In 2002, Ethel was wanting to learn to read. She wanted to read books to her grandchildren, find a new job, write her own checks and play video games with her grandchildren. That was the first set of goals that John helped Ethel to accomplish, but John saw something more in Ethel than what she thought was there.
The tutor and learner did many activities together around her reading. They read newspapers, magazines and websites on-line. They made a special trip to the bookstore to buy books to read together. They went to the coffee shop so that Ethel could write a story (it was about a vacation, something that she always wanted to do). The two of them also spent a good number of nights working on the computer and Ethel was able to practice her spelling and reading with fun games. They continuously made flashcards for Ethel to practice words as homework. Most of these words are now easy for Ethel to read. Early in the three years, Ethel read The Lovely Bones and a book by Maya Angelou with the Project Read book club. One evening, John and Ethel spoke about their Project Read experiences to a new group of volunteers. Ethel was so proud to be able to tell the group that she could now read a book and write her own checks. John was also very proud of Ethel for her courage and strength in front of the group.
Ethel and John both like food. One weekend, they went to dim sum and read the menu together, while eating some good food. Another time, the two of them went to the store and Ethel shopped for ingredients while John observed. Ethel did a good job of collecting the items by reading the grocery list. After the trip to the store, they cooked a meal together; Ethel read all the recipes and measurements. One year John and Ethel had some extra time in their busy schedules to attend the annual Project Read Potluck Party. Ethel made some barbecued ribs that were immediately eaten by the guests.
John and Ethel made trips to museums two times. One time was to the Asian Art Museum. They read about jade and saw different costumes. Some of the costumes were big robes. They also saw a budda as well as hand carvings. The signs on the museum walls explained the artwork. Another time, Ethel and John visited the MOMA to preview the art of Romare Bearden. It was a party, so there was music, food and drink. Many people were in the museum to see the work before it was open to the public. Ethel thought the art was very interesting; some pieces she liked a lot, but others were difficult to understand. John felt the same way. He liked some of the larger pieces, and also had Ethel read the signs that described the artwork.
All of the goals that Ethel had made for herself have been accomplished. Through studying, practicing and the help of John, Ethel has a strong foundation to continue her learning. Ethel would like to continue to read, spell and gain confidence. But most of all, Ethel will miss John because he gave her a lot of confidence and let her know “you are never too old to learn.” With the patience that John had and ability to continue to push Ethel to learn, John knew that she had a lot more potential in her. It is sad to part ways, although John will hope to keep in touch with Ethel over e-mail. John encourages her to continue with her education.
In the next year, John will keep in touch with Ethel by sending letters over the computer. John will share his stories about living in Tokyo, and hopefully they will be fun to read. Ethel will reply each time by telling him something new about what she has learned. They will continue their friendship even though they are such a distance apart. When John returns to the Bay Area, they may have time again to start reading together. It will be a great time if Ethel and John can reunite.
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