Frank Favilla says he lived in a world of darkness before he learned to read. It was at the age of 65 that he began to see the light.

Born and raised in Brooklyn, NY, Frank was passed through the New York City school system without having a full grasp on literacy. He remembers a specific third grade teacher, and says, "She knew we couldn't read, but she made us stand up and read anyway." Instead of being repeatedly embarrassed, Frank told his teacher he didn't want to learn anything. In return, she told him to sit in the back of the classroom and not to bother anyone. As long as Frank behaved himself, he passed. He explained that, at that time, it was more important in society to be earning money so, at the age of 16, Frank obtained his working papers and left school, having never completed his education.

Frank worked in different places throughout Brooklyn. Against all odds, he eventually began his own business. Frank, who had always wanted to learn to read, spent his life in a business that revolved around letters. He created signs for various companies in New York City, including some of the signs for Yankee Stadium. Frank succeeded in this business because the letters he had to assemble were numbered on the back, making it easy to create the words. He spent years making signs and working with letters, never knowing what they said.

The desire Frank held inside to learn how to read never died. People would ask him, "Why do you even bother? You've gotten this far without knowing how to read." Frank says that he gets strength from reading. He says, "You learn so much when you read. If you want to be an airline pilot one day, you can. All you have to do is pick up a book and you can go anywhere or do anything."

When Frank decided to learn to read, he initially was traveling 30-35 miles from Long Island into Manhattan to meet with a tutor. He was becoming tired and a bit discouraged having to travel so far after a long day of work. Then his wife learned through a friend about LVA of Suffolk County, NY. For the past two-and-a-half years, Frank has met with his tutor, Harold Lichtenstein, at a nearby neighborhood library. Frank is making progress and proudly reports that he finally has his own library card.

Frank believes he has more confidence in himself since learning how to read. He says, "It is so powerful to know how to use words and write letters." Frank is taking full advantage of his new skills. With the support and inspiration of his tutor, he has written the first chapter of his autobiography. His hard work and dedication have not gone unnoticed. Last year Frank was named Suffolk County Student of the Year.

Frank says he knows what it feels like to live in the dark. He says to his fellow students, "Please don't quit. When you fall down, get up; it will make you a stronger person. Be grateful that you have a great organization like Literacy Volunteers of America to help you. You don't have to walk in the darkness anymore. Keep your eyes on the torch."

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