Roberta Sparrow's older children did poorly in school. Her younger children, however, are successful in school. Why the difference? Roberta improved her literacy skills and helps her younger children read. She can help them with their homework and is confident in speaking with their teachers about their progress.

When Roberta came to Literacy Volunteers of Greater Syracuse in 1996 she could read at about a third grade level. She had spent her childhood years in various foster homes, and the constant moving and change of schools never allowed her to concentrate on schoolwork or to catch up. She eventually dropped out of school, and returned to several adult education programs but each time dropped out in frustration. After four years with her LVA tutor, she scored above the level assessed by the READ.

Roberta is still concerned that her older children have given up on school and, for now, do not wish to enter an adult education program. "I can see all those difficulties in the older ones compared to the younger ones," she said. But she is pleased that her younger children are doing well in school and read often on their own. "When they see you can help them," she said, they know the schoolwork is important. Roberta is also a grandmother and she especially enjoys reading to her grandchildren - the third generation impacted by her reading skills.

Roberta is working on obtaining her GED. She knows she will accomplish this goal, just as she accomplished the goal of getting her driver's license.

She also has a newfound confidence and often speaks to organizations about her experience with Literacy Volunteers. "I was shy and quiet, now you can't get me to shut up," she said. She was a member of a discussion panel that appeared on local TV to discuss literacy issues and shared with the audience her ideas about how to help others, like herself, learn to read and write.

She encourages others to seek help, stating "It made a big change in my life. I'm not scared of things."

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