Donald Lampo said he drove around in the parking lot of LVA Brazos Valley, TX for 35 minutes before finally going inside. He had hidden his lack of literacy skills all his life, but at 50 years old with a college degree and a successful business, he decided it was time to learn how.

A lifelong member of his community, Donald didn't let his low reading ability prevent him from becoming actively involved in many local organizations and local government. He ran for constable in November 2000 and won.

In school, Donald covered up the fact that he had fallen behind in reading. "I kept the school unaware," he said, even though his school offered resources to help him improve his literacy skills. "I hid it because my pride wouldn't let me go."

When a high school coach told Donald he wasn't good enough for college, he wondered if it was a challenge or the truth. Donald attended a junior college where, he said, his reading level made it difficult for him to get his grades up. He performed well enough to gain admittance to Texas A&M; University and found it much easier there to hide his lack of reading ability. "A 70 was passing and good enough. The goal was to succeed and get out," he said.

After graduating with a degree in dairy science, Donald worked for Baskin Robbins for 14 years until he decided to start his own business in 1970. He ran a steam cleaning business for 18 years and in the last few years started a portable toilet rental business. When he started his own business, "Then I could really hide it," he said.

Until Donald sought help, only his wife knew he could not read because she did most of the paperwork for his business. Because Donald wouldn't read to his children, they suspected a problem. When he told them they were shocked, but happy he would be getting help. He only told his parents a few months ago, and some members of his family still don't know. Most members of the community where he serves as constable don't know he is an adult literacy student, but Donald is confident it won't be an issue.

Since coming to LVA Brazos Valley two years ago, his reading and writing abiltiies have improved tremendously. He is the student representative on the board of directors and is a training assistant for the basic literacy tutor training workshops. His affiliate nominated him for the 2000 Ruth J. Colvin Student Leader of the Year Award, and described him as a natural leader who seizes every opportunity to better himself and help those around him. As he looked for ways to improve himself and his community, he realized that reading was vital.

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