Shellie Walters

Shellie Walters says it was her ability to “work the system” that made it possible for her to graduate high school with a B average even though she could barely read or write.

“I took teachers who lectured, and I could remember what they said. Most of the tests were multiple choice. I could pick out enough words to figure out what the right answer was. I also took a lot of vocational classes,” Walters says.

Walters started working for her current employer 17 years ago, before technology and e-mail made writing skills a requirement even for entry-level jobs. Over time, her job responsibilities increased and the skills she needed to keep her job changed. “When the e-mail started coming in fast and furious, I knew I couldn’t keep doing what I was doing without help,” she says.

When Walters enrolled at Literacy Source in Seattle, Washington, she knew her writing skills needed work, but she was surprised to find her reading level was lower than she had thought. Although her habit of picking out words and relying on context helped her get through school, she didn’t realize how much information she missed when she read. She also couldn’t read words given to her in a list, out of context.

As Walters’ confidence in her reading and writing abilities increased, so did her confidence in herself. She took on a leadership role with Literacy Source’s women’s group and later became a founding member of the Seattle Consortium Speakers’ Bureau. She has been a presenter at several state and national conferences. In October 2006 she was appointed to ProLiteracy Worldwide’s Student Advisory Council.

“I think my self-confidence has changed. Would I have stepped into those roles before getting help? No. It’s brought out some personal characteristics that I didn’t know I had,” she says.

“The hardest step is taking the first step though the door (of the program). The rest is easy,” Walters says.