Growing up in New York, I really had problems in school with my reading and writing. It was very hard for me because I couldn’t read and write as well as the other kids. And I was too embarrassed to raise my hand and ask for help. So I chose to clown around, get in trouble in class so I could go sit in the principal’s office. Or get expelled, one of the two. But I always wanted to be able to sit down and read as well as everyone else. I always wanted to challenge my fear to ask for help so I could get better in reading and writing. But then again, I didn’t like being embarrassed and my pride wouldn’t allow me to ask for help.
     But today, I do just that. I ask for help when I need help. I don’t feel embarrassed because I know I’m doing this for Jose. Today I also have a tutor that helps me very much. I have all the people in Project Read to help me when I need it. And I also have the computers that I enjoy using and I am learning as I go. My goals are to get my GED and to become a counselor and work with adolescents and adults.