Steve and DéMarcus
We began in October, 2006. Since then, he has read half a dozen books, written an article for the Project Read newsletter, improved his spelling and handwriting, and composed original poetry.
The most exciting activity so far has been preparing for the driver’s license test. DéMarcus had been unsuccessful in earlier attempts to pass the test, but he refused to give up. For two months, he read the manual repeatedly and took practice test after test.
At DMV, when DéMarcus finished the exam, he watched the scorer check his answers. One is allowed to miss six questions. As the examiner marked the third “X”, DéMarcus looked worried. However, when he saw that he had missed only four all together and realized that he had passed, he shrieked with relief—and joy.
On that day, and at the end of every tutoring session, DéMarcus is sure to express his gratitude. I am glad he does so; however, the best “thank you” is always the look of pride on DéMarcus’ face—when he passes the driver’s test, sees his article in the newsletter, hears his poem read aloud, or reads the last page of a book.
DéMarcus has a ways to go in order to meet his long-term goal of earning a college degree. His perseverance will stand him in good stead in this regard. Meanwhile, though, he is finding satisfaction along the way, feeling a sense of accomplishment with each step. In that way, he is teaching me to do the same, and for that, I too am grateful.
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