NEW YEAR'S RESOLUTIONS
"The illiterate of the 21st century will not be those who cannot read and write, but those who cannot learn, unlearn and relearn." –Alvin Toffler
On most of the Top Ten New Year's Resolutions, there are two that usually appear on every list: Learn Something New and Read More.
Learn Something New: Sometimes, New Year's resolutions are about losing things such as weight or debt. Twenty-five % percent of the population say they're about gaining something, like a new skill or hobby. Our students have resolved to stick with their educational goals and learn something new (actually, many things new) this school year, overcoming huge barriers to do so.
Read More (and write more): The library gets pretty busy after the first of the year. Folks have vowed to pick up more books this year (17 percent of the population, that is). Our students have resolved to learn, unlearn, and relearn to make a better life for themselves and their families. We encourage them to read more but also write more.
So our resolution this year is to help our students acquire the skills and knowledge to become active and informed parents, workers, and community members. This includes health advocacy, civic engagement, and family literacy, to name a few. We will be better communicators by providing topical online workshops, understandable current COVID information, improved community partners connections, and better contact methods with our students.
Literacyworks believes in lifelong learning as a path towards opportunity and fulfillment. As individuals increase their literacy and basic skills, they can secure better jobs, manage their personal lives, advocate for themselves, enhance their parenting skills, and contribute more to their community. In short, they improve the quality of their lives and communities.
LITERACYWORKS CENTER
We have many wonderful funders/supporters/advisors who have helped our Literacyworks Center students succeed over the years. Thank you because Literacyworks could not have accomplished what we have without you. We wish to highlight one, the Federated Indians of Graton Rancheria, for their continued support from the Center's very beginning. The Tribe knows the power of education to change an individual's life for the better. We have Tribal members enrolled in the Center who are succeeding with their education goals at SRJC. Here is one.
STUDENT SPOTLIGHT
Hi. I am a mother to five wonderful children. My name is Teela and I joined the Literacyworks program over five years ago, originally to obtain my GED. Along the way I had hit a few life speedbumps which I had overcome. On my journey to succeeding, I learned that hard work and dedication is key. I took my final GED test May of 2019 and passed. That is a feeling I will never forget. It gave me motivation to jump right in and sign up for Nursing school with my ultimate goal of becoming a RN someday. That summer I received my CNA certificate and began working while attending classes. Then the Pandemic happened and Nursing programs were placed on hold. I switched my major to Pharmacy Technician which I enjoy very much. I am going for an Associate’s Degree in Pharmacy. I am a couple of semesters away from reaching my Degree. I am extremely grateful to the Literacyworks Program and everyone who works there. Because of them I decided to stick with the program. They have helped me throughout my education journey. I would like to formally thank the Donors who have made this program possible. I would also like to say to all mothers in the program that no matter what obstacles you encounter, remember your reason for furthering your education. My motivation is my children.
