on July12, I was at physical therapy.
The therapist told me to stand up and put my hands on the walking
bars. I started walking on my own. I couldn’t believe it. Before I started
walking, I was worried that I would never walk again. This is why I say
it’s a bad part of my life. Now I am healthy, happy and grateful to do the
things that most teens do.
57
OUTSPOKEN AND HEADSTRONG
Erica Anderson, ACE Program
I am outspoken and headstrong.
I wonder if I’ll ever truly surpass negativity.
I hear voices telling me to never quit.
I see my future in front of me.
I want to achieve!
I am outspoken and headstrong.
I pretend to be shy.
I feel like I’m about to pop at times.
I touch the fear I felt.
I worry about having my nerves take over.
I cry when I feel defeated.
I am outspoken and headstrong.
I understand that I can’t win at everything.
I say I wish I could rewind the hands of time.
I dream about when I was a child, careless and carefree.
I try to make a great living for my family.
I hope that I am doing a great job at it.
I am outspoken and headstrong.
58
Hurting Inside
Kayvin Thomas, JAG Program Capital Area Technical College
Pain in my heart
Anger in my soul
Inside where the love is stored
Is a big hole
Questions are asked
Wrong answers are given
Why I ask myself
Who are you to judge me?
You were young once
Can’t you see?
I’ve been praying everyday
Down on one knee
God has forgiven me
For what I have done
Why can’t you all
I only made one
I’m hurting inside
Why is it so hard for you to see?
Is it because you care more about
yourself
Than you do about me
At this point, I’m about to give up
And be care free
The pain I am feeling
It is hard for you to see
You wouldn’t understand
What I go through
Unless you be me
And take a walk in my shoes
But because you think I lied
Is why I am hurting inside?
Lessons are learned
Mistakes are made
It hurts to watch
All the love, respect, and trust
FADE
What really hurts the most?
Is when you throw it in my face
I wish I could take it all back
Then we wouldn’t be in this
place
59
I am Anthony
Anthony Wilson, YouthBuild Capital City
I am Anthony.
I’m a lover, not a fighter.
I am Anthony and only Anthony and
Nobody is going to change that.
I’m the one who can make a big difference in your life.
I am Anthony.
I’m the only youngest son in my family.
I think I can be the best at what I can do.
I’m willing to make something out of myself.
I really had a bad attitude, but I’m willing to make a change.
I never had friends and didn’t get along with anyone,
But I’m willing to make that change.
I rise above hate.
I have no worries.
I am Anthony Wilson.
60
DissatisFIfied
Thaddeus Trey P lummer, ACE Program
I’m done with giving into this system the common call life,
What’s worse is they’ve got my people with gun wars and fights.
But I get criticized for something I’m not doing,
Rather than what I’m supposed to do,
I feel you brother;
They’ll normally speak against it and speak against you.
….I keep getting this bad vibe from certain music and when I ask
somebody why they listen to it
They’d rather question me as if I’m foolish.
But it’s my spirit whispering,
Do they really hear to what they are listing?
Well, to all those that have ears, let them hear
My logical argument.
It’s not good for the temple that you’re borrowing.
Thank God,
We’re about to hear the trumpet sound.
61
Looking for Relief
Lori Darensbourg, JAG Program Capital Area Technical College
Open my mouth
Just to be understood
Glares I get from those who
stumble about
To open my mouth and verbally
express
Understand they should
Although it don’t affect the rest
Closed mouths don’t get fed
As I was told
But how…
How can a mouth open up?
If one not listens to what it
beholds
Mind trapped in my feelings
The heart beats without
recognition
Soul holding the truth back
Relief may be it
But instead it’s just an ear to listen
A shoulder to cry upon
Someone who cares about me
and my feelings
Sympathy I don’t want
Relief, is either a must or a don’t
Looking for relief
Finding the way out of life
Kind of hard to let it be
But still in all the accused still see
Nothing as guidance
But still come back with defiance
Relief is just something I look
about
Searching and searching but can’t
seem to find my way out
Why talk when no one listens?
Why laugh when I hurt inside?
Why seek for the sunshine when
the raindrops glisten?
Why smile when all the while the
pain I hide?
As I talk I see that I’m clearly being misunderstood
I could talk all day
You could listen, that’ll do some
good
Talking yet no one understands
Looking for relief
Lurking to the top in high demands
Relief is like a tree
It takes time to grow
Once it grows, it grows
At that moment you’ll know
Looking for relief
Finding the way out of life
Kind of hard to let it be
But still in all the accused still see
Nothing as guidance
But still come back with defiance
Relief is just something I look
about
Searching and searching but
can’t seem to find my way out
Looking for relief
Gotta find it in me
Hide and seek not an option,
gotta have belief
Looking for relief,
Not stopping ‘til I see
62
The Executive Order
Clifton Eames, Jr., McKinley Adult Learning Center
63
I Have a Future
Andre’ Young, YouthBuild Capital City
I have a future.
To become whatever I want
I dream of things that others don’t
I open my eyes and see everything in sight
Move away from the hood where I have to fight
I have a future.
White picket fence in a white neighborhood
To have a wife, some kids, and a dog that’s good
Family living well and everything excellent
Everybody going to church trying to get the same blessing
Going to a planet where nobody can hurt you.
I have a future.
Moving on up like George and Weezy
Coming from a hard life where it isn’t easy.
Growing up losing friends and habits
To have so many children to where I can handle
Believe and achieve so it can happen for you.
I have a future.
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Life on Rewind
Latoya Franklin, ACE Program
Everyone wishes they had a rewind button on life. If I could rewind, I
would change decisions in life - remove some people from my life and
fix relationships within my family.
I would change the decisions in my life because I have chosen things to
do that I don’t approve of. To me, life is all about decisions. For example,
I dropped out of high school. That was one of my biggest mistakes in
my life. I won’t say that I regret it, but I can say that I shouldn’t have
done it. But that was part of my failure in life. My failure is my past, but
now leading to my success in the present and preparing for success in
my future.
When you rewind your life, you turn back the hands of time. It takes
people and friends out of your life. I have people that I let into my life
that brought me down in my teenage years. During that time, I was
very easily influenced. Some of those people are still in my life. It’s
hard to remove people from your life that have been there for years.
Removing certain people from your life is like losing weight. It takes
time and determination.
Family is a big part of everyone’s life. No one has a perfect family. My
relationship with my mother’s side of the family is great. I wish I could
say the same about my dad’s side. My dad’s side of the family is mostly
a big mystery to me. He was never really in my life. As a child, I could
only wish and hope for him to be around. As I got older, I realized no
one has a perfect life, though I would always hope to have my dad
become my father.
Rewinding my life would make my decisions better, people in my life
would only be people of good interest, and my relationship with my
family would be great.
65
Always Happy
Khadeja Francis, YouthBuild Capital City
I am happy that I am here today. I’m also happy that I have a beautiful
family.
I’m happy that I’m in YouthBuild Capital City.
I will get my GED and my OSHA card. I will get better in math.
I am happy.
I will get better at my skills. I look at my work and say, “I can do this.”
I love to work on things I never tried before. I learn new things everyday.
I try and do everything that’s possible to get my GED.
I am happy.
I don’t understand my work sometimes. I will ask for help before I give up.
I think about the things I do in class so I can pass my test. I believe in
myself;
I can do this.
I will achieve all my goals throughout this program.
I am happy.
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I am me
Camry, YouthBuild Capital City
I am me.
I am a loving, caring person with a nice attitude until you step on my toes.
I am an aunt who cares about her nieces and nephews.
I am a sister that is always there when they need me.
I am a talented person.
I am an outgoing and respectful young lady.
I am a person who will not give up.
I am me.
I am a person who wants to be successful in life.
I am a person who’s willing to change for the best.
I am a person who pushes herself to be better.
I am a leader, never a follower.
I am a person who will help someone when they need it
I am a student of YouthBuild.
I am me.
I am a person who works hard.
I am a person who goes after what I want.
I am a person who comes from a wonderful family.
I am a person who is willing.
I am a person who will get through this.
I am me.
67
I’m stronger than Racism
Krystle Lanus, YouthBuild Capital City
My days growing up were a bit rough. Well, they were really rough. I
never would’ve thought that I would have to go through what I have
been through. When I was five years old I finally learned what the K.K.K.
was and how they treated blacks. It was the worst experience of my life.
Clear as day, I remember playing at the park with my sister and friends.
They left me there. On my way back home two little white girls asked
if I could play with them. I told them yes, and followed them to the
backyard. Their mother looked at me with an evil smile and said, “Oh
good. You girls have a friend. I’ll go get some lemonade.” I started to get
in the pool with the little girls and we laughed and played. When their
mother came back out, she had an iron bat in her hand. “I’m going to
kill you, nigger!” she said. Just knowing she was talking to me, I hopped
out of the pool and started running. At the age of only five I was running
for my life. Only a couple of inches away from me, she started to swing
the bat. While repeating over and over, “I’m going to kill you. Don’t ever
come back to my house again.” When she stopped running behind me
she said, “I’ll get you.” They say never look back when you’re running,
but I did.
When I finally made it home it didn’t stop there. Later on that night the
K.K.K. tried to get in our home. Thank God for the burglar bars on all the
windows and doors, so they couldn’t get in. My mom and her friend had
to call the police and they escorted us out of the state of Texas. I’m very
thankful that God was watching over us and protected us from all evil. I
haven’t been back to Houston or Vidor, Texas, since then.
Yes, I still have nightmares about it. But change has come and I’m doing
fine, getting ready to have a baby girl who will never have to deal with
any of the things her mother had to deal with. Although it was very hard
for me to deal with growing up, they say, “What doesn’t kill you makes
you stronger,” and I’m stronger then I have ever been. I have a story to
tell. I can help young woman and men who ever had to deal with racism
as a child. Together we can get through it all.
68
Why?
Kayla Hills, JAG Program Capital Area Technical College
Why am I fighting to live if I’m only living to fight?
Why am I trying to see when there’s nothing in my sight?
Why am I trying to give when no one gives me a try?
Why am I dying to live if I’m just living just to die?
Now, I did all that I could but nothing goes my way
A goal set to overcome with barriers in my way
I’m trying to rise above but I’m forgone beneath the sea
I will not let you win this time I’m striving to defeat
I didn’t want a battle but you declared war
Each knock you gave me made me stronger than before
I will not give up, I will not give in
I refused to let you be the reason that I fall because I’m destined to win.
69
Life’s Battle
Jessica Rockett, JAG Program
You breathe and you take your first breath
As time goes by you’re trying to take your first step
Learning and seeing new things
Everything is so interesting because it’s things you’ve never seen
You start to speak and mumble with the rest
But getting the words right is a very hard test
The simplest things occupy you, but not for long
You’re getting older now; you leave all the toys alone
You start meeting people and seeing different mentalities
You start dreaming and forget about the reality
It’s hard to focus on you because others got your attention
You start getting feelings and emotions for certain people who in ways
make you feel different
You know what you want but find it complicated to get it
Your chance comes but so often you miss it
You fight for your reputation because others stay hating, twisting words
and telling lies
Thinking it is the people you love but it’s all hate and jealousy in disguise
You call for the lord in your life and get close to giving up because you
feel he’s never on time
But it takes time to make up your mind
You’re constantly battling if you’re going to live wrong or right
Distinguishing between right and wrong is a fight
Believe the lord will help you do right because he’s like the kickstand on
a bike
70
He’s there to hold you up during the hard times of your life
Love comes and it can stop you if you discover it the wrong way it’ll
drop you
Down in a hole where it’s hard to get up like there’s a thousand pounds
on top of you
The right kind of love is like a tingle in your body
It can make you do all types of things like turn an angel naughty
The battle in life is putting it all together
Standing strong and realizing to put two and two together
Find yourself never become a copy
Always be a leader with the mentality ‘’ NOBODY CAN STOP ME ‘’
Leave the devil alone
He’ll burn your dreams and put your name on a grave stone
It’s a battle to stay away and find God’s love where skies are never gray
You’ll find your dreams in front of you when you live that way
Fight for your dreams, live for yourself, spread your wings and dodge
the fall
In this life the goal is to make it to the end until the day we are called
It all depends on the heart and the strength
To take the right path from the day the Lord brought you in….
71
Odds Against Me
Kirkpatrick Wayne Morrison, ACE Program
The odds are stacked against me,
Those against me hide their faces
And try to befriend me.
Lonely in ways, but fluttered with thoughts;
Crippled in heart from the hell that I’ve caught.
Can’t understand the life that I chose,
In the ring with life receiving fatal blows
Where will I end up in life?
Truthfully no one knows .
The odds are stacked against me.
My skies are now so dark and gray,
But still I wake and pray and thank God for the day.
Respectful to the disrespectful is the way I was raised.
Heart now pumps cold blood and I live for the day.
72
My Plea to My Classmates
Chad Banks, JAG Program Capital Area Technical College
To my young sisters in this JAG class I cannot fathom what it is like to be you
Especially if you have job, a kid, and coming to school
Trying to teach your little man not to be like none of your male classmates
But end up with a male friend just like or one of your classmates
Integrity sisters integrity. Wait hold up, let me mold you
So after I’m finish this will be something a woman or mother figure has already
told you
But this is from my point of view
Leave them boys alone they are only here to scold you
Expose you, neck tie and turn you lose.
But they don’t understand the love, them feelings, and the psychological
emotions that y’all go through
When that estrogen gets built up them, decisions gets harder for you to choose
From him, your kids and hustling a ride to school
On top of those family problems it becomes a hell of a combination
And to see your face every day I know you have that woman’s natural adaptation
But remember God said put your trust in Him not him stop feeding into that
fabrication
Because you here for 2 reasons that GED and the advancement of your
education
To my fellas what we still trapped up in slavery don’t tell me you forgot
That paper trail we claim we on really made of cotton
I hate to see us put on a front and have to back out because it was something
that we’re not
But I’m not here to judge if that’s you I am only here to plot
Yeah you street smart I could see it in your eyes
Why not take that same street knowledge and to those books you apply
Put 2 and 2 together you know the code sometimes you have to divide
Subtract some of them friends so those dead presidents could multiply
Man I get so enrage because of all the talent I see
But since no one ever yarded you, you settle (the feet) defeat
A T.H.U.G is a TRUE HERO UNDER GOD
He rules with his presence not an iron rod
But on top of that I know our struggle differentiate and we lose patience
And to see your face every day at school I respect your hustle and this my
admiration
But remember God said put your trust in Him not him stop feeding into that
fabrication
Because you here for 2 reasons That GED and the advancement of your
education
73
What Doesn’t Kill Me Makes Me Stronger
Iesha Smith, ACE Program
What is it I feel inside?
Love and lust are driven thoughts in my mind?
Blame it on life…why?
To be upset with something that makes your wrongs seem better
Through all the storms of any weather.
But yet, in reality it’s still going on.
Who cares if you’re grown,
King or queen on a throne?
You’re better off telling that true story to the unknown,
The overlooked and underrated,
The main people who successfully make it.
Take my heart until you damage and break it.
Who needs something that lives to give nothin’ but destruction,
That can help build to kill my every function.
Pain is your flesh being punctured
Like you’re trying to breathe with no lungs
Or maybe talking with no tongue.
Life’s hard work with no fun.
Why can’t it end how it begun?
Instead, it’s all rain, no sun,
All beat, no drum;
A war with no gun,
But I’m motivated to be the greatest,
So I stand tall, fight back and don’t run.
74
Letting Go
Tangular Davis, St. Paul Adult Learning Center
He took what was mine to give, so
Then you gave to him, FORGETTING ME!
Leaving me searching for what was,
Only finding a life sentence.
Fighting with this hand I was dealt
I focus everything on the life
I carried inside me.
Deciding to hide behind your lies,
Then you were the first to BETRAY ME!
But through it all, I stand before you,
As your shoulder to lean on!
No I’m not your favorite, but I’m
Still holding you up!
Now I’m living, walking with my head up high,
With gained wisdom and love,
Letting everything go!
75
Seen It All
Krystle Lanus, YouthBuild Capital City
I am a young woman who has seen it all.
Who has been used and abused, lost and found.
I have seen the sunshine and the rain.
I’ve been lied to and lied on, but still I rise.
I am a young woman who has seen it all.
The friends I used to have; I don’t have any more.
The pain I felt, no longer is there.
The environment I was in; I had to get out of quick.
If I didn’t, I’d probably be sleeping with the fish.
I am a young woman who has seen it all.
Even though I have seen it all and been through a lot,
I have had people bring me down and some lift me up.
The life style that I was in was heading down the wrong path;
I’m on the right path now.
Please believe that I’m a young woman who strives for the best.
I am a young woman who has seen it all!
76
It Makes Me Sad
Marcus Elie, YouthBuild Capital City
I wake up in the morning, and thank the Lord that He let me see the light.
It makes me sad to see homeless people walking or even on a bike.
I try to change for the best, but life just goes on.
If I had the key to success then I’d bring it home.
I think about me, my family, friends, and the past.
I try to help everyone, but it still makes me so sad.
You can’t judge anyone from their past or what they have been through.
You never know how it feels until it happens to you.
From the homeless who don’t have a home and the ones who do,
I’ll pray for y’all and y’all pray for me too.
I love all my people, my family and my friends.
I’ll never let you down even if the world ends.
To the lost and found, the poor, and the ones who never had;
I wouldn’t trade anything because it still makes me sad.
To the people who don’t know me, I hope y’all feel the same.
I love all y’all. Especially my big brother Eddie Cain…
77
FREE!
Donovan Burrell, ACE Program
I used to be trapped by 4 walls,
but now I have a choice.
I always missed home,
but I never cried.
I once wondered what it would be like to have a reset button,
but now I realize
if I could turn back the hands of time,
I would change a lot.
I never would have made those mistakes,
but I might be labeled as a menace.
I can’t be a victim,
but I can cook my own food.
I won’t be enslaved,
but I might be helpful.
I used to be caged,
but now I’m FREE
78
chapter
4
“Success, sweet success”
-Darius Harris
79
Success
Darius Harris, JAG Program Capital Area Technical College
Success, sweet success
It’s not hard get
It is patiently waiting for us
To own and hold one to it
Success has easy access
If you’re after it restlessly
Success is for the better
As it brings out the best in me
Success might be different to you
But it’s the same to me
Success is looking back and smiling
On what you came to be
You don’t have to be rich
In order to reach success
As long as you are satisfied with life
And have good health
Success is overcoming
The odds when it’s stressful
That’s when you have the right
To call yourself successful
80
Staying Positive
Khadeja Francis, YouthBuild Capital City
Always have a positive attitude
because if you don’t have a positive attitude you will not go far in life.
Keep your head up and be focused on your future.
When I wake up in the morning and start getting ready for school,
I really just love that feeling.
You have to have self-esteem and a good attitude toward others.
Always have a positive attitude and you will go far in life.
Math Challenge
Bentrell Carey, St. Paul Adult Learning Center
81
The Lord is My Shepherd
Matthew Banks, JAG Program Capital Area Technical College
Having visions about my future
Because I am going to this forever
Rushing, transition for this music
My ambition does not make it any
better
First mission was school
Am I going to lose?
Probably never… because God
gave me the tools
So I can use whenever I want, You
see these shoes?
To this distraction
The devil I stump
To my terminology
It’s shallow in the swamp
Got me creeping for a metal
A different level is what I want
The Lord is my shepherd
I’m not waiting in the slumps
The requirements of a better me
I provide the minimum of an inner
high
I prescribe to duplicate the
heavenly and conduct the
brothers that will forever try.
The Lord is my shepherd he is
protecting me, I hear enormous
sounds of weeping cries.
Life is better when the Lord got
your back
And even harder when it’s all about
them stacks
Working hard for them racks
Dress up and get involved in them
slacks
I walk before I crawl and that’s a fact
Everybody looking for change
from headache and the pain
my subjection just pray to maintain
As I walk through the valley of
death
I shall fear no evil,
I’m tired, Ran out breath
hidden from these eagles
Lord can I get to the steps hope he
forgive his people
The real purpose to live is a holy
test
Dollar bills get you killed
Got me hoping for the best
Gave me a gift and the skills
I’m extremely blessed
A hundred percent I give I’m not
taking anything less
Until the day I lay rest will be
relieved from this stress.
82
I am a leader
Ronnie Humbles, YouthBuild Capital City
I am a leader, one who has never followed crowds.
I am a leader, and the voice of so many.
I am a leader, with goals higher than buildings.
I am a leader, and would never tell you wrong.
I am a leader, also a shoulder to lean on.
I am a leader, but you are my brother and sister.
I am a leader; I will lead right along with you.
I am a leader; I’ll never leave without you.
leader; the truth is what I have seen.
I am my
I am a leader; my job is to make you believe.
I am a leader, what you get is what you see.
I am a leader, with a right for the freedom to speak.
I am a leader; one day you have to lead.
own
83
Thinker and Determined Woman
Regina Johnson, YouthBuild Capital City
I am a thinker and a determined woman…
I think about my past; then, I think about my future.
I don’t let what’s behind me affect the path that I’m on today;
Even though I still struggle from the choices I made.
I am a thinker and a determined woman…
I think about my family and how I never had my mother,
But from today I still don’t let anything affect my purpose;
My path; my journey.
I am a thinker and a determined woman…
Sometimes my thoughts take over and I start thinking negatively;
Then, I pray, think again, and start to look at the good picture.
I am determined where I want to go,
So I push and I strive, and every time I fall I get up.
My thoughts are what keep me going because
I am a thinker and a determined woman…
I can and I will succeed.
I am a thinker and a determined woman…
84
I am a Believer
Dante’ Hardnett, YouthBuild Capital City
I am a believer.
I will be a success.
I believe in change.
I am a thinker.
I will be a better man.
I am a believer.
I have goals.
I see myself helping others.
I see myself giving hope.
I can do anything.
I will try my hardest.
I am a believer.
I see my dreams coming true.
I feel good in my soul.
I see myself with my own family.
I see myself retiring.
I wish to see the age of seventy.
I am a believer.
85
Be an Ace
Gabriel, ACE Program
86
chapter
5
“.. peace and harmony.”
-Flavia
87
Injustice
Flavia, Brazil, Adult Literacy Advocates
I dream about a world
of peace and harmony.
Can it come true?
This is so complex.
Who can decide
what is just or unjust?
Everyone must begin
to respect the living.
When selfishness gives way to love,
injustice will disappear.
All people are equal,
no matter their skin color, sexual orientation, or
how much money they have in the bank.
We must respect others
like we would like to be respected.
Love is the unique solution for the world.
88
Two Places I Would Like to Visit in the World
Eduardo L. Vega, Mexico, Christa McAuliffe ESL
The two places I would like to visit are Moscow and London.
I would like to visit Moscow because I saw it in magazines and TV. There
is some beautiful architecture in the buildings. A specific building I
would like to visit is St. Basil’s cathedral because it is the most beautiful
structure in Red Square, Moscow, Russia.
The other place I would like to visit is London because it is part of our
Anglo history and because the English conquered the territory of the
United States. The other places in London I would like to visit are London
Bridge, the Tower of London, the British Museum, Hyde Park, The Eye
of London, Piccadilly Circus, Trafalgar Square, Saint Paul’s Cathedral,
Convent Garden, Leicester Square and Buckingham Palace.
89
My Garden
Cynthia E. Madrigal, Costa Rica, Christa McAuliffe ESL
The Garden is my favorite place. I grew up in the country on my parent’s
farm. As with all farms it was a nice environment for a kid like myself to
grow up in, having fun and doing whatever I wanted.
I always enjoyed nature and its beauty. I remember the garden where
my mother loved to plant different kind of plants and flowers. She
taught me how to plant my first seed, how take care of it and then enjoy
its flowers. On the other hand my father showed me how to take care of
the animals, he showed me how to be patient and finally enjoy its fruits.
I think that I inherited the love for nature because of my parents.
The time was passing and with it grew my love for nature. Today I have
my own garden and enjoy working in it. I have many kinds of flowers,
bushes and citrus trees. I even have a special place for vegetables.
I love to work on my garden, especially during spring time when the
plants start to bloom. There are many things to do, like trimming the
bushes, weeding, removing dead plants, planting new plants, fertilizing
and much more. It is not an easy task. I have to work very hard to see
my garden nice and special during spring time when the garden is
full of flowers anywhere you look. I buy ceramic figures and different
ornaments for decoration and I don’t forget the Citronella candles to
fight mosquitoes.
At the end of the day, after all the hard work, the best prize is to go
and sit on a swinging chair with my lovely husband and feel the warm
breeze of spring on my face. I like to relax and enjoy a cup of coffee
while contemplating God’s creation.
90
The Gym
Baozhu Fu, China, Christa McAuliffe ESL
My special place right now is the gym. There are many classes at the
gym: Yoga Rumba and Step. I go to gym every day. I like doing the
rumba with my friend.
One day, I saw a person fall down on the floor. Many people came to
help her. We stopped the class because she fell, but I did not leave. The
lady got up and was OK. After that we continued the class. I felt very
happy to be the there.
So I like the gym.
one way out
Mario Williams, JAG Program Capital Area Technical College
On a dark and gloomy night at around 3 am, in Scotland, a dominant
neighborhood in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, what appears to be a ghost
town to those who are unfamiliar with the area, vicious creatures roam
the premises undetected in cuts and alley ways when all of a sudden…
bomb bomb bomb bomb bomb bomb..ffdat ffdat. Within 30 minutes
a homicide unit arrives at the crime scene just off the 1500 block of
Viola Street, a section overrun by killers and drug dealers. A crowd of
residents began to form at the corner. Sadness and revenge filled the
atmosphere as spectators gazed upon the lifeless body of G-Black, a
well-known gangster in the neighborhood.
The crowd goes frantic as reality begins to set in. Most stared in disbelief
at the sight of the splattered brain matter that covered just about a few
feet of the concrete sidewalk. A few feet away from the corpse lay a
chrome and gold desert eagle. According to homicide detectives, it was
in the possession of Tory Redding, aka G-Black before and during the
shooting, but not a single round was released from the chamber of the
weapon as the victim’s killers opened fire mercilessly without warning.
He never even saw it coming.
91
My Zone
Kirkpatrick Wayne Morrison, ACE Program
Sometimes I like to be alone
No knocks from the door,
No rings from the phone.
Call it peace of mind,
Or call it me in my zone.
Me in my zone, be that as it may,
Keep your opinions ‘cus I have nothing to say,
Nothing to hear,
Been scared too long.
Now I have nothing to fear.
Been alone for years
And still hear voices in my ear.
Nirvana
Samuel Gibson, Iberville Parish Adult Education, Capital Area Technical CollegePort Allen Campus
Take me away to a happy place
Take me away where I can see a happy face
Take me away where there is no pain
Take me away where I can’t feel shame
Where the sun shines and there is no rain
Where we could lie on grassy pastures
Where there is no hate only joy and laughter where
We are free souls that can never be captured
Take me away from this angry place where I am not judged by looks and race
Take me far as you can to a distant land that is not corrupted by hate of man
Take me far far away where there is NIRVANA
Nothing but peaceful days
Take me away from this glutinous world with the
Appetite of a piranha
Take me to Nirvana
92
Home, Peace, Joy, Family
Tangular Davis, St. Paul Adult Learning Center
93
chapter
6
“That time was
unforgettable.. ”
-Alma Gutierrez
94
I would like to go back to that
happiness time when I was child.
Alma Gutierrez, Cotija, Mich, Mexico, Christa McAuliffe ESL
There was a big park next to grandmother’s house in Michoacan, Mexico,
my home town. The park has so many things for playing: slide-down,
swings, basketball and football fields, different playground’s, cabanas
too with grill’s to make carne azada and fajitas. A lot people do birthday
parties there every weekend.
I remember when I was 5 or 6 years old with all my cousin’s and I went
to the park to play. We are a big family, so there were so many children.
I love that time because we played for a long time, about 3 to 4 hours.
In those times I feel free running and laughing with the kid’s. My mom
waited for me, my brothers and my sister at grandma’s house after we
played. Every one bought a churros with hot salsa. Mmmm is was hot,
but I liked it so much.
I enjoy these memories. That time was unforgettable, and I would like
to go back to that happiness time when I was child.
My School Holiday with My Cousins
Nelly Garcia, Venezuela, Christa McAuliffe ESL
I remember my childhood holidays from school with my cousins in
Machiques of the Perija. This is the city where I was born and grew-up
in my country of Venezuela. The holidays on the farm with my cousins
were very fun. There wasn’t any electricity and we cooked with wood.
During the day we played hide and seek, dolls, jump rope and many
things more. Ay night we sat around the bonfire, talked, sang, danced
and told stories. On the farm we planted cassava and had cows. In the
morning drank fresh milk, just milked: from the cow to my cup to my
mouth. My wonderful school holiday ended and classes started again.
I don’t like the end of my school holidays.
95
My Team
Wilson A. Segura, El Salvador, Christa McAuliffe ESL
I was at school, and I was fourteen years old. I was playing soccer; my
team’s name was Tiger. We played against a different school’s team,
and this game was hard. I made a big goal. I had been playing soccer
since I was seven years old. I was learning how to do new tricks, and my
teacher told me to keep practicing, one day I will be a good player. My
teacher was very proud of me because I was a good player and made a
big goal. We won the game! I grabbed the trophy we won; we raised
it up. Everyone cheered and was very happy. We had a big party to
celebrate the soccer game with all our friends. Yippy! Yeah! Yeah! Yeah!
WE WON!! Yippy!
At Grandma’s Little House
Binda, El Salvador, Christa McAuliffe ESL
My special place to go when I was seven years old was my grandma’s
house. My grandma lived in a small house; her house was very close to
my school. Sometimes after school I ran into my grandma’s house. She
was very nice; she always served me a snack or something to eat.
In front of her house was a big rock where my sisters and I loved to play.
We climbed to the top of the rock and threw pebbles as far as we could.
One day, my grandma had to move into another house. That was very
sad for me; the neighborhood was not the same without my grandma
in her little house.
I could not go back to play on the rock. But I could still visit my grandma
in the new house, and she still served me a yummy snack every time
that I visited her.
96
I Remember
Malcolm, ACE Program
I remember my first day of school,
wanting to wear just the right stuff to look cool.
I remember riding my first bike and falling.
I remember waking to life
and asking, “Who am I?”
I remember watching my first comedy.
I laughed so hard stuff came out my nose.
I remember deciding I loved movies so much I wanted to make them.
I remember writing my first script,
even though I didn’t finish.
I remember making my first lil’ short film.
But the best memories are yet to come
Because life is an adventure.
My Special Place
Diana Rodriguez, Mexico, Christa McAuliffe ESL
When I was a little girl, I loved to go visit my grandparents’ house because
I always had so much fun. With my friends I liked to get wet in the rain
and ride bikes around my grandparents’ farm. My grandma used to
make the best flour tortillas ever. I used to watch TV until 2 am. My
mom never let me watch TV past 9 pm. Every vacation was very special
to me because I got to go visit them. I used to love the farm because
there were cows, pigs, ducks, goats, and horses.
I was 8 years old and one day I had a strong headache. I was crying so
badly and my grandma looked at me and told me that my headache
will go away if only I prayed to God. So I did! In 5 minutes my headache
disappeared! I don’t know how it happened, but I start feeling much
better. I’m very thankful to God and my grandma that she had so much
faith. I love my grandma so much; I miss her, but I know she’s watching
over me.
97
Riding with the Horses
Fabiola Galue-Huffman, Venezuela, Christa McAuliffe ESL
My special place was where the sunshine was wonderful, in a small town
where my grandfather was born. It is located in Colombia. Usually all
my family went to the river after breakfast, but my cousins and I went
to pick up the horses at the farm. I was 11 years old and enjoyed riding
horses in the streets of the town and between the mountains. We
played that we were on our missions; it made us feel like police agents
on the horses; just a great fantasy. We never cared about the time,
except lunch time at 2:00pm every day.
The greatest moment was swimming the horses in the river. It was an
amazing experience. Unforgettable!! It was exhilarating to see how
the horses were refreshing themselves and blowing and snorting, as
they swam. As we rode the horses in the clear water we could see all
the rocks in the deep of the river. It was unbelievable to feel all these
emotions at the same time, along with beauty of nature. Finally we led
the horses back to the farm. Then we walked to the house, showered
and ate supper.
After that, we chose the best thing each night such as, watching a
special program on TV or playing some board games, ping pong or pool.
We went to the bed so late every night because we were on summer
vacation. I am never going to forget those summers with my red horse
called “Queen”.
98
My Friend’s Birthday
Xiaotian, China, Christa McAuliffe ESL
My special place is my hometown in China. I have a lot of fun there every day.
The most fun day was my friend’s birthday last year. I was about nineteen years
old. We went to the theme park. It’s a huge park. They have all kind of things
just like Disney World has. My favorite is the roller coaster.
There is a huge lake at the center of the park and a huge castle in center of
the lake. That castle is designed from the Harry Potter movie. If you want to
get into the castle, you have to get a boat. So we rented a boat and got in the
castle. When we in there we just felt like we were in another world.
After the castle we went to the play part. The first thing we played was the
roller coaster. When it got started everyone in the roller coaster was screaming.
One of my friends was so scared he just stood there watching us and waited
until we were done. I wanted to do that one more time, but so many people
were waiting, and we didn’t have much time. After the roller coaster we went
to a kart race. It has a lot of fun; everybody was laughing. We played almost
everything in the park.
We played the whole day until night came. At night the park was so beautiful;
dancers danced in street. There was a show about pirates and a treasure-trove
in the movie theatre, so we watched it. Then we went to dinner at a café which
was full of European style food. We were drinking beer, talking, telling funny
stories and laughing at people, you know boys.
After dinner everybody was so tired, we just got on the bus and went back
our hotel. Our homes were in the same town, but we just wanted to hang out
together. Finally, everyone slept so we would get enough energy for next day.
An Exciting Day at St. Vincent de Paul
Devonte’ Chambers, St. Paul Adult Learning Center
My visit to St. Vincent de Paul was the best experience I’ve ever had. I never
knew there were so many homeless or hungry people in Baton Rouge. When
I was serving the food, I could tell by their faces that they were excited to be
there and to see us students. At first I felt sorry for the people, but then I felt
good because they had a place to get out of the rain and get some food. I used
to look down on homeless people; but now I don’t. I met them face to face and
saw them as real people. So, don’t judge a book by its cover. Homeless people
can be good people.
99
My Favorite Mountain
Nohemy Rojas, Colombia, Christa McAuliffe ESL
The neighborhood where I grew up was small, close to the mountain and
crossed by the creek. It is a beautiful place, with gorgeous weather, where you
can hear the water running slowly through the rocks and feel the whistle of the
wind. Up on the mountain the green grass looks like a carpet and invites you
to roll down on it and makes you laugh and yell like a crazy girl.
At this time in my life we lived at the farm close to the mountain for about three
years, so it happened when I was around seven to ten years old. We rolled
down the mountainside, trying to push one another to the bottom. We rolled
over small rocks, sticks, thorns and plants. We got really tired and sore. This
is the way we used to play because there was no park around. After a whole
afternoon of playing on the mountain my whole body hurt and itched. But I
didn’t stop because we were excited that we had the chance to enjoy and share
this time with our friends and relatives. I especially liked being with the cousins
because we were like brothers and sisters; we grew up together.
The Sunny Days at the Beach
Norma Beatriz Perez, Venezuela, Christa McAuliffe ESL
I loved the sunny days at the beach. In my mind I remember my days at the
beach with my family. I was a child. The Sun was very hot. I liked the hot sun
on my body. I liked to play with the sand, building castles. Then I would go to
swim. The water of the ocean was very blue and cold. When the sun set, we
prepared to go home.
I had happy days with my family at the beach!
My Special Place
Parvin Hartunian, Iran, Christa McAuliffe ESL
My special place was grandmom’s house. When I was six years old I went every
Friday to my grandmom’s house, and I was happy because she knew what to
do with children. My grandmom exercised every day. Every morning she and
I went hiking. In the afternoon she taught kids how to swim, and I swam with
them. I enjoyed the evenings too. We had a good diner, and grandmom told
stories from when my dad was very young. I was so happy to know about my
dad when he was very young. I loved the weekends with my grandmom.
100
Let Me Tell You About My Visit
Joshua Gauthier, St. Paul Adult Learning Center
St. Vincent de Paul was a sobering experience. It allowed me to humble
myself and serve others. Seeing the poverty stricken people and the
homeless helped me to see that there are people with problems bigger
than mine, and it helped me to open my eyes. Serving the food was an
easy task for me, but the best part was seeing the smiles on the faces of the
people in line. Over all St. Vincent de Paul was a good experience for the
other students and for me, and I enjoyed doing it.
Now I would like to share what St. Paul means to me.
St. Paul is like my 4th home. 1st is my actual home; 2nd is my sister’s houses;
3rd is my parents friends Mr. & Mrs. Jones house; and finally St. Paul.
St. Paul helps me with my academics and with my life I have close friends
here and I have friendly teachers whom I can talk to. St. Paul is a very safe
place and it’s a place that feeds you and takes care of you. I feel that St. Paul
is a place that can teach you a lot about life and help you get your GED.
The Water I Should Never Have Drunk
Analu Rodriguez, Mexico, Christa McAuliffe ESL
I was about 6 years old and one of my aunts went to the hospital for
therapy. Every month she used to travel four hours to a big city hospital
with my mom to get her treatment. Then three of my cousins and I would
take turns every month going with them. We used to have a lot of fun and
would get to ride in a nice ambulance. After the appointment we would
eat in a restaurant and walk around that nice city. This time it was my turn
to go. Suddenly I became really thirsty while I was waiting in the room.
So I asked my mom if I could go and drink water. She said yes, so I walked
outside, and there was this nurse pushing a little cart. Then I saw a bowl
on the cart, so I waited until she left, and I drank what I thought was water.
Next thing I knew, I got burned with hot wax. Once I drank, I remember that
I was paralyzed and started crying. My mom came and called the doctors;
they put me to sleep. Suddenly I woke up and my mom got so upset with
me, and also my cousins, because she decided not to bring us on the trip
anymore.
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The Empty Lot Next to My House
Sulay; Cali, Colombia; Christa McAauliffe ESL
I was 9 years old living in my home town of Tulua-Valle, Colombia. I would
come home after very exciting days at school, get a little rest and eat
some snack made for me with loving care by Mom. After resting, if it was
a beautiful sunny day I would change my uniform and take my shoes off. I
loved to be barefoot. My mother always complained to me, “Put your shoes
on!” I said to her, “I don’t like it. It’s enough for today to have my shoes on all
day at school.” So I walked barefoot to the empty lot near my house.
The lot was huge. On one side of the lot were a few houses, but after that
everything you could see was just green. Part of the lot had fences around
it so the animals could not run away. The lot was full of animals: cows, bulls,
horses, chickens, ducks, lambs, sheep, dogs etc. Also in the lot were many
plants, tress, flowers, and fruit bushes and trees. My friends and I loved to
climb the mango trees and eat the mangos very sour with salt and lemon.
(I feel my mouth watering just remembering how delicious was!)
In the afternoon I’d get together with my neighborhood friends to play
games like: “Jazz,”“Yeba,”“Goloza” and “Scondite”. We’d chased the cows and
rode horses too. My dad raised horses, so I was never scared to play with
them. I loved the animals. So it was very fun to enjoy the afternoon with
my best friend. She was a black girl; my father didn’t like black people, but
she was very nicest to me. We loved to play together chasing the animals
in that empty lot.
I remember I was playing with my friends in the empty lot. One of my
friends (I don’t remember her name exactly, so I’ll call her Martha.) Martha
was inside the fence with the bull, and she was wearing a red t-shirt. We
heard someone yelling and screaming. We looked up to see what was
happening when we saw her running and screaming. The bull was chasing
her. It looked very funny, and we started to laugh. It was funny to see her
and the bull running in the same direction. She was trying to get out of
the fence. She was very scared, and her face was very red. I’m not sure
when they stopped running, but by the time she reached the fence, the bull
had stopped. It just got tired of chasing after her. Once Martha stopped
running, she laughed too. We just laughed and laughed, so much that our
stomachs were in pain. We had to hold our tummies and laugh more and
more, until the tears ran from our eyes. We laughed and laughed. I still
laugh about that day!
102
The Day My Hand Was Broken
Aesha, Palestine, Christa McAuliffe ESL
All the night I was excited and so happy that l could not sleep well. Every
few hours I woke up, waiting for the morning to come because it was
the day me, my grandmom, my uncles, my aunt and my older brother
were going to pick olives from the olives trees. We had to wake up so
early and be there in the fields before the sun rose. My grandmom used
to prepare a lot of food and water to take with us because we were
going to stay there until the sun set. On that beautiful morning the
whole village would be on their way to the fields. Some of them rode
donkeys, others carried ladders on their shoulders, women carried huge
baskets full of food on their heads and babies in their arms. It was a
long, hard way to the fields, we had to walk to the mountain, but this
was the time everybody waited for the whole year. Each one worked in
his field trying to do the work fast because it took days and days of hard
work to collect the olives, put them in huge bags and then send them
on the donkeys to the house. Friends came to help; kids also came after
school to help.
Finally, I reach the fields and I helped my grandmom put our stuff down
and started getting the olives. At ten o’clock it was time for breakfast;
people shared food and drinks with their neighbors. Men took a little
break to smoke cigarettes. After my breakfast, me and my brother
climbed a big olive tree and tried to catch the branch to shake off the
olives, but my brother pushed me because he wanted be the first. In
that moment I lost my balance; I fell down from the tree. It was so
painful; I started crying. My grandmom, my uncles, and the neighbors
all came running to see what happened to me. I broke my hand.
103
My Grandma’s Little Town
Student, Christa McAuliffe ESL
My special place when I was little was at my grandma’s house. My grandma lived in a
small town in Honduras. It was a small beautiful town and still is a beautiful place to
go. I remember when I was around 6 years old my family and I used to go and visit my
grandma at her house. I was happy all the time when I see my grandma. She used to
give me candy and money so me and my cousins could go and buy stuff like chips or
something to drink. Well, I and my other two cousins were the same age. We grew up
like brothers, but only one of my cousins grew up with me in the same house. The other
one lived with my grandma at her house. We couldn’t see each other often because my
grandma lived far away from us, like 4 hours. My cousin and I lived in the city and my
other cousin and grandma lived in her little town. That’s why it was too far for us to see
each other often.
The weekends were the happiest times for me because me and my cousins got together
at my grandma’s house and went to the river to swim. I didn’t know how to swim, but I
was learning. My cousins knew how to swim. I remember one day I was trying to learn
how to swim, so I jumped from one big rock into the water. I didn’t know that the little
river wasn’t too deep, and my cousins didn’t tell me, so I fell and hurt my head. I was
bleeding from my head. When my cousins saw me bleeding they were scared and took
me to my grandma. She put some kind of medicine on me; the next day I was good and
ready to play.
I remember one day when I and my cousins went with my grandpa to get the cows on
the mountain. It was all way to the top. I was scared because it was high, but my two
cousins weren’t scared. I was. My grandpa told me, “Don’t be scared; you’re safe.” I felt so
protected because I was with my grandpa. If I had been by myself to go get the cows I
would have been scared, but because it was my grandpa and my cousins with me, I felt
safe. So we brought the cows down to my other grandpa’s place; it was like a big yard, I
think, of many acres. The next morning grandpa woke us up so he can teach us how to
get the milk from the cows. It was fun! I was learning something new. Then we brought
it to grandma so she can make for us hot chocolate and cookies.
In the afternoon my cousins and I went to the soccer park around 5:00 in the afternoon
because it wasn’t that hot, had more fresh air. It was a good time to play soccer. After
we were finished playing soccer we got home around 7 o’clock because grandma told
us we can play only for 2 hours, and that’s it. She didn’t want us to stay late because it
was dangerous at nighttime. After we got home, we took a shower because we were all
sweaty and smelled bad. After we took a shower we were feeling good and fresh. Then
my grandma called us so we can have hot chocolate milk with cookies. I remember I and
my cousins sat on the bench and watched the sun come down. The rest of my family
were sitting with us and telling scary stories. After the sun came down my cousins told
funny jokes so we can laugh.
I hope one day I can go back to my grandma’s town and remember everything me and
my cousins did back then. It was really fun. I hope one day when I get married and have
babies I can take them to my grandma’s town and tell them stories about where104
I used
to go and have fun when I was a little a kid.
My Special Place at the Beach in Vietnam
Tina Nguyen, Vietnam, Christa McAuliffe ESL
When I was a child I really liked going to the beach in summer. It was
very wonderful for me. I was born and grew up in the coastal city; the
place gave me a lot of childhood memories. The beach was very close
my house, so my brothers and I often went to the beach. First I picked
up seashells. Next I built a sand castle on the beach. I was afraid the
waves would break in and hit my little sand castle. Yes, the waves swept
in, and the sand castle got washed away. After that I chased a small crab.
When I caught it, it bit my fingers. Then I swam in pool of shallow water.
I accidently drank some sea water. I hated the taste.
I loved the beach because the beach had a cool climate, and the water
was blue and cold. When I woke up each morning, I watched the sunrise
from the sea. In the afternoon I enjoyed the sunset. It was great and
beautiful. I always felt good and had a lot of fun at the beach.
The Park in the Mountain
Juan Castillo, El Salvador, Christa McAuliffe ESL
I remember when I was a little boy and one time we went to the park in
the mountain. To get there we had to get in a car pulled by cable. When
we were at the middle-way on the cable, I could see the city. I remember
the car would drop when it passed a post when we were going up. If we
were going so slowly when we passed a post, I could feel it drop just a
little, but we were ok. To get in the playground of the park, they would
stamp a seal on top of our hand to use all the playgrounds of the park.
When we returned home at the end of the day I was very happy. So in
conclusion, that park is the best place I went to when I was little boy.
105
The Big Dog Bit Me on My Hand
Candelaria Diaz, Mexico, Christa McAuliffe ESL
My favorite place was at the playground near my house. But one day
when I was 5 years old, I was playing with my brothers and little friends
at the slide. A big dog ran in barking and all of my friends ran away. I
was the last person to run. I was so scared because the big dog ran at
me. It bit me on my hand. I screamed, and the dog ran away. I walked
to my house, and I cried because no one had come to help me. Then my
mother came and cleaned my hand with soap. She hugged me. I felt
happy to be in my mother’s arms.
The Day I Had To Walk Home
Brenda Chavarria, Honduras, Christa McAuliffe ESL
Hello, my name is Brenda, I am from Honduras. I want to tell you about
my story.
One day when I was 7 years old, I went to my school, and when we got
out from the school there was a big storm coming. I was scared because normally the storms in my country are bad and crazy. The storms
are not like here in the US. There is crazy lightning, loud thunder, lots of
wind that knock down the power lines and a whole lot of rain. This was
a very bad storm. I was scared too because I was very far away from
my house, like 2 hours away. I had to walk to get home. When I saw the
clouds they looked a black color. I kept walking, walking and walking
and sometimes running. But the storm wrenched me anyway and blew
me backwards. When I almost got home there was a river close to my
house, and the river had overflowed. When there was no rain, I could
walk over the river, but at that time it was impossible to cross the river. I
had to look for another way to get home. I had to walk a long ways and
found a small bridge to cross it. I got soaking wet but I said to myself,
“Keep walking!”
When finally I got home, I saw my mom waiting for me. She said to me,
“Oh my God, thanks to Jesus! You are really here. I was so worried about you!”
She told me take off my wet clothes because I could get sick. She was
so worried about me. I was so happy to be home again.
106
One Day on the Beach
Isabel Armstrong, Colombia, Christa McAuliffe ESL
Every weekend my brothers, friends, and I went to the beach near my
grandmother’s house in Colombia. The place is so beautiful; the sand is
white; the water is quiet and clear.
One time when I was 11 years old, the weather changed and the water
got cloudy, and the waves ran high. All of us were playing in the water
when a big jelly fish stung my 8 year old brother all over his body. He
cried loudly, the friends helped him get out of the water; I was scared and
ran close to look my brother’s body. He had red marks on his legs, back
and the right side and arm. My friends peed on him because the oldest
people in my city tell that the urine relieved the pain and burning. But
the urine not worked for my brother, and he said, “No, no, no, it hurts, I’m
in pain!” After that we went to the hospital, and called my mom. She
came immediately, and the doctor told her about what happed to my
brother. He needed medicine to relive the symptoms. He stayed in the
emergency room for three hours. My brother felt well and went home.
One weekend later everybody forgot the event of the jelly fish and we
went back to the beach and played again.
107
My Grandmother’s House
Jessica Poni, South Sudan, Christa McAuliffe ESL
When I was five years old my special place was my grandma’s house.
She lived in a big house. After school I ran to my grandma’s house
because school was close to her house. She was my best friend. I was
close my grandma.
I had many cousins; they were all boys. I was youngest and the only
girl. When it was hot we played under the mango trees and climb them.
One day one my cousin fell from the tree and broke his hand. It was
so bad that he had to go to the hospital in Uganda, a country near my
home. It was broken in three places, and he had to stay in the hospital
for 6 months. We all got scared and didn’t climb the mango trees any
more.
But sometimes the boys used to leave me behind. I’d cry, and grandma
would come get me. We would work together in her big garden. She’d
tell me to be careful and not step on the plants. Then we would go
inside, and my grandma would cook my favorite foods, like beans and
rice. I would help her. Then she’d help me take a bath, and we’d go to
bed early. I was tired but happy.
108
A Sad Memory of a Child
Estelle AF OME MBA , Gabon, Christa McAuliffe ESL
My special place is a small village in Africa, in a deep forest, which is
named Minvoul. Minvoul is where I was born. It`s very quiet; at night we
can hear the animals’ songs. There are small houses which are built of
earth. In the night, when the moon`s shining, the village is full of light.
People are very close, and everybody knows each other. It`s like a big
family.
When I think about it, I remember my family, my grandfather, my
grandmother, my friends and my dog around the fire, telling stories.
I was a child, maybe, seven years old. I had my dog which name was
Gabon. Gabon was a German dog. It was big, strong, black and brown.
It was a very beautiful and nice dog. I loved it so much.
One day, we were with my dog running along the street of the village
and we met another dog which was sick. Gabon fought against this dog
and became sick too. One week later, my dog died. I was very sad and
crying. It was my best friend.
My grandfather got me another dog, and I gave it the same name,
Gabon, in memory to my beloved dog.
109
chapter
7
“I am thankful!”
-Korsha Bradley
110
All About Me
Korsha Bradley, St. Paul Adult Learning Center
At lunchtime, a sista ain’t trippn because she knows that she won’t leave
St. Paul hungry but with a full stomach b4 the next meal she eats. The
red shirt and the blue jeans, you know, dumb! A sista have to stay fresh
out hea in these streets. I stay with the beat jammin to my music with
the mp3, all day every day. That’s how I do me. Mom is special to me,
supports all that I need. I know her blessing is going to overflow. Along
with that, I am proud of myself and how God blessed me to succeed. I
am thankful!
Grateful
Caleb J. Samuel, ACE Program
I am grateful for this program. Before it, I had little opportunity for
work because of my lack of education in this field. The teachers and
staff have worked with me on everything from the subjects I did not
understand to the easiest of tasks. This class will help grow my skills to
allow opportunities of employment to come my way. I will never be able
to repay them for all their hard work with myself and the other students.
I would encourage others who were not given many opportunities in
life to look into the ACE Program.
Like the saying goes, “When life gives you lemons, make lemonade.” But
for this one, when life gives you free education, take it.
111
5 Things I’m Grateful For
Laura Johnson, YouthBuild Capital City
There are five things that I am grateful for:
1. First, I am grateful for life; everyday that I wake up is a blessing, so I’m
really grateful for life.
2. Secondly, I am thankful for Jesus, simply because He washed away all
sin by dying on the cross for us.
3. The third thing I’m grateful for is my family. We all need a backbone, a
support system, and someone to love and care for us.
4. The fourth thing I’m thankful for are my teachers. They are making my
life better and teaching me things I need to know for my future.
5. Last, but not least, I’m thankful for God, for giving me sense and making me such a beautiful and talented lady.
112
Christian/Pentecostal
Tierra Richardson, ACE Program
As a Christian
I don’t know everything.
But I choose to accept
Jesus as my King.
Religion can take multiple paths.
But the one I follow
Is where Jesus is my Savior.
And there’s nothing He doesn’t know.
He will never leave me.
He will never forsake me.
He will always be my Rock and Shield.
And there’s nothing Satan can take away from me.
You may not believe
In what the eye cannot see.
But I have faith in my God.
I know that He died,
Was crucified
All to set me free.
But as you know,
I’m not alone
Because angels came and rolled the stone.
Risen from the dead,
All sin ended,
He said goodbye,
And then ascended.
But the Lord left me
A part of Him,
The Holy Spirit!
113
Whatever happens, happens!
Katelyan, YouthBuild Capital City
Sometimes we need to…
STOP
analyzing the past.
STOP
planning the future.
STOP
trying to figure out precisely how we feel.
STOP
deciding what we want our heart to feel.
Sometimes we just have to go with…
Whatever happens, happens!
114
Life Iz Never Easy
David Gordon, Jr., ACE Program
Life iz never easy.
A constant struggle as it leads on,
But faith n ur beliefs,
I believe you’ll never be alone.
Take a knee and pray.
Watch how many thangs r bound to happen.
Thank Him for ur blessings.
And u might jus catch Him smiling at u.
With only two fish it’s said this man has fed an army.
The same man who shed blood cuz He got love for me.
That’s why y I feel I’m fortunate to always know who my Lord iz.
Gots to give it up.
If it wasn’t for U I wouldn’t have a fear.
But one thing I can truly say He would never turn away.
If u ever need an ear,
All u gotta do is pray…
It’s Called Life
Katelyan, YouthBuild Capital City
It’s all about taking chances.
About doing something that everyone said you couldn’t do.
It’s about being goofy.
It’s about not caring what other people think.
It’s about learning to love what you have.
It’s LIFE.
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Baton Rouge Area Adult Education and Literacy Service Providers
Detailed provider information can be found in the Provider Directory
at www.gbrliteracy.org. Providers can be searched on a Google map,
alphabetically, by services provided and by zip code. You may also call any
provider directly, or call 225-381-7141 to find general information about
the programs below.
Basic Adult Literacy Programs, GED Classes and Workforce Education
ACE Program
(GED class with career training provided by Baton Rouge Community College)*
BRCC Frazier Campus, 555 Julia Street 70802
216-8450
Adult Literacy Advocates*
1427 Main Street, 70802
383-1090
Capital Area Technical College
JAG Program (ages 16-21) & Evening Adult Education Class
Capital Area Technical College Campus, 70805
359-9465
Christ’s Way Academy*
5536 Superior Dr, Suite C, 70816
921-3581
Iberville Parish Consortium
Sites in Iberville, Pointe Coupee, West Baton Rouge, West Feliciana, and St.
Martin Parishes
(225) 687-5400 Ext. 2135 Office
JAG Program (ages 16-21)
Capital Area Technical College Campus, 70805
359-9465
Resurrection Life Family Ministries*
722 N. Carrollton Avenue, 70806
925-8233
St. Paul Adult Learning Center*
3920 Gus Young Avenue, 70802
344-8590
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English as a Second Language Programs
Adult Literacy Advocates*
460 N. 11th Street, 70802
383-1090
Broadmoor United Methodist Church
10230 Mollylea Drive, 70815
275-8178
Christa McAuliffe Learning Center
12000 Goodwood Blvd., 70815
226-7631
East Baton Rouge Parish Adult & Continuing Education Sites
Baker Learning Center
Miracle Place Church Complex
2034 Main Street, Baker, LA 70714
775-8159
Christa McAuliffe Learning Center
12000 Goodwood Blvd., 70815
226-7631
Family Road Learning Center
323 East Airport Drive, 70806
201-8888
Family Values Resource Institute
at North Baton Rouge Women’s Help Center
7515 Scenic Highway, 70807
356-1101
LSU Learning Center
Facility Service Building, 70802
578-8419
McKinley Learning Center
1374 Thomas Delpit Drive, 70802
383-7661
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Parkview Baptist Learning Center
6011 Parkview Church Road, 70816
296-0487
Rosenwald Center
2611 Dayton Street, 70805
355-8678
YouthBuild
1374 Thomas Delpit Drive, 70802
379-3807
Computer Classes – All Levels
East Baton Rouge Parish Libraries
7711 Goodwood Blvd., and other branches
231-3750
*Community-based organization supported by GBRLC
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GBRLC promotes life-long learning, work-readiness
and career advancement by creating a continuum of
services delivered in collaboration with our affiliate
providers and other strategic partners. Together, we
offer adult students pathways to success, built on a
foundation of literacy.
2013 Membership Levels
(please check)
page
119
2013 GBRLC Membership Application
If you are interested in volunteering, which
categories are you interested in?
Tutoring/Teaching
Planning/Events/Social Media
Recruiting Volunteers
Speaker’s Bureau
Office/Clerical
Research/Advocacy
Other areas of expertise you are interested in
donating (please specify) ___________________
_________________________________
January 1 - December 31
Please check below categories about
which you would like further information:
Information on Workforce Education Programs
Information on GBRLC for staff orientation
Information on literacy programs for your staff
Referrals for customers
Participating in GBRLC Network meetings
Volunteering opportunities for employees with our Adult
Literacy Programs
In-kind donation of professional services
In-kind donation of goods
Providing match funding for other donations
Sponsoring Literacy Week
Serving on GBRLC’s fundraising committee
Memorial donations
Other _________________________________
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LEARN MORE!
Learn more at www.gbrliteracy.org, where you can:
Read our student anthologies online
Watch our public service announcements and videos
Be moved by students Buster and Gearldine as they tell their
inspiring stories
Search service providers by location, type and zip code
Review our 2013-2015 Strategic Plan
Find volunteer opportunities or become a Member!
Like us on Facebook!
www.facebook.com/GBRLiteracy
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The Greater Baton Rouge Literacy Coalition
564 Laurel Street
Baton Rouge, LA 70801
(225) 381-7129
www.gbrliteracy.org